That decision came despite Bjorn being better placed in the world rankings and Ryder Cup points table than England’s Lee Westwood, who was selected along with Northern Ireland’s Darren Clarke on the strength of his previous results against the United States.

Woosnam told BBC Radio Five Live that Bjorn had not taken the announcement well.

“Thomas was in the back of my mind. It was difficult when I got back to the hotel last night, he wasn’t a happy chappy,” said Woosnam.

“He was very, very disappointed. He didn’t say a lot. I tried to say: ‘I hope you respect my decision. It's been difficult. I know you’re going to have a few words about it.’

“I missed out in 1995 and I was very disappointed, but someone has got to do the job, someone’s got to pick the team. I feel sorry for the guys who have missed out. Hopefully when this blows over after a while we can have a few beers over it.”

Woosnam is confident that Clarke will be prepared mentally for the occasion at the K Club over the weekend of September 22-24.

The 38-year-old’s wife, Heather, died after a long battle against cancer last month.

“I think picking Darren Clarke was a fairly easy one because Darren is a fantastic player,” said Woosnam.

“He is going through lots of emotional stuff at the moment. No doubt if Darren was going those times he would have qualified for the Ryder Cup through the world rankings or money list. There obviously is a risk factor, but I am pretty confident. Darren is a very strong character and he has assured me he will be up to the task.

“The reason I went for Lee was because of his record in Ryder Cup. He had four and a half points last time we played and every time we play in the Ryder Cup he seems to step up to the mark.

“He’s been in there and got a lot of points for Europe.”