Philadelphia, PA …
Top Scot Russell Knox has called for changes to the European Ryder Cup team selection process.
For a second Ryder Cup in succession, Knox has fallen just short of qualifying for a first European Tour and after also having won a tournament, or two events in the case of the 2016 selection process, and not been affored a ‘wildcard’ pick.
European Team captain, Thomas Bjorn over-looked in-form players, such as Rafael Cabrera-Bello, triple Tour winning Matt Wallace and also Knox, for the ‘experience’ of Ian Poulter, Paul Casey, Henrik Stenson and a very out-of-form Sergio Garcia.
Scotland’s Russell Knox promising Scotland’s top two World Ranked players wil contest the 2018 World Cup in Australia.
Cabrera-Bello, who went so close to victory in Boston and was undefeated on debut in the 2016 European side, was clearly bitterly disappointed while Wallace could feel the same.
With Bjorn at the helm, the selection process was again changed so that he had four ‘wildcard’ picks and Knox says this needs to change ahead of the 2020 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin.
“I’ve said all along, four picks is far too many for both teams. I think there should be one or two picks maximum,” Knox said.
“It’s meant to be the 12 best European golfers versus the 12 best American golfers and, when there’s four picks, it doesn’t quite become that. It becomes the 12 most experienced players.
“But, saying that, I had every chance to play my way into the team and I didn’t get it done, so I can’t really argue.”
“I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to play better in the last month,” said Knox.
“I put myself in such a good position to make the team, but I just couldn’t quite do that.”
And it is for this reason the Florida-based Knox is determined to qualify automatically for the 2020 European Team
“In two years’ time, I’m going to be on that team. I’ve made my mind up,” he said.
“I’ve obviously been close the last two times and it sucks to get the call the day before the pick saying you’re not going to be picked.
“I hate missing out. I feel like I’m good enough to be there, so I’ve just got to put my foot down and prove it to myself and everybody else.”
