Missed chance for US golfers

I’m surprised none of the 24 Americans in the leading 50 of the world rankings has decided to tee it up in Paris this week.

The French Open is part of the European Tour’s new Rolex Series, which means any player inside the top 50 can play.

With Le Golf National hosting the Ryder Cup next year, this could have been an ideal chance for the Americans to get an insight into what they can expect in the biennial match against Europe. None have travelled.

Some have suggested the PGA Tour might be putting pressure on its players to shun the Rolex Series, but I find that hard to believe.

I think it’ll come down to scheduling as plenty of the leading Americans will be at next month’s Scottish Open at Dundonald Links as well as the Irish Open next week.

Perhaps those with a spot in the Open championship and already committed to playing in Ireland or Scotland didn’t want to play a month in Europe, but they are missing a great event.

The course is outstanding and I’ve no doubt it is going to be a fabulous Ryder Cup venue.

“Chance for the Americans to get an insight”