Tony Jacklin says Europe need to change selection policy for Ryder Cup
Tuesday 4 October 2016 15:17, UK
Tony Jacklin believes the European Tour should change its rules so that future Ryder Cup captains have "the 12 best players at their disposal".
Speaking in the wake of Europe's 17-11 defeat by the United States on Sunday, the four-time former skipper said Paul Casey and Russell Knox would have improved Darren Clarke's team.
Casey, the world No 12, was ineligible as he was not a member of the European Tour while the 19th-ranked Knox was overlooked as a wild card.
America's victory in Minnesota was only their second since this century, but was well deserved during a contest they led from start to finish.
And Jacklin, a two-time major winner, says the number of wild cards should be increased from three to four, while also allowing anyone born in Europe to be available for selection.
The 72-year-old, who won the US Open at Hazeltine in 1970, said: "I don't think Darren had the best team.
"The likes of Casey and Knox should have been in the team. Future captains need to have the 12 best players at their disposal. We need to look at the system.
"The European Tour should have rules that are conducive to being able to pick anybody born in Europe.
"Having to be a member of the Tour in the modern-day game is a bit confining."
As for wildcards, he added: "If you've got four picks, you're not keeping anyone out. You want good match players and it gives the captain options.
"You can't afford to waste any places in the team. The Americans had a better side this time, no doubt about it."
Casey has not played for Europe since 2008, while US-based Knox has never featured in the Ryder Cup.
And Jacklin, who captained Europe in 1983-85-87-89, losing just once, praised the performances of rookies Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera-Bello.
European Tour Golf
The wild card Belgian was top scorer on either side with four points, while Spain's Cabrera-Bello picked up two-and-a-half from three games.
Jacklin added: "Thomas is a potential world number one. He is a fantastic player, what an incredible Ryder Cup initiation.
"Rafa was marvellous too. They are two wonderful examples of what a first-timer can do.
"It must give them enormous confidence for the future and they should take great credit for their performances."
