Bjorn to have extra wildcard

European Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn will have one extra wildcard for his team in 2018.

In a change to the qualification rules, Bjorn will make four captain's picks instead of the usual three, while players will only have to compete in four tournaments to be eligible.

Previously players had to play in five tournaments, excluding the majors and World Golf Championships, to have a chance of qualifying, although they must still be a member of the European Tour.

Another change to the qualification process will see Ryder Cup points weighted in favour of tournaments in the latter stages of the process to ensure in form players can qualify for the team. Race to Dubai points and World Ranking points earned in these tournaments will be multiplied by 1.5 for the two respective qualification lists, beginning with the 2018 BMW Championship at Wentworth.

Qualification begins with the D+D Real Czech Masters at the Albatross Golf Resort from August 31 to September 3 with the final event yet to be confirmed.

"I am delighted that the Tournament Committee passed these regulations which I believe will considerably benefit the European Ryder Cup team in 2018 without compromising the strength or importance of the European Tour," Bjorn said.

"In my role as chairman of the Tournament Committee for the past 10 years and now as Ryder Cup captain, I fully appreciate the need to balance both of these essential elements, and I think we have managed to do that.

"Part of the reason for my appointment last month was to, as soon as possible, begin the process required to regain the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in 2018, and these changes are the first step on that journey. Hopefully they will help me have the 12 best European players available in 20 months' time."

In addition to the changes to the qualification process, the Tournament Committee has confirmed that from 2018 players who decline membership of the European Tour, or fail to fulfil their minimum event obligation cannot be a European Ryder Cup Captain or a Vice-Captain.

“The change to our minimum tournament requirement will help many of our members who play around the world but who, at the same time, wish to remain loyal to The European Tour," European Tour chief executive Keith Pelley said.

"It will enable them to remain in membership in what are extremely exciting times for The European Tour with the advent of the Rolex Series, one of the most important and significant developments in our 44-year history.”

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