Ryder Cup star Tommy Fleetwood thinks this year’s edition at Whistling Straits should be postponed until 2021 because he believes it is unfair to cut short the qualification period as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.
“From a fairness perspective, I think the qualification process should run its full course,” Fleetwood said. “The Ryder Cup is there and that’s its date, but more for qualification purposes and fairness, I would say it would be better to move it back a year.
“Having said that, playing the Ryder Cup after what’s gone on could be an amazing turning point. It’s a difficult one and it’s a decision above my pay grade.”
The World No.10 is safely a part of the team as qualification currently stands thanks largely to his victory at last season’s Nedbank Golf Challenge in South Africa, but he told reporters that the lack of this year’s Masters, WGC Match Play and US PGA Championship as opportunities for players to earn points is unfair, given the event’s proximity in September.
“I think from a player’s perspective and qualification-wise, it would be better if it got pushed back, but it would also be a great time to play it as well,” he said.
“The Ryder Cup should be standalone and has always worked well because it takes place after the majors are done – but the schedule is going to change this year. So we’ll see – and whenever it is, I hope I make it on the team!” – Tommy Fleetwood
Fleetwood earned four points on his debut two years ago in Paris, forging an unbeatable partnership alongside Italian Francesco Molinari as Europe ran out comfortable winners by 17½ -10½.
