Sunday 21 August 2016 20:32, UK
Matt Fitzpatrick is relishing the prospect of a Ryder Cup debut this autumn after securing automatic qualification for Hazeltine at the Czech Masters.
Fitzpatrick came in to the week ninth in the World Points List and still with work to do to guarantee his place in Darren Clarke's side, but registered enough qualifying points in Prague to seal his place with a week to spare.
The 21-year-old carded a three-under 69 at Albatross Golf Resort on Sunday to end the tournament in fifth spot, meaning he can now look forward to featuring at Hazeltine from September 30-October 2.
"I'm just so excited!" Fitzpatrick told Sky Sports. "I can now just look forward to it, relax and get my game in shape.
"I think I've probably been in the team for the longest period of time having jumped straight in by winning the British Masters, and I've managed to stay in there since then.
"I'm just delighted to be in the team finally. It's a great opportunity, so hopefully I can just keep pushing with my game and getting better."
Thomas Pieters needed a win both in Prague and at next week's Made In Denmark tournament to secure an automatic qualification place, but saw his hopes end with a runner-up finish.
Pieters had taken a two-shot lead into the final round, but will now have to hope for a Wildcard pick after a two-under 70 left him one stroke short of winner Paul Peterson.
"I missed too many putts," Pieters said after his round. "I played good and stayed patient, but just couldn't get the ball into the hole.
"I hit it well all week, but it wasn't my day. Fair play to Paul (Peterson), he made a wonderful putt to win.
"Second isn't fun, but I gave it my all. I can go one better next week."
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