Andrew Novak. Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

Andrew Novak has officially entered the Ryder Cup conversation

By Jack Dougherty | Last updated Apr 28, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The 2025 Ryder Cup isn't until September, but it's never too early to start thinking about what the U.S. team might look like at Bethpage Black. Aside from the American locks such as Scottie Scheffler and Collin Morikawa, Andrew Novak has firmly established himself as a name to watch.

Novak teamed up with Ben Griffin this past weekend to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, the first victory of his PGA Tour career. The win continued an impressive run of form for the 30-year-old.

Novak finished T3 at the Valero Texas Open despite shooting a 4-over 76 in the final round. He played even better at the RBC Heritage, a signature event, a few weeks later. The American played himself into a playoff against Justin Thomas at Harbour Town Golf Links but lost on the first hole. Still, a solo second in the loaded field was the best finish of his professional career. At least, it was until he won the Zurich Classic with Griffin a week later.

Andrew Novak kept knocking on the door. pic.twitter.com/zyZkERGOrK
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) April 28, 2025

Novak has now finished T3, solo second and first in his last three starts, making him one of the hottest golfers on the planet. He ranks 22nd on the PGA Tour this season in total strokes gained, 13th in scrambling and second in putts per round. More importantly, he's vaulted up to ninth place in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings.

That's a big deal because the top six players in the rankings after August 17 automatically make the team. If Novak keeps playing like this, he won't even need to impress Keegan Bradley enough to justify a captain's pick. Even if he doesn't snag an automatic bid, Novak is on pace to be a serious contender to make the team.

As it stands right now, Maverick McNealy, Brian Harman, Novak, J.J. Spaun, Patrick Cantlay and Tom Hoge make up spots 7-12 in the Ryder Cup standings. That illustrates how top-heavy the American squad is this year. Scheffler, Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, Russell Henley and Cantlay seem to be the only locks for Bethpage. After those seven, it gets murky.

Big names such as Jordan Spieth, Tony Finau, Max Homa and Wyndham Clark aren't playing well enough to warrant a captain's pick. The bottom of the U.S. roster will likely be made up of first-timers, and Novak is in the driver's seat right now.

Jack Dougherty

Jack Dougherty has been writing professionally since 2015, contributing to publications such as GoPSUSports. com, Centre Daily Times, Associated Press, and Sportscasting. com

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