THE EUROPEAN HOPEFULS
The European qualifying period will come to a close on September 3 after the European Masters. Six players will come from the European Points List followed by three from the World Points List. Captain Luke Donald will then select a further six players to round out the 12-man team.
IS STRAKA NOW ON THE PLANE?
Given the lack of automatic spots Sepp Straka may well need a captain’s pick and this week – a fantastic share of second place – will have done him a power of good. The John Deere victory, impressive as it was, remains just another week on the calendar. This was top-table stuff at the very business end of things and the Austrian was fantastic.
He absolutely revels in approach play (and all-round driving) so you might imagine that Captain Donald will have earmarked him for a couple of foursomes starts. A month ago Straka seemed to be slipping away from becoming the second Austrian, after Bernd Wiesberger, now he looks to be on his way to Rome.
“It would be huge. It would be amazing. It’s been a huge goal. Over the last year and a half really it’s been on my radar, and really looking forward to having a chance. He (Luke) was here earlier this week in the practice rounds. He came and saw me on one of the days. Just small talk for the most part. Scheduling, all that stuff.
“He’s told me I’ve been on his radar for a while now, and hopefully I can take advantage of some good play the next few months and make the decision easy for him.”
IS MERONK IN POLE POSITION?
Adrian Meronk recorded his best finish in a Major, helped by a closing 67. Most observers seem to be giving the Pole the nod no doubt helped by his one-shot win at the host venue in May, his third win on Tour in less than a year.
“It’s definitely in the back of my mind for sure. I don’t want to get ahead of myself but I would love to make that team in September. I know there’s still a lot of time. Going to take some rest now and get ready for the final stretch, to be honest, for qualifications, so yeah, hopefully I’ll make it.”
Born in Germany he’ll likely be the first Pole to represent Europe.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
ARE PAUL AND POWER NOW OUT OF THE RUNNING?
Yannik…
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