Bjorn names four veteran Ryder Cup wildcards
Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn announced his four wildcard picks to complete Team Europe on Wednesday.
Sergio Garcia, Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Henrik Stenson join the team to do battle against a fierce looking American contingent at Le Golf National in Paris, starting 28 September.
The foursome join automatic qualifiers Francesco Molinari, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Alex Noren and Thorbjorn Olesen.
They bring a wealth of much needed experience to the European line-up, which features five rookies. Together, the quartet have no less than 20 Ryder Cup appearances under their belt.
And the four wildcards are…#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/gCNP4RcpVB
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 5, 2018
The inclusion of Poulter should come as no surprise for fans, as the Englishman has a superlative Ryder Cup record of 12 wins and four loses and played a key role in four European victories in the past.
“When he gets confident, he hits that European badge hard,” said Bjorn of the world number 33.
“He is a man for the occasion and he is a special person.”
Watch live as @ThomasBjornGolf names his four #TeamEurope wildcard picks https://t.co/aVBInPvGFo
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 5, 2018
Yeterday, team USA captain Jim Furyk confirmed Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau as his wildcards, with the final player to be announced on Monday after the BMW Championship.
The trio join qualifiers Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Justin Thomas, Patrick Reed, Bubba Watson, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Webb Simpson.
While they are defending champions, USA have not won the Ryder Cup in Europe since 1993.
Latest
-
PGA TourSpotlight on: Rory McIlroy in THE CJ CUP @ SUMMIT
Rory McIlroy is in Las Vegas this week looking for just his second victory of 2021.
-
PGA TourRory McIlroy looking to kick on after emotional Ryder Cup
McIlroy broke down in tears in a rare show of emotion in Wisconsin.
-
European TourJon Rahm keen to win at Valderrama for ‘historic reasons and nostalgia’
The Spaniard is hoping to perform on home soil.
-
Equipment‘Stupid is as stupid does’ – Phil Mickelson criticises club length restriction
The R&A and USGA have brought in a ‘model local rule’ to limit all clubs other than putters to a maximum of 46 inches.
-
EquipmentTop-level golf tournaments to be given option of imposing limit on club length
This could curb the big-hitting likes of Bryson DeChambeau in their continual quest for greater length off the tee.
-
PGA TourTHE CJ CUP: Vegas links that could help us hit the jackpot this week
The PGA Tour remains in Las Vegas this week and several players in the field have some home advantage which could prove significant.
-
PGA TourBetting preview: Sam Burns to continue impressive form in the Shriners Children’s Open
The PGA Tour heads to Las Vegas this week and Planet Sport tipster Jack Kelliher has four selections for the tournament.
-
PGA TourFeuding rivals Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka to clash in ‘The Match’
Tensions have run high between the pair since early 2019.
-
European TourFour golfers to oppose short priced favourite Jon Rahm with in this week’s Open de Espana
The European Tour heads to Spain for three weeks and the action begins at Club de Campo Villa Madrid.
-
European TourDanny Willett enjoys perfect birthday with Alfred Dunhill Links Championship win
The Englishman won for the first time in over two years.