‘Been a Tough Qualifying’: After His Latest Patriotic Spree, 2023 Ryder Cup’s Latest Hope Makes a Heartwarming Confession

The Ryder Cup may be a biennial event but the preparations for the same begins soon after the previous tournament. For two years, golfers strive to make an impact so that when the time comes, they either soar up the points list and secure an auto spot, or be one of the captain’s six picks.

Golfers on Team US have already endured the struggle and filled the 12 spots recently. However, for one member of Team Europe who ultimately secured an auto spot, the journey has been harrowing till the last day.

DP World Tour Pro shares his hectic experience over the past two weeks

Tommy Fleetwood was a sure-shot contender for an auto spot on Team Europe for a long time. However, as the OEM 2023 rolled around, Matt Fitzpatrick grabbed his place after Tyrrell Hatton grabbed the fourth spot. There was still a little hope for Fleetwood until Robert MacIntyre scaled up the points list and secured his place as the 6th auto spot golfer, much like Xander Schauffele on Team US.

After he landed his spot, MacIntyre shared his harrowing journey to earn that title. He took the leap up the leaderboard a couple of months ago with a second-place finish at the Genesis Scottish Open where Rory McIlroy clinched the title. At the 2023 Czech Masters, he secured fourth place alongside 5 other golfers including OEM 2023 winner Ludvig Aberg. “The last two weeks have been hell,” said MacIntyre.

Last week’s Omega European Masters, however, turned out to be quite a challenge. MacIntyre crawled to T55 after a harrowing 4 rounds where he finished with 3-under 277 in Switzerland. He made the cut with a 68 after 69 in the first two rounds and followed it up with a 70 in round 3. “Pairings in the first two rounds, media hype – everything has just been tough,” the 27-year-old golfer shared. He had another 70 in the final round.

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It has been hectic for the Scottish golfer to struggle constantly without a win but his persistence and perseverance ultimately resulted in tremendous joy when he made it into Team Europe. “It’s been a tough qualifying campaign, but I am pleased with the way I have dealt with the challenge and to have earned one of the six automatic spots,” he admitted as per the reports on Bunkered. He also spoke about how he wants to go out there and clinch a win for the team now that he made it.

Who are the remaining golfers on Team Europe

Captain Luke Donald has finally shed light on his personal picks to complete the 12-member team aside from himself and the 5 vice-captains. Team Europe now includes Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm followed by Viktor Hovland, all auto qualifiers. Tyrrell Hatton secured the fourth auto spot and the final two automatic spots went to Matt Fitzpatrick and Robert MacIntyre.

Captain Donald earlier confirmed Francesco Molinari, José María Olazábal, Nicolas Colsaerts, Edoardo Molinari, and Thomas Bjorn as his vice-captains. Now he has released the names of his picks which include Tommy Fleetwood, Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Nicolai Hojgaard, and Justin Rose.

Do you agree with the list of players for Team Europe? Who would you replace or pick to represent the European nations in the 2023 Ryder Cup?

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