Ryder Cup call-up for Ryan Moore after Rory McIlroy gives Europe an early boost

Precious cargo: European captain Darren Clarke with the Ryder Cup as he and his team prepare to leave for the United States
Andrew Redington/Getty Images
Matt Majendie @mattmajendie26 September 2016

Ryan Moore might have missed out on the pay cheque of his career, but there was some consolation as he got a late call as the final member of the United States Ryder Cup team in Hazeltine.

Moore lost in a play-off for the Tour Championship on Sunday against Rory McIlroy but did enough to warrant the fourth and final captain’s pick from US skipper Davis Love III.

It means there is no place in the American line-up for world No7 Bubba Watson, who tweeted his congratulations to Moore and the rest of the team. Watson is believed to have been overlooked as Love could not find an obvious playing partner for a player once voted the least popular on the PGA Tour.

Of Moore, Love said: “Ryan fits so well with what we have in place. He’s an easy-going, thoughtful guy, but don’t be fooled: Ryan’s a great match-play player. He has guts and determination — and everyone saw that [on Sunday]. We are so thrilled to have him with us.”

In response, Moore said he was “honoured to be part of the team”.

While Love believes Moore will be a necessary fillip to the US bid to end Europe’s Ryder Cup domination, the European contingent — who flew out of Heathrow this morning to join up with those already in the States — can only be buoyed by McIlroy’s victory.

The win pocketed the Irishman, who is likely to be Europe’s talisman when the event gets under way on Friday, £1.15m, plus a further £7.7m for overall victory in the FedEx Championship.

McIlroy said he was relishing the chance to play under captain Darren Clarke. “Darren was a very strong influence on the early development and direction of my game,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to Darren, with all his knowledge and passion, being at the helm of the European team.”

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