Matt Wallace came to Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club in Switzerland this week as the event’s defending champion. If he could find a way to win again, he had an outside shot at making the European Ryder Cup team as a captain’s pick.
Wallace shot 3-under 67 in the final round, though his momentum slowed on the back nine when he was even in the closing stretch. His 20-under total wasn’t enough, as he finished two shots behind Thriston Lawrence, who claimed his second Omega European Masters title.
Down the stretch, he showed plenty of emotion, knowing what was on the line. After his approach on the 17th went long on the green, he collapsed in the fairway where he remained for some time. Once on the green, Wallace had a strong effort on his birdie putt, but he took his hat off after the attempt missed and dropped his head.
After the round, the Englishman did an interview with Sky Sports, where emotions overcame him. Wallace sits 12th in the European rankings, but the five players in front of him (Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland and Matt Fitzpatrick) are all expected to be selected Monday when captain Luke Donald reveals his picks. If that happens, it means one spot is up for grabs, and Jon Rahm, who’s 24th in the rankings, is a shoo-in to be on the team.
“I’ll never give up on the Ryder Cup,” Wallace finally choked out.
It was a stellar fight from Wallace this week, who’s ranked 86th in the world but has been as high as 23rd.
However, barring an unexpected decision from Donald, he’s going to have to wait until 2027 to represent Team Europe.
Donald is set to make his final six picks at 9 a.m. ET Monday, Sept. 1.
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