Despite the Gleneagles Ryder Cup qualifying process now into its second week Richie Ramsay believes his ‘optimum’ opportunity to represent Europe in 2016.
Ramsay tees up today (THU) in the defence of his Omega European Master title on a revamped Crans-sur-Sierre where half of a proposed SF 6m (£4.1m) redevelopment has taken place over the inward half of the Alpine course.
The Scot missed last week’s Ryder Cup qualifying opener in Wales and warmed up for his Swiss title defence playing yesterday’s (WED) Pro-Am in the company of all-time gold medal winning Olympian Michael Phelps.
Richie Ramsay sets his sights on 2015 Ryder Cup debut. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)
Phelps generated huge ‘You Tube’ interest two years ago after holing a monster 103-foot putt during the second round of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at Kingsbarns.
And while Phelps was unmatched in the 2008 Beijing Olympics he’s struggling to get the better of golf but boasting before tackling the Alpine course he posted a 9-hole career best last week of 41 at the Caves Valley Country Club course in his home town of Baltimore, Maryland.
The American had little time to work on his putting ahead of the Pro-Am with Tour players, caddies and fans seeking either an autograph or snap of the 28-year old.
All Ramsay was asked to sign was a bottle of bubbly.
But there was huge praise from Ramsay when the 23-handicapper Phelps split the fairway with his opening tee shot.
“Nice shot and if you can keep hitting it like that all day, we’ll do alright,” said Ramsay.
And while Ramsay will focus now on a third Race to Dubai success he revealed he’s set a Ryder Cup goal of making the 2016 European Team.
“If I’m honest, Gleneagles is a chance and I would never say never but if things go to plan and develop the way I want to, then 2016 would be my optimum chance to get in the team,” he said.
“Plus I have a bit of history with the venue but then I know how to play Gleneagles and Hazeltine.”
Hazeltine holds a special place in Ramsay’s head as was the venue of his 2006 US Amateur title and the same week he met his now wife, Angela with the couple returning to the Minnesota clubhouse to their wedding ceremony.
Ramsay will play the opening two rounds in the company of in-form American Peter Uihlein, who was runner-up in last week’s ISPS Handa Open and potential 2016 European Team captain in former Open Champion, Darren Clarke.
