Ryder Cup 2016: Thomas Pieters, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer selected by Darren Clarke as Europe’s wildcard picks

Wild thing: Clarke selects Belgian ahead of Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell and Russell Knox

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Jonathan Hunn30 August 2016

Darren Clarke today named Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters as his three wildcard picks for Europe’s Ryder Cup team.

Pieters made a late case for selection with victory at the Made in Denmark last week and the Belgian was picked ahead of Luke Donald, Graeme McDowell and Russell Knox.

Clarke had been keen to add experience to his side, which will contain six rookies, but decided to take a chance on another debutant. Pieters has won three times on the European Tour in the past year.

“In Lee and Martin I have got guys that bring a wealth of experience,” said Clarke. “The last choice was very difficult. I had a few people in mind. It was difficult but I found it impossible to leave Thomas off the team.”

Davis Love III, the United States captain, will name three of his four picks on September 12 before completing his team five days before the Ryder Cup begins at Hazeltine on September 30.

CLARKE’S 12 FOR HAZELTINE

Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett, Henrik Stenson, Chris Wood, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan, Matt Fitzpatrick. Wild-card picks: Lee Westwood, Martin Kaymer and Thomas Pieters.