Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal today became near-certainties to be part of the European team going for a record third successive Ryder Cup victory in less than three weeks’ time.

Thomas Bjorn believes Darren Clarke should be a certainty for a Ryder Cup wild card on Sunday night if he feels ready to return to golf.

Thomas Bjorn defied gusts of up to 30mph today to open up a four-stroke lead in the Smurfit European Open – and show Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam how well he plays on the course where Europe defend the trophy next year.

Thomas Bjorn defied gusts of up to 30mph today to build a clear lead in the Smurfit European Open and show Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam how well he plays on the course where Europe defend the trophy next year.

The Smurfit European Open was an event Darren Clarke was going to miss in the run-up to the Open Championship. But tomorrow he could well win it.

Thomas Bjorn’s return to the Smurfit European Open at the K Club – the event which turned into a nightmare last year – has gone like a dream so far.

Thomas Bjorn’s return to the Smurfit European Open at the K Club – the event he walked out of after just six holes last year – has gone like a dream so far.

Thomas Bjorn never had any doubt that he was doing the right thing in turning down a place on the US tour this year.

THOMAS Bjorn yesterday spoke of his determination not only to get back among golf’s elite, but also to get back to beating them.

Thomas Bjorn today spoke of his determination not only to get back among golf’s elite, but also to get back to beating them.

Thomas Bjorn today spoke of his determination not only to get back to being counted among golf’s elite, but also to get back to beating them.

Ryder Cup Dane Thomas Bjorn and Open runner-up Thomas Levet have both become members of the US Tour.

Darren Clarke won the Smurfit European Open in front of 28,000 Irish fans today.