GRUDGE MATCH
Holders USA target Ryder Cup win in Paris
European captain Thomas Bjorn has named his four wildcard picks for the Ryder Cup, completing the team that will face the United States in Paris. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at the 12 players bidding to secure a sixth straight home win for Europe in the three-day event, which starts on Friday.
FRANCESCO MOLINARI (ITA)
Age: 35
World ranking: 6
Third Ryder Cup appearance (2010, 2012, 2018)
Ryder Cup record (wins, losses, halves): 0-3-2
The Italian has delivered his best year to date in 2018, winning his first major at the British Open. Molinari has also played on two previous winning Ryder Cup teams.
JUSTIN ROSE (ENG)
Age: 38
World ranking: 4
Fifth appearance (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Ryder Cup record: 11-6-2
Rose has been one of the world’s most consistent players in recent years, winning the 2013 US Open at Merion. The world No.4 has played his part in two Ryder Cup wins.
JON RAHM (ESP)
Age: 23 World ranking: 5 Rookie
The Spaniard has enjoyed a remarkable rise since turning professional only two years ago, winning five titles on the two major tours.
RORY MCILROY (NIR)
Age: 29
World ranking: 8
Fifth appearance (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Ryder Cup record: 9-6-4
The most successful golfer in the team with four major titles, Europe will need McIlroy at his best to wrestle the trophy back from the visitors. Has shown signs of form this season, but struggled with the putter.
TYRRELL HATTON (ENG)
Age: 26 World ranking: 25 Rookie
The combustible Englishman is a fierce competitor and has made his mark in the US this year. Is yet to win in 2018.
TOMMY FLEETWOOD (ENG)
Age: 27 World ranking: 12 Rookie
Fleetwood has proven himself to be one of the world’s top players in the last 18 months and came up just short at the US Open this year despite a sensational final-round 63.
ALEX NOREN (SWE)
Age: 36 World ranking: 15 Rookie A fixture in the world’s top 20 for two years, Noren effectively booked his spot by winning the French Open in July with a stunning closing stretch of holes. Noren is a 10-time winner on the European Tour.
THORBJORN OLESEN (DEN)
Age: 28 World ranking: 40 Rookie
Watched the 2016 loss from the buggy of his compatriot and good friend Bjorn, but has built on his considerable talent in recent months. He won the Italian Open in June and has managed a further three top-five finishes since.
SERGIO GARCIA (ESP/WILDCARD PICK)
Age: 38 World ranking: 30
Ninth appearance (1999, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018) Ryder Cup record: 19-11-7
One of Europe’s greatest Ryder Cup players, but has struggled for form and needed a wildcard slot to make the team. He has missed seven cuts in his last 12 tournaments. The Ryder Cup brings out a different side of him, and his lone top 10 since March was at Le Golf National.
PAUL CASEY (ENG/WILDCARD PICK)
Age: 41
World ranking: 16
Fourth appearance (2004, 2006, 2008, 2018)
Ryder Cup record: 3-2-4
Strong in matchplay, Casey will make his first appearance in a decade. He missed out in 2010 despite being the world No.7, but Bjorn persuaded him to retake a European Tour card in order to qualify. Won his first PGA Tour title for nine years in March at the Valspar Championship by holding off Tiger Woods.
IAN POULTER (ENG/WILDCARD PICK)
Age: 42
World ranking: 33
Sixth appearance (2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2018)
Ryder Cup record: 12-4-2
The ‘Postman’ is back for Europe after a return to form since missing 2016 at Hazeltine. The Englishman has a sensational Ryder Cup record and is unbeaten in his five singles matches to date. Will forever be remembered for his starring role in the ‘Miracle of Medinah’.
HENRIK STENSON (SWE/WILDCARD PICK)
Age: 42
World ranking: 22
Fifth appearance (2006, 2008, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Ryder Cup record: 7-7-2
The Swede holed the winning putt on debut in 2006 at the K Club, before losing form and missing the 2010 and 2012 matches. But Stenson was a key member of the Gleneagles side two years later, forming a strong partnership with Justin Rose.