'He brings so much' – Bradley confirms DeChambeau's place at Ryder Cup

Bryson DeChambeau will represent the United States at this year's Ryder Cup regardless of whether he secures an automatic qualifying spot for the event.

Those were the words of US team captain Keegan Bradley, who confirmed he would use one of his six picks on DeChambeau should he fall out of the top six spots in the Ryder Cup standings.

DeChambeau recovered from an opening-round 78 to post a top-10 finish at The Open last weekend, a tournament won by world number one Scottie Scheffler.

Scheffler had already had his automatic qualification spot confirmed before his four-shot triumph at Royal Portrush.

Back-to-back top eight finishes ensured two-time major winner Xander Schauffele stayed second in the standings ahead of US Open victor J.J. Spaun.

Russell Henley and DeChambeau's positions remain unchanged at fourth and fifth, but Harris English has jumped up four places and into sixth after his display at The Open.

Ahead of the final major of the year, Bradley left personalised messages to his American players, something DeChambeau said he was grateful to receive.

"I talked with him briefly, and then he put something in our lockers that was pretty inspirational," DeChambeau said after his final round. "It's a personal message. It meant a lot."

On what he can bring to Team USA, DeChambeau added: "I hope I can bring a lot of energy and a tsunami of a crowd that's going to be rooting for Team USA."

DeChambeau could still drop out of the top six and was not part of the Team USA lineup in Rome two years ago, with Justin Thomas also putting in a late push for the top six.

But Bradley has indicated that the 31-year-old will feature even if he does not make the cut.

"Bryson is going to be a very important piece to us winning the Ryder Cup," Bradley told Sports Illustrated.

"He brings so much. He brings energy, passion, but most importantly, he's one of the best players on the planet."