Richard Mansell: Thomas Bjørn told me not to set the Ryder Cup as one of my goals

Rising star Richard Mansell has revealed Ryder Cup legend Thomas Bjørn gave him some sound words of advice on qualifying for Luke Donald’s European team ahead of the inaugural Hero Cup this week in Abu Dhabi.

Mansell was the final pick for Tommy Fleetwood’s Great Britain & Ireland squad after enjoying his best season to date on the DP World Tour.

The 27-year-old made the most of his playing opportunities in 2022 regaining full playing privileges after finishing 44th on the Race to Dubai in a year which, despite limited starts, included two third-place finishes and four further top tens.

“When I got the call from Luke three or four days before it was announced it was obviously a great feeling,” said Mansell.

“It was one of my goals last season and when the teams came out initially I was disappointed but understood why I hadn’t made the team.

“To start my proper full year on Tour with this opportunity before two big events in the Middle East and to surround myself with some great players to try and learn from is great. Hopefully I can keep climbing up that ladder.”

As well as receiving a call from Donald, Mansell was also contacted by Vice Captain Bjørn, who led the European team to a famous victory at Le Golf National in 2018.

“It’s a dream to play on the European Ryder Cup team at some point, whether that be this year or in the future,” he said.

“I had a really interesting call with Thomas, who told me the best piece of advice he could give me was to not have it as one of my goals and to set my own goals individually – the fact I am here this week means I’m good enough to be on the team.

“He went on to say that if I did set it as one of my goals, it could quite easily get in the way and I wouldn’t make the team because that’s all I’d be thinking about.

“If I can keep improving and get a win under my belt, which is something I need to do, then there is no reason why I cannot make Luke’s team in Rome.”

 

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