Rose can't rely on Ryder Cup wildcard entry

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 19:13

JUSTIN Rose could find himself part of a Ryder Cup wildcard lottery which is a fate the former European No 1 is keen to avoid.

Twice 2010 US PGA Tour winner Rose, 30 tomorrow, is struggling to make Colin Montgomerie's team for Celtic Manor, lying seventh on the world points list, three adrift of qualifying. He is nowhere on the European points list.

Rose could have a better chance than anyone of being handed one of the three wildcards by Montgomerie next month because of his US Tour performances this year. But on the eve of the Irish Open, which starts today, Rose said just because he had beaten Americans on their own turf does not make him a shoo-in for a pick by Montgomerie. "There are six or seven guys who are very, very realistic possibilities for wildcards at the moment," he said at the Killarney hosting club. "That means there are going to be some very disappointed guys this year. Guys who consider themselves to be Ryder Cup players may not play."

Rose is determined not to need the nod from Montgomerie. "I have a great opportunity to qualify by right," he said.

"If all the realistic wildcard options play well in the next few weeks, it will make Monty's task easier."