Who has qualified for Europe's Ryder Cup team and who is among the chasing pack?

A tense showdown between Sweden's Henrik Stenson and American Phil Mickelson in The Open's thrilling finale gave us a taste of what is to follow at Hazeltine at the 41<sup>st Ryder Cup later this year (27 September to 2 October).

With just over a month to go before Darren Clarke names his 12-man team attempting to defend the trophy for the fourth consecutive time, the team travelling to Minnesota is starting to take shape.

How it works

The top four ranked golfers on the European Points List on the cut-off date of Sunday 28 August – or after the Made in Denmark tournament, whichever comes quicker – will qualify for the team.

The leading five names of the Ryder Cup World Points List – providing they have not already qualified through the European Points List – will also make the team, with the same cut-off dates applying.

Clarke will also be given three wild card picks to finalise his team.

Current rankings

European Points list: 1) Rory McIlroy, 2) Danny Willett, 3) Henrik Stenson, 4) Chris Wood

World Points list: 1) Henrik Stenson, 2) Rory McIlroy, 3) Danny Willett, 4) Sergio Garcia, 5) Rafa Cabrera-Bello

Who will make it?

Henrik Stenson's sensational win over Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon also saw him climb to third in the European Points List and top of the World Points list, confirming his place. World no. 4 Rory McIlroy finished tied for fifth, an incredible 16 shots off the lead, but also has his spot for September booked. Masters champion Danny Willett faded in west Scotland, but remains second in the European Points and third in the World Points lists.

Further down the list, Justin Rose, who missed the weekend cut after a dismal Friday in the wind and rain, still has a chance of qualifying via the World's Point list. Sergio Garcia is on course to take place in his ninth Ryder Cup, while his countryman Rafa Cabrera-Bello makes up the top five of the World Points List,

Behind him is a cluster of Englishmen looking to crash the party, with Chris Wood, Andy Sullivan, Mathew Fitzpatrick and Lee Westwood trailing Rose while Soren Kjeldsen, who finished up at Troon tied for ninth, sits a spot behind them. Ireland's Shane Lowry, who sits 11<sup>th and 13<sup>th in the European and World Lists respectively, has some catching up to do, having also missed the weekend cut.

One of Darren Clarke's wild card picks would have surely been marked for Ian Poulter, who revels in Ryder Cup action like no one else. A foot injury means he'll be limited to a non-playing role as one of four vice captains, however. Poulter has always been a popular pick, something Andrew "Beef" Johnston might hope to replicate. The 27-year-old Londoner became everyone's new favourite golfer over the weekend where he finished with a hugely credible three under par. Beef is well adrift in the rankings and Europe coach Clarke says he must shine at the USPGA Championship to stand any chance of receiving the call. Graeme McDowell is another whose hopes reply on wild card selection.

The Events

Kings Cup – 28 July to 31 July

USPGA Championship – 28 July to 31 July

Czech Masters – 18 August to 21 August

Made in Denmark – 25 August to 28 August