Ryder Cup reshuffle gives captain Bjorn an extra wildcard

Extra wildcard and qualifying shake-up for Bjorn

Abadly needed revamp of Europe’s Ryder Cup qualifying system is set to be unveiled at the abu dhabi HSbC Championship today. New captain Thomas bjorn spent the festive period working on proposals put before the tournament players’ committee last night.

an increase in the number of wildcards from three to four was discussed, as were changes to the points system to ensure players in form don’t miss out.

Europe crashed to their worst defeat in 35 years at Hazeltine last September and part of the anguish came from the fact the loss was partly self-inflicted. The shortcomings of the qualifying process meant they plainly didn’t field their best team.

alex Noren won big tournaments in July and September and didn’t make the side, while Russell Knox and Paul Casey were two more notable absentees.

at present Europe’s qualifying system is a long-winded, complicated process with points awarded over a year-long period. With eight victories in the last 11 Ryder Cups, it is not surprising the general feeling is that some elements should be retained but equally there is a recognition it needs modernising.

One idea on the table last night centred on the newly introduced Rolex Series — eight tournaments on the schedule that will enjoy enhanced status this year. These events are now also likely to be given increased importance when it comes to Ryder Cup qualifying. One suggestion to try to ensure the leading Europeans compete in them is that no Ryder Cup points be awarded at conflicting events taking place in those weeks on america’s PGa Tour.

Furthermore, tournaments in the run-up to the team being finalised in late august next year are likely to carry more points, so players in form, as Noren was last time, don’t fall through the cracks.

The changes are unlikely to please everyone when they are put before a players’ meeting this morning. Rory McIlroy, for example, had advocated picking 12 players off the world rankings but that was a non-starter.

‘I think it’s important players representing Europe at the Ryder Cup are members of the European Tour and feel that loyalty to it,’ said the last captain darren Clarke, expressing a popular view.

There will be no copying the american example of picking a wildcard just one week before the Ryder Cup. The cut-off date to make the team — three weeks before the matches are played — will remain the same, with bjorn naming his picks a day later. ÷TENNIS