Luke Donald has ordered a couple of trucks loaded with paracetamol this afternoon. His next 10 days are not going to be exactly easy. There is a plot intended to give him a major headache with the last choice for the Ryder Cup, that already famous Number 12 player who is still needed, according to all indications, to complete the team that will be in Bethpage. The vast majority of the theoretical candidates for that last spot are excelling at the British Masters. The third round played this Saturday has only made things even more complicated. Let’s go through the list of today’s favourites to be in New York one by one.
– Matthew Fitzpatrick (-12). He is the sole leader of the tournament with one round to go. Today he carded a 68. He is the only one who has played at The Belfry all three days under 70 strokes. He has made only six bogeys in 54 holes and today he made a statement by holing out from off the green on the 15th for eagle. He hasn’t putted like an angel today, but he did sink a putt of over three metres and another of nearly seven, both for birdie. What he is doing very well is driving, a very important point considering Bethpage. If he wins this week and does very well in Switzerland, it will be very difficult to take the spot from him.
– Alex Noren (-11). He is the second in the British Masters. Today he shot 65, the second-best score of the day. He wasn’t in any predictions four days ago, but he is Alex Noren. The Swede has already been in a Ryder Cup and performed at a high level. It was in Paris. He should always be considered for a competition of this type. In his favour, like Fitzpatrick, is the fact of having that Ryder experience and regularly playing the PGA Tour. He has made only five bogeys in 54 holes.
– Marco Penge (-10). He has always been in all predictions with a very strong position. He is the flagbearer of the DP World Tour and is having a great season. Today he responded to two rather dull days with an impressive round of 63, nine under par. Bogey-free round. He has entered the fight for victory. It would be the third of the season. He comes from winning in Denmark and is maintaining his good form without any vertigo.
– Nicolai Hojgaard (-10). Tied third with Penge. He hasn’t had his best year, but he has never been completely ruled out for Bethpage. Firstly because he played in Italy two years ago and did well, secondly because his brother Rasmus is very likely to make it, and there are those who are thrilled at the thought of the two brothers playing together. Today he shot 67. Solid tournament when it matters most. He shot 39 on the back nine. A typical Nicolai feat. In his favour, like Penge, is his power. He is very long, something that seems necessary for Bethpage.
– Matt Wallace (-9). He struggled a lot today, but the last thing the English player will do is throw in the towel. He held on to deliver a round of 70 and stay in the fight for everything: victory at The Belfry and selection for the Ryder Cup. A tough guy to beat. What is needed in a Ryder, especially playing away from home.
– Rasmus Hojgaard (-7). He is in 14th place. He needs to finish tied 20th or better to automatically qualify for the Ryder this Sunday. He is doing well. He will have a test of fire tomorrow. He is not flying, but he is very solid. Three rounds under par. He seems in control. He has a cushion of two strokes regarding his target.
These are the ones who are not giving up on anything and are shining the most at the British Masters. Shining brightly. Making life difficult for Donald. A blessed complication. There are also some who are losing steam, like Kristoffer Reitan (-4), Aaron Rai (-2), or Laurie Canter (+2). For these, just like Jordan Smith (-7), there is the consolation that there is still one round left at Belfry plus the Swiss tournament to try to make it even more difficult for Donald. Remember that the direct qualification of the top six closes this Sunday after the British Masters and Donald’s six picks will be announced after next week’s Omega European Masters.
