Made in Denmark Preview, Picks & Analysis

Post by Sports Writer Derek Clements

IN JUNE, Shane Lowry looked like a certainty to make Darren Clarke's Ryder Cup team. After coming so close to winning the US Open, it seemed that the Irishman had taken his game to the next level.

Since then, however, his form has deserted him and Lowry is now on the outside looking in. But one good week could change all of that. And that is why he has entered the Made in Denmark, the final counting event for the European team. Victory for Lowry will surely secure his place in the side, but he is not the only man playing for his place, so there is a very strong field at this tournament.

The 29 year old is relishing the opportunity of making a late case for inclusion in Captain Darren Clarke’s team when the third edition of the tournament takes place at Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort, from August 25-28.

“I can’t wait to get to Denmark for what could be a big week for me,” said the three-time European Tour winner. “I’m determined to play my way onto the Ryder Cup team, so it was a fairly easy decision for me to play that week, and one I hope will pay off. I’ve heard great things about this event and especially the fans, which suits me as I love playing in front of big crowds. Hopefully I can show them what I’m capable of, and peak at just the right time.”

Martin Kaymer is another player chasing a wildcard pick for the Ryder Cup, and the two-time major winner also makes his Made in Denmark debut as he goes for his 12th European Tour title. It would be a big surprise if Clarke overlooks the German. Kaymer has not been at his best this season, but even a half-firing Kaymer is worth a punt. This, remember, is the man who holed the winning putt at Medinah in 2012. He is a man for the big occasion, with nerves of steel.

Other Ryder Cup hopefuls in the field include Englishmen Matthew Fitzpatrick, Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan, all of whom have secured automatic qualification spots; while home favourite Soren Kjeldsen will also be hoping to put up a strong showing in front of Clarke as he too bids to secure a wildcard pick.

Despite achieving his second victory on the European Tour this season, Fitzpatrick had struggled to maintain his automatic place in the Ryder Cup team but secured it by finishing fifth at the Czech Masters and has now reserved his seat on the plane to Hazeltine. He hasn't produced the level of brilliant consistency that we saw from him in 2015, but that is hardly surprising - just look at what has happened to Jordan Spieth in 2016. But Fitzpatrick has got the lot, not least in terms of his temperament. And speaking of temperament, Kjeldsen would also be a huge asset to the team, but he has little or no chance of receiving a wild card, so he needs to win here and then wait to discover if it is good enough.

These are exciting times for the tour and Darren Clarke will surely be licking his lips as he anticipates the final shape of his team for Hazeltine.

Made in Denmark Picks & Tips

To Win: Soren Kjeldsen. Pure grit

Each Way: Martin Kaymer. Pure class

Each Way: Matthew Fitzpatrick. Pure genius

Made in Denmark Fantasy Picks

Soren Kjeldsen. Ready to throw cat among the pigeons

Martin Kaymer. Looking good for Ryder Cup wildcard

Matthew Fitzpatrick. Maybe trying too hard and playing too much golf

Shane Lowry. Would be a popular winner

Andy Sullivan. Consistent play all summer

Marc Warren. Scot slowly finding his best form again

Eddie Pepperell. Looking for a big week