Why Paul Casey is not eligible for the Ryder Cup
Looking at Paul Casey’s career record – one PGA Tour win, 13 European Tour titles and two triumphs in Asia – it is clear to see that his three
Ryder Cup appearances (twice on the winning side) would be among his greatest achievements. Making the 12-man team to face the Americans not only places you at the very centre of the sporting world for three autumn days but is also recognition for a consistent level elite performance. Why then did Paul Casey rule himself out of Darren Clarke’s team? Here we look at why Paul Casey is not eligible for
the Ryder Cup.
European Ryder Cup Team 2016
European Tour Membership
The simple answer to the question is because Paul Casey did not take up his membership of the European Tour. In order to encourage more of the top players to compete in territories outside the US, players must take up membership of the European Tour to be eligible for European selection. This means competing in five regular Tour events (excluding majors and WGCs). For Rory McIlroy (who is also based in the US) this meant competing in Abu Dhabi and Dubai at the start of the season and then in Ireland in May and France in July. The Northern Irishman will reach his quota of Tour events by competing in the Final Series events at the end of the season.
Why Paul Casey said no
For the Englishman the commitment of competing in five regular European Tour explains why Paul Casey is not eligible for the Ryder Cup. Casey lives in Arizona and plays full time on the PGA Tour. He is engaged to television presenter Pollyanna Woodward, has a young son and his decision not to take up membership of the European Tour has precluded him from making Darren Clarke’s team. Earlier this year, Casey told Sky Sports, “My decision was never about the Ryder Cup, which is what I always get asked. The decision was about what’s best for my family, and unfortunately, the by-product is what it is.”