Keith’s easier Ryders

PHIL GIRVAN EUROPEAN TOUR chief executive Keith Pelley insists he will not be afraid to change the rules over Ryder Cup eligibility.

Only European Tour members can play on the team – which meant captain Darren Clarke could not pick world No.12 Paul Casey, who gave up his membership to concentrate on the PGA Tour.

The chance to play in the Ryder Cup has long been seen as one of the key ways the European Tour can prevent its top stars from playing full time on the more lucrative PGA circuit.

He said: “We will adjust the qualification if we feel that we need to. We won’t be afraid to make the changes.”

His statement came after a week in which top players Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy called for changes to be made after the 17-11 defeat at Hazeltine, Europe’s heaviest loss since 1981.

“We are always talking to our top players,” said Pelley. “We are always listening to what they have to say. We also want to have the best possible team at the Ryder Cup.”

But Westwood said: “At the end of the day, you’re still European and you still have the passion to play for Europe.

“If you prove that you’re world class on, say, the PGA Tour and not the European Tour, why should that have any bearing?”

Meanwhile, a dropped stroke at the last could not prevent Thorbjorn Olesen extending his overnight lead from six to seven shots after the third round of the Turkish Airlines Open in Antalya.

The Dane, chasing the fourth European Tour victory of his career, is seven shots clear of a five-man chasing pack, which includes England’s David Horsey.