American Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III believes Rickie Fowler is an “obvious” choice to be one of his captain’s picks for the event.

Fowler appeared to be on course to secure one of the eight automatic berths for the prestigious team event, as he led going into the final round of last week’s Barclays tournament.

A poor final day meant the 27-year-old could only finish in a tie for seventh place which allowed Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson to secure the final automatic places for the trip to Hazeltine National Golf Club.

The California native must now rely on being selected as one of Love’s four captain’s picks but the American skipper has reassured Fowler that he will be an obvious choice if he continues with his current form.

“Ricky is trending up, he is starting to make a whole lot of putts,” Love told Sky Sports.

“Unfortunately, all his bogeys seemed to come in the last nine holes, but he had a great week as well and is hitting the ball very well. “He is excited about his chances in the play-offs and, if he keeps up this kind of play, he is going to be an obvious pick.”

Love admits that he is pleased with the way his team is shaping up as he bids to help the US end a run of three straight Ryder Cup defeats.

He added: “We are really excited about our chances.” The 52-year-old will announce three of his captain’s picks after the conclusion of the BMW Championship on September 11 and will confirm his final selection at the Tour Championship two weeks later.

The Ryder Cup starts on September 30 and the US are available at 1.60 to win.