Summary:
- Luke Donald calls the upcoming Scottish Open and Open Championship “the two biggest weeks” left in Ryder Cup qualifying.
- Rory McIlroy is the only player already guaranteed a spot, with several spots still up for grabs.
- Donald praises Robert MacIntyre’s growth and McIlroy’s Masters win as big boosts for Europe’s chances.
Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls are heading into what Luke Donald calls “the two biggest weeks left before qualification ends” with plenty still to play for as the team to face the United States starts to take shape.
This week’s Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club kicks off a crucial stretch, followed by the Open Championship at Royal Portrush.
For the 47-year-old English pro golfer and former world number one who captained Europe to a commanding 16½–11½ win in Rome two years ago, these events are a chance for his players to prove themselves against elite competition.
These are big weeks against the strongest fields so you want to see the top guys play well. There are some guys that have pretty much staked a claim for their place in the team but there are a few spots definitely open and these weeks are big for those guys.
So far, only Rory McIlroy has mathematically secured his place on the 12-man squad that will take on the Americans at Bethpage Black in New York this September.
Behind him on the European points list are Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton, with Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre sitting in fourth.
Qualification closes after the British Masters on August 24, while the U.S. team finalizes a week earlier, following the BMW Championship. The top six players qualify automatically, with Donald selecting the remaining six.
MacIntyre, who impressed on his Ryder Cup debut last year by going unbeaten and earning 2½ points, has continued to show growth since.
Donald, “Very Impressed” by MacIntyre’s Adjustment
He followed up his Canadian Open title with a memorable win at the Scottish Open. Donald credits his Ryder Cup experience with helping him mature.
It helped him really grow as a golfer and gave him the belief that he could perform with the very best
Donald said, adding that he’s been “very impressed” with how MacIntyre has adjusted to the U.S. circuit.
MacIntyre has made 15 cuts in 17 PGA Tour starts this year and came agonizingly close at the U.S. Open, finishing just one shot behind JJ Spaun.
“It’s Hard to Win Away Ryder Cups”
Looking ahead, Donald is eager for another shot at leading Europe, becoming the first to captain back-to-back teams since Bernard Gallacher.
The guys wanted me to come back and to have another chance. Not many people have ever had that chance… It’s hard to win away Ryder Cups but having the continuity of a repeat captain, a lot of the guys know me, know how I work.
McIlroy’s Masters triumph earlier this year has been another morale boost.
What Rory did at the Masters is great for our team, for our morale
Will Europe be able to defend their Ryder Cup title? Check out the Best Non UK Betting Sites for Players from the UK for the latest odds.