Tuesday 27 October 2015 18:26, UK
Matt Fitzpatrick has a great chance to make his Ryder Cup debut next year, according to European talisman Ian Poulter.
Fitzpatrick claimed his maiden professional title with a wire-to-wire victory in the British Masters supported by Sky Sports earlier this month at Woburn, where tournament host Poulter handed over the trophy to the youngster.
The 21-year-old, who earned his card via the punishing Qualifying School less than a year ago, has enjoyed three top-three finishes in six events ahead of this week's Turkish Airlines Open - the first of the Race to Dubai Final Series tournaments.
Poulter is also teeing up in Turkey following his late dash to retain his European Tour card in Hong Kong last week, and he believes Fitzpatrick is one of a number of young talents who could make their debut for Darren Clarke's team in Hazeltine next September.
"It wouldn't be a shock to see Matt or any of those guys in the Ryder Cup team," said Poulter, who was runner-up in Turkey last year. "They've won good tournaments and won them strong. Every year there are rookies in the Ryder Cup and they are the guys you would expect to have a run, playing the way they have played in the last few months.
"It's lovely to see young blood playing great golf, especially in that tournament (the British Masters). Matt was very proud to be able to win that with friends and family there to watch. I see them as my fellow players that I play against.
"I've known Matt now for a couple of years - I played in practice round with him at The Open and knew he was a great player."
Fitzpatrick, though, insisted his immediate focus was on the Final Series rather than the Ryder Cup, although he admitted thoughts of playing in the contest were "in the background".
"To be 11th heading into the Final Series is unbelievable really," said the former US Amateur champion. "I've got to be honest, I didn't think I'd win in my first year. I just wanted to keep my card and give myself another year on Tour, and just try to gain a lot of experience over the year.
"The Ryder Cup is not something I'm focused on; it's just in the background. I'm just trying to play golf and work hard to keep improving and keep doing the right things. The rest will take care of itself.
"It's still weird to say that I've won. It's been busy since and a few more doors have opened. It meant a big jump in the world rankings, and the aim is to finish the year inside the top 50."
