The European Challenge Tour will continue its proud recent association with The Ryder Cup, with four alumni now assured of places at Hazeltine National after the nine automatic qualifiers were confirmed.
With one qualifying event still to play, there is no possibility of the current nine being overtaken, meaning that Rafa Cabrera Bello, Matthew Fitzpatrick, Olympic gold medallist Justin Rose and Open Champion Henrik Stenson will all be part of golf’s greatest team event in five weeks’ time.
2013 graduate Brooks Koepka looks set to be part of the American team, while there is also the chance of other former Challenge Tour players being included among Captain Darren Clarke’s three wildcard picks.
The likes of Martin Kaymer – graduate in 2006 – Søren Kjeldsen – who graduated in 1997 – and 2013 Member Thomas Pieters will use this week’s Made in Denmark as the final opportunity to push their claims for selection, and form part of the Challenge Tour’s illustrious history in the event.
A total of 27 former Challenge Tour players have teed it up for Team Europe in the past, from Peter Baker, Joakim Haeggman and Costantino Rocca in 1993 to seven members of Paul McGinley’s successful side two years ago.
Rose and Stenson will both be playing in their fourth edition of The Ryder Cup, each with fond memories to draw on – Stenson holed the winning putt in 2006, while Rose’s final day comeback against Phil Mickelson was one of many memorable moments at Medinah in 2012, and a significant aid in Europe’s dramatic victory.
Cabrera Bello and Fitzpatrick will be making their Ryder Cup debuts in Minnesota, the Spaniard having graduated from the Challenge Tour in 2008, his English teammate having spent 2014 in Challenge Tour ranks.
The connection extends to the leadership team, where vice-captains Thomas Bjørn and Ian Poulter both spent the early parts of their careers on the Challenge Tour.
Even Captain Clarke has some Challenge Tour in his past, having won the Benmore Developments Northern Ireland Masters in 2003 – his only outing, giving him a 100% Challenge Tour win record.
Another player with such a record is likely to be part of Team USA – Mickelson won the Tournoi Perrier de Paris in 1993 and is currently third in the qualification standings, with only one tournament to go before the eight automatic selections are finalised.
