Rasmus Hojgaard clinched the last automatic qualification spot for Europe’s Ryder Cup team with a solid performance at the British Masters, held on Sunday. The young golfer finished tied for 13th place at the tournament, securing his debut in the prestigious competition at Bethpage Black next month.
It was enough to get Hojgaard home in the final round with a 1-under par 71. This remarkable showing shot him past Shane Lowry on the automatic qualifiers list. Hojgaard wanted to punch his ticket by finishing in a two-way tie for 29th or higher. He certainly exceeded those expectations with his record-setting, All-American performance.
It was all that peaks and valleys, but you persevered through and that’s what it’s about. So you should be proud of yourself,” said one of his fans following the round. Even with that success, Hojgaard was honest enough to say that he was a bit stressed during the tournament.
“I don’t know what to feel — I’ve been so stressed out on the course today. I was telling my caddie, I don’t know how I’m going to be able to do this,” Hojgaard expressed following his round.
As soon as he walked off his last hole, things changed — thanks to an uplifting call from European captain Luke Donald. Donald particularly praised Hojgaard’s lofty place on the team. He added, “You’ve deserved it, you fit in, and I’m so, so incredibly thrilled to have you here!”
The eventual British Masters champion Alex Noren, the Swede was brilliant all week battling back to claim victory. Hojgaard’s identical twin brother, Nicolai, was a member of the European team at the 2023 Ryder Cup, played outside Rome. This qualification has particular meaning for the Hojgaard family.
Lowry is now reliant on one of six captain’s picks to guarantee his place in the 12-man squad. As September 1 nears, the battle between established players and newcomers intensifies for these important picks.
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