Bjorn urges Ryder Cup hopefuls to battle

Thomas Bjorn says his Ryder Cup 2018 hopefuls must do everything they can to make the team and not be “at the mercy of someone else”.

The Dane is in charge of Europe for the tournament in France next year and he will hope to win back the trophy they surrendered to the USA at Hazeltine last autumn.

Bjorn has to take the top eight European players in the world on form with him before he then selects four captain’s picks, and he’s urged the contenders to do all they can to be in the automatic top-eight spots to guarantee their place on the team.

Speaking ahead of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, which begins on Thursday, Bjorn said: “There’s eight spots up for grabs and I can’t do anything about those eight. So, if you want to make sure you’re on the team, get one of the eight spots.

“The four picks are there for a reason. They are to mix and match the team. You’ve got to make it on paper because then you’re certain.

“If you don’t, then you are at the mercy of somebody else and, as a sportsman, that’s never a great place to be.”

The 2018 edition of the Ryder Cup takes place between September 28-30 next year on the Albatros Course of Le Golf National in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, just outside Paris.

Tagged Ryder Cup, Thomas Bjorn