Ryder Cup race hots up in Paris
The 100th edition of the French Open gets underway today, holding far more significance than in previous years, but still without some of Europe’s top players.
The tournament has double points on offer for Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls, as well as counting as two events in the Race to Dubai, after the European Tour attempted to dissuade their biggest stars from ignoring the event in favour of the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in the United States.
Four-time major winner Rory McIlroy answered the call, as did Masters champion Danny Willett, but a host of the continent’s biggest stars decided to stay away.
The ramifications for Europe captain Darren Clarke and his Ryder Cup selection could prove vital, as he may have to use a wildcard pick on a player who would otherwise have qualified for the team to play at Hazeltine in September automatically.
Having said that, six of the nine players who currently occupy automatic spots will be taking part at Le Golf National in Paris, with Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose the absentees, although all three look set to make the Ryder Cup team anyway.
England’s Lee Westwood is well-placed to jump into one of those nine places with a good performance in continental Europe’s oldest national open. Rank #1
Jason Day $17 million
Jason Day is an Australian professional golfer and PGA Tour member with an estimated net worth of about $17 million.
Rank #2 Jordan Spieth $40 million
Jordan Spieth is an American professional golfer who has a net worth of $40 million.
Rank #3 Dustin Johnson $20 million
Dustin Johnson is a USA professional golfer whose net worth has been estimated at $20 million.