With the Ryder cup just over a month away, Darren Clarke announced his captain’s picks for the European Ryder Cup team at Wentworth on Tuesday morning.
The European Ryder Cup team was finalized on Tuesday morning at Wentworth as Darren Clarke announced the three players he would be selecting with his captain’s picks.
Emphasizing the importance of adding veteran experience to a team already packed with rookies, Clarke chose to pick Ryder Cup veterans and former world no.1’s Martin Kaymer and Lee Westwood to add a little bit of know-how to the roster.
What always seemed as if it would be the toughest decision for Clarke, something that he acknowledged in the press conference, was choosing which talented youngster would earn the final call. After a win in Denmark last week, Belgium’s Thomas Pieters did enough to persuade Clarke to choose him over Scotland’s Russell Knox.
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Clarke spoke about the difficulty he had in making the decision, but ultimately pointed to Pieters’ play in recent weeks as the deciding factor.
The European captain played with Pieters in the first two rounds of the Made In Denmark last week, getting a front row seat as the 24-year-old shot a 62 on Thursday. Describing that as one of the most impressive rounds he’d ever seen, Clarke’s final decision was clearly influenced by Pieters’ audition of sorts in Denmark.
"“Last week I played with Thomas Pieters and Thomas knew why I was playing with him and played unbelievable and shot 62 and, on top of that, won the tournament.”"
Speaking via video link about what he would bring to the team, Thomas Pieters’ reply was simple. “Points”. The confident youngster continued:
"“It’s pretty cool to be honest. I just can’t wait to get on that plane and be with the team the whole week.”"
Martin Kaymer also made a special mention of the young Belgian. Having played with Pieters in the final round at the Made In Denmark, Kaymer praised Pieters’ mental makeup and ability to stay cool under pressure.
The German, two-time major champion spoke of setting two goals for himself at the start of the year and having already played in the Olympics, Clarke’s wildcard selection saw him achieve both of those targets.
Clarke mentioned that Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell were among the other men with Ryder Cup experience who were in his thoughts, but with Kaymer’s recent form far superior to that duo his decision was made for him.
"“Martin Kaymer is somewhat of a Ryder Cup stalwart and a man I have enormous trust in.”"
Last, but certainly not least, Lee Westwood, who is set to make his 10th Ryder Cup appearance moving just one behind Nick Faldo’s record of 11 European appearances, spoke via video too.
Westwood acknowledged his joy in making the team, but added that as a close friend of Clarke’s he really wanted to work his way into the team automatically rather than rely on a wildcard selection.
Clarke was quick to point out that although the pair are very close friends that ultimately played no part in his decision.
"“In Lee Westwood I have one of most experienced Ryder Cuppers of all time – it’s his 10th appearance.”"
With the European team now finalized the countdown is now on until Davis Love’s announcement of his four captain’s picks. Love will pick three of his four players on September 13, before adding one more after the conclusion of the Tour Championship on September 25.
Clarke has great confidence in his group and by all means seems ready for battle with whoever the final additions to the US team happen to be.
"“It’s going to be a very, very big task ahead of us. Those guys – the top nine – have earned their place as of right.The talent that they all possess, I have no worries at all about the strength of that team. I’ll be very proud to take them.”"
Next: Golf Tip of the Day: Chipping and Pitching from Bad Lies
The Ryder Cup will take place at Hazeltine from September 30 – October 2.