Jose Maria Olazabal admits he was surprised that Hunter Mahan was not selected for the US Ryder Cup team.
Mahan: Unlucky not to be picked
Europe's captain acknowledged that there was plenty of talent amongst Love's four wildcard picks, but added that he had expected Mahan to make the team.
Love opted for a "hot putter" in Brandt Snedeker, banking on his short stick to come good when the chips are down, along with the in-form Dustin Johnson and experienced veterans Steve Stricker and Jim Furyk.
"They are very solid picks," Olazabal said. "All the American players from nine to 14 on the qualifying list were all very solid and Davis could have picked any four.
"The only question mark as I see it was Snedeker picked ahead of Mahan but then Davis has gone for form.
"Snedeker has pretty much been playing well from the start of the summer and all the way to the FedEx Series.
"However, Mahan has not been playing all that well, so Davis went for form and in that regard he has my respect."
Mahan wasn't the only talented American to miss out - Nick Watney and Rickie Fowler also won't be traveling to Chicago at the end of September.
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