Steve Stricker took a surprising tack on Wednesday with some of the captain’s picks he announced to join the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Of Stricker’s six picks, four will be rookies in the Ryder Cup.

The most surprising omission from the team was Patrick Reed, who’s played in the past three Ryder Cups and compiled a 7-3-2 record, including 3-0 in singles play. Reed’s play in Ryder Cups has earned him the nickname “Captain America.’’

Stricker chose Daniel Berger, Harris English, Xander Schauffele, Tony Finau, Scottie Scheffler and Jordan Spieth. They join the six players who qualified on points — Collin Morikawa, Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay and Brooks Koepka.

“Patrick Reed … that was very, very difficult call,’’ Stricker said. “(I) kind of lost sleep over that one. He’s tremendous competitor. His record at the Ryder Cup is pretty darn good. It was a very difficult call.’’

Stricker said one key element of his analysis was how U.S. rookies have fared historically in Ryder Cup play, compiling a 40-29-17 record.

Six of the 12 U.S. players are rookies. Among the automatic spots earned, this will be the first Ryder Cup for Morikawa and Cantlay. They’ll be joined by the first timers from the captain’s picks — Berger, English, Schauffele and Scheffler.

The Ryder Cup, which has been won by the Europeans in nine of the past 12 meetings, will be played Sept. 24-26 at Whistling Straits. Europe won the last Ryder Cup – 2018 in France.

The last time the U.S. side has this many rookies on the team was in 2008, when it won at Valhalla in Louisville.

“What these young guys bring is they bring an excitement level that’s unmatched,’’ Stricker said. “They’re eager, they’re willing to learn. They come here with eyes wide open and a ‘put-me-in-coach’ kind of attitude.’’

Reed was recently hospitalized in Houston with double pneumonia. He played in last week’s Tour Championship but didn’t contend.

“It was the uncertainty of his health and the lack of play that led to our decision down the stretch,’’ Stricker said. 

There are questions about Koepka, who withdrew from the Tour Championship last week with a wrist injury. Stricker said he’s not thinking that far ahead if Koepka is unable to play.

“We talked about if we have to replace Brooks, but we’re not there yet,’’ Stricker said. “We’re focused on these 12 guys and moving forward with these 12 guys. We’ll deal with that situation if it were to happen. We have some options out there if it gets to that.’’

Stricker is having every player and caddy to Whistling Straits this weekend for a series of practice sessions to get used to the golf course, which several team members haven’t yet played.

“My message from Day One has been to out-prepare the European team,’’ Stricker said. “All the guys are coming. I’m excited to see them all.’’