Ryder Cup now a dogfight for Shane Lowry

In many ways, the US PGA Championship this week is a tournament within a tournament. Sure, it is the last major championship of the year, but given that the tournament also offers double ranking points for those on the bubble still seeking to qualify for the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in September, the stakes couldn’t be any higher.

Winning a Ryder Cup is all about finding players and combinations who can excel under pressure, so it is hardly surprising therefore that both captains, Davis Love III from the US and Darren Clarke from Europe, are in attendance this week — no doubt taking a keener than usual interest in the performances of key fringe players.

In fact, with five rookies currently in Europe’s automatic qualifying spots, Clarke is in the enviable position of being able to look at veterans like nine-time Ryder Cup player Lee Westwood (who has been on seven winning European teams), Martin Kaymer, and our own Graeme McDowell to add greater experience and back room support to his team.