Matt Wallace remains adamant that a spot on the 2025 European Ryder Cup team is still achievable, saying he’ll chase a place for as long as he competes. The 25-year-old Englishman has yet to feature in a Ryder Cup, having come closest in 2018 when he finished 13th on the European Points list after winning four times on the DP World Tour in 2017 and 2018.
This season, Wallace sits 11th in the points standings, still in the mix for a captain’s pick alongside Sepp Straka, Ludvig Åberg, Viktor Hovland and Harry Hall, all of whom are in the field for the PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship this week, where no further points are available.
Wallace spoke on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast ahead of the Betfred British Masters at The Belfry, stressing that he simply needs to play excellent golf over the coming weeks to force the captain’s hand. “I’ve been in that situation before [in 2018], played really good golf and it didn’t work out,” he said. “I definitely feel I can be part of that team and add value. I still believe, and I still want to make that team – I want to be there in Bethpage.”
The New York venue, where the 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled to be staged from September 26-28, is close to Wallace’s heart. He recalled finishing as the high European finisher at the PGA Championship held at the same site in 2019 (tied for third) and said he loves the course and wants to be “in the mix” in Bethpage. He added that he must “go and play well these next two weeks” and hopes past results can help sway the decision-makers.
Wallace’s comments come as Luke Donald, Europe’s captain, acknowledged there is no guarantee on picks and that while continuity is beneficial, fresh blood could also contribute positively. “Continuity is good, but fresh blood could be good too,” Donald said, stressing that the final picks are still to be determined.
Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Tyrrell Hatton have already qualified and are assured of their spots at Bethpage, leaving Donald with a challenging set of choices for the remaining captain’s picks. The picks are due to be announced live on Sky Sports on Monday, September 1 at 2pm.
Other notes ahead of the British Masters: the event is live on Sky Sports Golf with coverage continuing through the weekend.
What to watch for
– Wallace’s performance over the next two weeks could tilt the balance for a captain’s pick.
– The dynamic between automatic qualifiers and captain’s picks will shape Europe’s lineup for Bethpage.
– The Ryder Cup atmosphere at The Belfry and the Tour Championship spotlight could influence momentum heading into the strong field race.
Summary
Matt Wallace remains focused and confident that he can force his way onto Europe’s Ryder Cup side for 2025, leveraging recent form and a strong affinity for the Bethpage course. With several automatics already secure and a captain’s picks process underway, the coming weeks are crucial for Wallace as he seeks to translate consistency into a coveted spot in New York.
Possible positive angle
Wallace’s persistence and belief in his ability to contribute could inspire teammates and fans, underscoring the competitive depth Europe hopes to bring to Bethpage.
Additional notes for publication
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