As one of the biggest counting events in the lead up to the Ryder Cup, Thomas Bjørn will be sure to keep an eye on his European players appearing at the US Open.
The world’s best will battle it out at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in the 118th playing of the event, with several European’s hoping to displace those who are already in the automatic places.
Francesco Molinari’s strong form in his past two tournaments, finishing first at the BMW PGA Championship and second at the Italian Open, saw him jump to the top of the Ryder Cup rankings, with Tyrrell Hatton, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy currently occupying the three remaining automatic spaces.
Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Alex Noren and Rafa Cabrera-Bello currently occupy the four automatic places on the World Points list. With a greater number of World Ranking points on offer, though, the US Open presents a great opportunity for those on the cusp of an automatic spot to make their case for selection.
One of those players looking to impress Bjørn will be Thorbjørn Olesen, who will be quietly confident after winning the second Rolex Series event of the season at the Italian Open and taking one of the final US Open qualifying places at Walton Heath.
Ryder Cup veterans Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter will also be looking to make a move this week, especially the Spaniard as he was displaced from an automatic spot at the close of the Italian Open, after an impressive week from fellow countryman Cabrera-Bello.
With an increase in points available, those who contend this week will make a significant move in the rankings, which is good news for the likes of Martin Kaymer, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Paul Casey who are also on the verge of an automatic pick.
