Runners and Ryders: Watson jumps two places, Casey into automatic spot
June 25, 2018 12:05 MYT
Bubba Watson enhanced his chances of securing a Ryder Cup spot by winning the Travelers Championship and Paul Casey moved into an automatic qualification spot despite falling away in his final round on Sunday.
Watson was a vice-captain when the United States regained the famous trophy at Hazeltine two years ago, but is firmly in contention to play at Le Golf National in September.
The two-time Masters champion claimed his third victory of the season at TPC River Highlands with a superb seven-under 63 in his final round and rose two places to fifth in the USA standings.
Brooks Koepka strengthened his grip on top spot by finishing in a share of 19th place and the double U.S. Open champion now plans to take a break until The Open at Carnoustie.
Bryson Dechambeau moved into the eighth and final automatic qualification spot at the expense of Webb Simpson after finishing joint-ninth at the Travelers.
A final round of 72 denied Casey a second title of the season, but the Englishman replaced Matt Fitzpatrick in an automatic spot for the European side after finishing in a share of second place behind Watson.
Thorbjorn Olesen shot the lowest round in BMW International Open history at Golf Club Gut Laerchenhof on Sunday, a magnificent 61 giving him a second-placed finish which moved him up to fifth place on the European points list.
European points list (top four earn places)
1. TYRRELL HATTON: 3,559,896.72
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5. Thorbjorn Olesen: 2,358,160.77
World points list (top four not already qualified via European Points list earn places)
1. Justin Rose: 290.39
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9. Matt Fitzpatrick 138.39
1. BROOKS KOEPKA: 8,919.409
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9. Webb Simpson: 4,027.534
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European Tour: Open de France, Paris