The European Ryder Cup qualification race reaches a fascinating conclusion at this week’s BMW PGA Championship – the third Rolex Series event of 2021 – and there are a number of scenarios that could play out to determine the nine automatic qualifiers.
There are several players, both experienced and rookies, who could make the team this week if results go their way.
Shane Lowry currently occupies the final automatic spot as it stands, but there’s a small group of players who could enter the team at the conclusion of the BMW PGA Championship.
Take a look at what some of the leading contenders need to do in order to have a chance of making Captain Pádraig Harrington’s team at Whistling Straits.Bernd Wiesberger
Of those currently outside the automatic spots, Bernd Wiesberger arguably has the best chance of making Team Europe via the European Points List as he currently sits 74.39 points behind Rory McIlroy, who occupies the fourth and final qualifying spot.
Finishing in 50th place or better could be enough to see eight-time European Tour winner make his Ryder Cup debut at Whistling Straits.
Victor Perez
Victor Perez will need a podium finish if he is to qualify for Team Europe via the European points List. A third place finish will be enough for the Frenchman to displace McIlroy in that fourth qualifying spot and be in line for a Ryder Cup debut in Wisconsin, USA, with McIlroy then qualifying via the World Points List.
Robert MacIntyre
Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre currently needs to earn 1,113.21 Race to Dubai points if he is to make his maiden Ryder Cup appearance. This means he’ll have to finish in second place or better if he is to be in with a chance of automatic qualification.
A second place finish could also see the young Scot qualify via the World Points List.
Guido Migliozzi
Two-time European Tour winner Guido Migliozzi also needs a second place finish to qualify for Team Europe via the European Points List. A second place finish would also see Migliozzi leapfrog Lowry and qualify for the team – should other players’ finishes go his way.
Other chances
All of Richard Bland, Thomas Detry, Calum Hill, Rasmus Hojgaard, Alex Noren, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Matthias Schwab, Henrik Stenson, Matt Wallace and Danny Willett need a win this week and other finishes to go their way if they are to qualify for Pádraig Harrington’s team automatically.
