While Ludvig Aberg of Sweden won the European Masters in Switzerland, Matt Fitzpatrick tied for third and earned a spot on the Ryder Cup team.
As a result of his stellar play, the 2022 US Open winner will join fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood as one of Europe’s two automatic finalists.
The other winner was Scottish national Robert MacIntyre, who came in at a disappointing 55th place.
The 19-under par winner Aberg is hoping to be selected as one of captain Luke Donald’s six wildcards on Monday.
When overnight leader Fitzpatrick faltered in the latter stages of the race in Crans-sur-Sierre, fellow Swede Alexander Bjork took advantage and finished second.
Three bogeys in the final four holes cost the 29-year-old Englishman a chance to tie the legendary Seve Ballesteros for most victories at the tournament.
Europe’s roster was set before this weekend, with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tyrrell Hatton all qualifying via European and global point totals.
The United States finalized their 12-man roster for the September 29-1, Rome, Italy encounter last Tuesday.
After beating off Yannik Paul, Adrian Meronk, Victor Perez, Rasmus Hojgaard, and Adrian Otaegui for third place on the European points list, MacIntyre will make his debut European appearance in the Italian city.
“I am so excited,” the 27-year-old exclaimed. It’s been a challenging qualifying season, but I’m glad I came out on top and secured a berth in the top six.
To quote, “I’ve worked hard to play in the Ryder Cup, but now it’s important that we go on and win it.”
After competing in the United States in 2016 and 2021, Fitzpatrick will be competing for Europe one again at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Whether or not Donald chooses Aberg, who was competing in just his sixth tournament since turning professional in June, along with Fleetwood, Justin Rose, and Shane Lowry on Monday is the big question.
Before Fitzpatrick made his third birdie of the day on the 13th, Aberg trailed the Englishman by three strokes.
However, Aberg shot four consecutive birdies beginning on the 14th to take the lead.
“I figured a win would put me in a good position [for the Ryder Cup], but honestly I’ve been doing a pretty good job of not thinking about it too much,” the 23-year-old remarked.
Obviously, that means a lot to me. If I ever get the opportunity to play in one of those tournaments, I will be overjoyed. As a young golfer growing up in Sweden and Europe, I believe those are the events you want to be a part of. It’s a fantastic idea.
In the year 2023, Aberg has made a meteoric leap up the international rankings. Making eight of his first nine cuts on the PGA Tour and finishing tied for fourth at last week’s Czech Masters saw him jump from 3,073rd when he competed in the Dubai Desert Classic as an amateur in January to 200th before this week’s event in Switzerland.
