Clarke backs stance on Ryder qualification

Darren Clarke today aired his support to the decision which has put Swedes Jesper Parnevik, Carl Pettersson and Mathias Gronberg – and probably England’s Luke Donald – out of contention for this year’s Ryder Cup.

The day after stablemate Lee Westwood blasted the European tour for insisting that US Tour-based Europeans commit to 11 European events to be eligible for September’s match Clarke gave the counter argument.

“My personal opinion is that you should be a member of the European tour to play and that’s what I have voiced in the committee meeting,” said the Ulsterman.

“I think you do need a commitment to our tour, although I can see the other side and down the line it’s something we are going to have to seriously review.

“I understand their predicament, but I think at this stage (over halfway through the qualifying race) it would be unwise to change it.”

Parnevik, Pettersson and Gronberg have all decided that they do not want to break off from the US Tour to play 11 European events and Donald says he will do the same unless he climbs into the world’s top 50 in the next few weeks.

Westwood commented: “The last time I checked the Ryder Cup was between Europeans and Americans, not the European Tour and the US PGA Tour.

“If you ask Jesper where he is from he will say Sweden, while Luke Donald considers himself English, plays out of England and has an English flag on his golf bag.

“He has always set out his stall to play on the US Tour. Why should he be penalised for doing that and living his dream and not being able to play in the Ryder Cup?

“I can see why the European tour do it and make people play 11 because they want players to play on the European Tour, but it’s disappointing if you ask me.

“I thought the idea was to put out our best side and I think if Luke qualifies through getting enough world ranking points but not playing 11 counting events I think it would be a shame.”

Clarke revealed that there was “a heated debate” at this week’s tournament committee meeting and that there was a proposal earlier this year to change it - but to make the minimum number higher rather than lower.