Lynn regrets Wyndham decision

European Tour

David Lynn admits that his decision not to play at the Wyndham Championship may have cost him a Ryder Cup spot.

David Lynn admits that his decision not to play at the Wyndham Championship may have cost him a Ryder Cup spot.

Lynn was offered to opportunity to remain in the USA and compete at the event in Greensboro following his incredible second place finish at the USPGA Championship.

However, the Englishman decided against taking part and could only watch as Sergio Garcia secured an automatic qualification position by winning the event.

As a result, even victory at this week’s Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles may not be enough to secure a Ryder Cup berth for Lynn.

“In hindsight I made a mistake – I should have played last week,” said the 38-year-old.

“But I think I can be forgiven because of where my head was at.

“I said I was going home. I was prepared for being out there for one week, not two, and I’m a bit like that when I get something in my head.

“I actually got a lift with Padraig Harrington to New York on his private plane and he was asking me why on earth didn’t I go.

“Jamie Donaldson had also mentioned it to me on the range before the final round (the Irish Open champion did play in Greensboro), but it was only when I got home and looked at the way the points were that I realised I should have gone.

“It was probably a time when I needed somebody at my side saying ‘Hang on a minute’.”

Even if he doesn’t secure automatic qualification, Lynn would still be in line for one of the two captain’s wildcard picks, but he doesn’t think his chances of being one of the two players chosen by Jose Maria Olazabal are particularly good.

“But there’s guys you have to look at like Harrington – I know he didn’t have a great match by his standards last time (he has actually won only two of his last 13 games), but he’s still a guy you can’t overlook because he’s won three majors and has played a few Ryder Cups,” he admitted.
“Would you pick a rookie over experience? Experience means a lot, I think.”

However, just being in a position to be considered for the Ryder Cup is a subject of great pride for the man from Stoke.

“It’s nice to be talked about, but I always knew at the start of the Ryder Cup campaign that you’ve got no chance of playing when you’re not in all four majors and all four world championships,” he said.
“You’re giving too many good players too much of a head start.
“I played in one out of the eight – and got in that only just.”

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