Ryder Cup 2018: Thomas Bjorn reveals one doubt about Europe wildcard pick
THOMAS BJORN has admitted he has “one little doubt” regarding the four wildcard picks in his Ryder Cup team.
Thorbjorn Olesen claimed the eighth and final automatic spot in Bjorn’s side after Eddie Pepperell and Matthew Fitzgerald failed to win at Made in Denmark last weekend.
He joins Francesco Molinari, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm and Alex Noren in the European side.
That now leaves the Danish skipper to decide which four players to bring as wildcard picks to Le Golf National on September 28.
Among the contenders are Ryder Cup stalwart Ian Poulter, 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia and veteran Henrik Stenson.
Other big names vying for selection are Rafa Cabrera Bello, Thomas Pieters, Russel Knox, Paul Casey and Matt Wallace.
“I’m pretty much there in my head of how I see this team being and how I want to try and mix and match everyone. But there’s still one little doubt in my head,” Bjorn told Sky Sports.
“I’m pretty set on two or three names. That’s for sure. And then we’ve still got a bit of discussion to do, and a bit of golf from America to watch the next few days. And then we’ll see.”
The three-time Ryder Cup winner played down the privilege of selection, however, and urged his team to focus on delivering in Paris.
Ryder Cup Europe tease the start of the tournament
I’m pretty set on two or three names - that’s for sure
“The one thing that I keep saying to these guys is it’s not about making the Ryder Cup team - it’s about playing in a Ryder Cup team and making points on the golf course,” he added.
“This is not the end goal. This is just a part-time goal - making the team. Now it’s about getting out on the golf course and winning points.
“Some players sometimes forget that it’s about what happens at the end of September and not what happens at the end of August.
"This is an exciting European team and I'm really looking forward to being with this group of players.
“It's nice to see that it's coming around quick and I hope we can do Europe proud."
Bjorn will name his four wildcard picks on Wednesday 5 September at 14.00 BST.
But prior to the announcement, he’s already pleased with the team.
"When you start looking at those eight, it's a really strong team,” he said.
“There are a few newcomers in there but lots of strong names and people I have a lot of trust in.”