Ryder Cup qualification: Rasmus Hojgaard claims final automatic spot as Noren wins at Belfry

Could Nicolai Hojgaard get the nod ahead of Matt Fitzpatrick?

The Englishman, who revealed Donald urged him to play in this tournament, led by one heading into the final round but a closing 74 left him well off the pace at 10 under.

He said after round three that his goal “was to make a case for myself [for the Ryder Cup]”. Whether the 2022 US Open champion has done enough, we will find out on 1 September.

Lowry, who finished seventh on the rankings list, is among those looking nailed on for selection.

Austria’s Sepp Straka, who has won twice on the PGA Tour this season finished eighth on the list, just above Ludvig Aberg of Sweden and Norway’s Viktor Hovland.

All three played in the victory in Rome in 2023 and Donald may opt for that experience as Europe look to record a first away win in the biennial event since the ‘Miracle of Medinah’ in 2012.

Jon Rahm, who won the LIV Golf individual title, looks certain to be included given he contributed 3½ points in a losing cause at Whistling Straits in 2021 and three more in Italy.

Of the others chasing a spot, Englishman Matt Wallace, who was 11th in the standings heading into the final qualification event, probably needed a victory but faded on the final day, posting a 77 to finish four under.

Marco Penge, who has won twice this year, including last week’s Danish Championship, closed with a 72 and 10 under total, while Aaron Rai finished alongside Wallace.