Ryder Cup 2018: The case for and against the captains' picks

The Ryder Cup is less than a month away, and while we have a good idea of who will be representing the teams from the United States and Europe, the captains' picks always bring a certain level of intrigue.

Particularly for the U.S., which see two of its biggest names needing some love from captain Jim Furyk, who will make three of his four selections Tuesday. It's a little  more detailed for Europe, but some of golf's biggest international names could also be watching the action in Paris at the end of the month instead of being part of the fun.

Here's a look at some of the more serious contenders to be a captain's pick for both teams:

Tiger Woods, United States
For: As a vice-captain, Woods will be in Paris regardless, but there's a very good chance Furyk will allow his comeback season to continue. Thanks to his play at the Open Championship and the PGA Championship, Tiger has shown he can still be a threat when the rounds count the most.
Against: He hasn't played in the event since 2012, and back then he finished 1-2-1. Should that layoff in terms of time matter to Furyk? Perhaps, but Woods is eager to get back to the Ryder Cup and prove he's capable of more success in 2018.

Phil Mickelson, United States
For: History and tradition are on Mickelson's side as he's played in every Ryder Cup since 1995. Lefty's biggest asset to the team will be that experience, plus the leadership he could provide to the young group of American stars.
Against: The fact that Mickelson didn't qualify on points is a concern. He also missed the cut at the PGA Championship, so in terms of consistency, maybe he's not totally ready this time around — or confident — for the intensity associated with the event.

Bryson DeChambeau, United States
For: DeChambeau missed by one spot from qualifying automatically, so coming close to playing his way in could make the 24-year-old an easy pick for Furyk. Winning the recent Northern Trust also didn't hurt his chances.
Against: The U.S. team is full of youth already, so would that lead Furyk to go with more experience like Woods, Mickelson and maybe even Matt Kuchar or Zach Johnson? Also, DeChambeau's best finish at a major this season was a tie for 25th at the U.S. Open.

Tony Finau, United States
For: It's been a remarkable season for Finau, who finished in the top 10 at three majors and has three other seconds, including the Northern Trust last month. Furyk could go this route for potential if nothing else.
Against: Finau hasn't won on Tour this year, so it could be a matter of his ability to close. Again, another potential first-timer, however, he did play in two Junior Ryder Cups for the U.S.

Matt Kuchar, United States
For: Kuchar has been on each of the last four Ryder Cup teams so his experience will play a part in Furyk's decision making, A tie for ninth at the Open Championship could help as well.
Against: From a pure talent standpoint, there are better options. Kuchar also has not played well enough of late to instill confidence in Furyk.

Ian Poulter, Europe
For:  Poulter has been an European staple in the last four Ryder Cups, so captain Thomas Bjorn should value that experience. He's also 4-0-1 in singles at the event, which should raise his stock even higher.
Against: It hasn't been a great season for Poulter, whose best finish at a major was a tie for 25th at the U.S. Open. He won the Houston Open in April but has not done much since.

Henrik Stenson, Europe
For: He's played on two straight Ryder Cup teams and, like Poulter, would provide a solid veteran presence. The European's will also have their share of first-timers, so Stenson's experience could help.
Against: Stenson has been bothered by an elbow injury that forced him to bypass the Northern Trust, but he got off to a good start at the Dell over the weekend.

Paul Casey, Europe
For: Casey seems like a safe choice to make Bjorn's team, which would be the first time since 2008 that he'll be at the Ryder Cup. It's also really a matter of what else is left out there to choose from.
Against: Casey struggled in the last two majors of the season, tying for 51st at the Open Championship and missing the cut at the PGA Championship.

Sergio Garcia, Europe
For: Experience is about the only thing Garcia has in his favor. He's been part of eight Ryder Cup teams and five winners. If Bjorn is looking for a mentor, Garcia could be the guy.
Against: Garcia has not been good this season and may end up being a liability to the team. He missed the cut in all four majors for the first time in his career.

Rafa Cabrera Bello, Europe
For: Cabrera Bello shows a tremendous amount of promise, especially at the PGA Championship where he tied for 10th. He probably deserves to make the team before Garcia.
Against: He doesn't have the brand name recognition like Garcia, Casey, Stenson or Poulter. It could come down to a case of politics, which would likely go against Cabrera Bello.