Clarke edges closer to Ryder spot
Darren Clarke edged a little closer to an automatic place on the European Ryder Cup team at the weekend despite a disappointing final round in the Scottish Open.
Leading with 18 to play, Clarke’s one over par round on Sunday saw him drop to a share of fifth place.
Sweden’s Johan Edfors stole the show, and won the tournament, with a breathtaking final round of 63 that propels him up to third on the Order of Merit and tantalizingly close to an automatic Ryder Cup spot.
Clarke, who plays along Phil Mickelson at the British Open on Thursday and Friday, has it all to play for, placed 11th on the European Ryder Cup World Points list.
Paul McGinley remains in the automatic qualifying places after his 47th placed finish at Loch Lomond.
He will be disappointed with his final round of 74 after three steady rounds from Thursday to Saturday.
Padraig Harrington is sure of his place at the K Club, but for the other two this week’s British Open will be pivotal as they bid to secure their Ryder Cup spots.
European Ryder Cup World Points after Scottish Open:
1 David HOWELL (Eng) 207.27pts,
2 Colin MONTGOMERIE (Sco) 205.90,
3 Jose-Maria OLAZABAL (Spa) 200.39,
4 Henrik STENSON (Swe) 196.66,
5 Luke DONALD (Eng) 183.99,
6 Paul Casey (Eng) 163.83,
7 Sergio Garcia (Spa) 158.71,
8 Padraig Harrington (Irl) 152.22,
9 Paul Broadhurst (Eng) 120.91,
10 Paul McGinley (Irl) 101.07
European Ryder Cup Points
1 Colin Montgomerie 2,409,747.47
2 David Howell 2,271,730.52
3 Henrik Stenson 1,728,046.67
4 Paul CASEY 1,708,614.01
5 Padraig HARRINGTON 1,479,258.80
6 Paul MCGINLEY 1,407,624.05
7 José Maria Olazabal 1,366,734.93
8 Sergio GARCIA 1,326,060.83
9 Paul BROADHURST 1,294,631.13
10 Johan Edfors 1,243,770.60
USA Ryder Cup Points after John Deere Classic:
1 Tiger Woods 3100.00pts,
2 Phil Mickelson 2474.38,
3 Jim Furyk 1616.00,
4 Chad Campbell 1129.60,
5 David Toms 1072.25,
6 JJ Henry 778.75,
7 Zach Johnson 756.48,
8 Brett Wetterich 746.00,
9 Vaughn Taylor 660.83,
10 Lucas Glover 641.38
