Ryder Cup: Outsiders Worth European Wildcard Consideration

AALBORG, DENMARK - AUGUST 28: Thomas Pieters of Belgium poses with the trophy following his victory during the final round of Made in Denmark at Himmerland Golf
AALBORG, DENMARK - AUGUST 28: Thomas Pieters of Belgium poses with the trophy following his victory during the final round of Made in Denmark at Himmerland Golf /
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Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Pieters

It seems ridiculous to be talking about Thomas Pieters as an outsider at this point, as there really seems to be nothing more he could have done to earn a spot on Darren Clarke’s team.

The Belgian’s last three finishes have seen him finish fourth at the Olympics and second at the Czech Masters, before he finally got over the line to grab his second tour win at the Made in Denmark on Sunday.

Pieters has shown how much he wants to be a part of the team having played, and played well, for three straight weeks in the run-up to the wildcard selection.

Pieters is now up to 41st in the World Rankings and sits 13th in the Race To Dubai. He also ranks top-15 on the European Tour for the season in stroke average, driving distance and scrambling. Pieters may well be another rookie on a team packed full of rookies, but he has earned his shot.

Next: Luke Donald