A decision by Scotland’s Russell Knox not to contest next week’s Wyndham Championship effectively means he will now have to rely on a ‘wildcard’ pick if he’s to play in the 2016 European Ryder Cup Team.
Knox’s name was not on the Wyndham entry list when the field was released by the PGA Tour just prior to 6pm US Eastern time (FRD).
Russell Knox now officially relying on a ‘wildcard’ pick after electing not to tee up n Wyndham Championship.
And as Knox has ruled out competing on the European Tour in order to qualify automatically the $US 5.6m Wyndham sponsored event would have been the Scot’s ‘Last Chance Saloon’ on the PGA Tour under European Ryder Cup qualifying guidelines in striving to qualify automatically, and this despite there is still two qualifying events on the European Tour – Czech Masters and the Made in Denmark.
Knox muscled his way up 10 places last Sunday on the back of his dramatic Travelers Championship victory to sixth place but just one place outside the leading five who will qualify off the European ‘World’ Points list.
However, against Knox being afforded a ‘wildcard’ pick by Darren Clarke, and when his announces his three picks on Tuesday August 30th is the fact Clarke already has five rookies in his Hazeltine side.
And some observers believe Clarke will go with tried and tested Ryder Cuppers in Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Graeme McDowell even though they are currently behind Knox on the points table.
But then www.golfbytourmiss.com is backing Knox to receive a pick on the back last year’s WGC – HSBC Champions win and last Sunday’s gutsy effort in claiming success in Connecticut.
And the message is clear to Clarke – Knox is deserving of his place in your Hazeltine side.
