Thomas Bjorn to review Europe's Ryder Cup qualification process
By Sky Sports Golf
Last Updated: 08/12/16 10:42am
New European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn has confirmed there will be a review in to the qualification process for Europe’s 2018 side.
Bjorn was one of Darren Clarke's vice-captains at Hazeltine this autumn, where Europe were thrashed 17-11 to slump to their first defeat since 2008 and their heaviest since 1981.
Rory McIlroy led calls after that loss urging the European Tour to change their qualification criteria to make more players available for selection, where in-form Paul Casey was ineligible and Russell Knox also didn't feature.
The Ryder Cup committee will now conduct a full-scale investigation into selection policy and other areas of planning, but Bjorn admits no immediate decisions have been made.
"We've got to have a system that presents us with a team that can win this trophy back," Bjorn told Sky Sports News HQ. "It's got to be right for the players but it also has to be right for what the European Team stands for.
"People are playing in America and all around the world and you've got to always review. I don't think that's down to whether you've won or lost that you need to make changes; it's about looking at what's right in front of you and how the players make the team.
"I think it's very important not to make any quick decisions on it. I'm still scribbling down on paper what I think is right and then I'll go to the people who make the decisions.
"I will review that with all of the people in that process, but no decision has yet been made."
Bjorn's appointment has been backed by a number of former captains, including Colin Montgomerie, Paul McGinley and 2006 skipper Ian Woosnam - who the Dane previously brandished "not burdened with too many leadership qualities" when overlooked for his team at the K Club.
"It's fantastic to have his support," said Bjorn of Woosnam's backing."I'm grateful for all the past captains and the support I've had from them, and it's nice for Ian to come out and be so supportive.
"Sportspeople have a way of probably putting things to bed a lot sooner than other people do. It's a long time ago, so we go forward and we understand that this is about Europe, and the European team."
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