Automatic places confirmed for European Ryder Cup team

Andy Sullivan isn’t expecting an easy ride from the American fans when he joins the rest of the Europe team at the Ryder Cup.

Sullivan confirmed his place as one of the nine automatic picks over the weekend and he is relishing the prospect of making his debut in the biennial event.

The 30-year-old is one of five confirmed rookies for Europe, with Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Matt Fitzpatrick also set for Ryder Cup debuts in Minnesota.

Sullivan insists he won’t be overawed by the experience and he is already expecting a hostile reception for the American fans as Europe bid for a fourth straight victory in the competition.

He told Sky Sports: “I can let my emotions go and actually think about being in that team. It’s amazing. I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet but I’ve got four weeks to let it sink in and get my head around it.

“I feel like it’s one of those events where you can let your emotions go a little bit more and show a bit more to the fans and the crowd. I’m really looking forward to that. Going to America, I know it’s going to be quite a hostile atmosphere.

“I know the Americans aren’t going to let us have it all our own way so I’m quite looking forward to going there and trying to upset the apple cart.”

Europe’s nine automatic qualifiers have already been confirmed with a week to spare, with Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and Justin Rose joining the five rookies.

Tagged Andy Sullivan, Ryder Cup, Ryder Cup Europe