Matt Wallace broke down in tears at the Omega European Masters in Switzerland after reporters asked him about his Ryder Cup hopes. The 35-year-old Englishman had just enjoyed a brilliant week at the tournament when the question made him emotional. Wallace’s final-round 67 left him two shots behind winner Thriston Lawrence in Switzerland.
Also Read: Ryder Cup Race Heats Up, Who’s Locked in and who’s Falling Out ?
Wallace Would Never Give Up On Ryder Cup
Wallace entered the tournament knowing it might be his last chance to impress Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald before he finalized the team. He produced four superb rounds – 65, 63, 65, and 67- finishing on 20-under-par. It was a score that would have been good enough to win many weeks on the DP World Tour, but this time it left him in second place, two strokes behind South African Thriston Lawrence, who claimed the trophy.
When asked about his Ryder Cup chances during the post-round interview, an emotional Wallace paused for over 40 seconds, his head down, trying to compose himself before finally mustering some words. “I’ll never give up on the Ryder Cup,” The 35-year-old said. “I just won’t.”
Wallace has never played in the Ryder Cup, but he has come close to qualifying on a few occasions. The Englishman has been pushing hard this year and his performances have kept him in the conversation. He entered the European Masters ranked 12th on the European Ryder Cup standings, which placed him just outside the automatic spots and among a group of players hoping for one of the captain’s six picks.
Fans Awaits Captain Luke Donald’s Picks
Europe’s Captain Luke Donald is expected to announce his six captain’s picks on Monday. Wallace’s second-place finish at the Omega European Masters gave him more points, but it is unlikely to be enough on its own. Luke Donald has several strong options to choose from, including proven major winners and younger players who have impressed all season.
Wallace’s emotional interview, however, showed just how much the chance to represent Europe would mean to him. It was not about money or rankings, but about pride, passion, and a deep desire to compete on one of sport’s biggest stages. The 35-year-old was snubbed in 2018 despite winning three times during his first full year on the DP World Tour, as Thomas Bjørn decided to go with experience by choosing four players with an average age of 41.
Victory at the European Masters would have increased Wallace’s chances, but it doesn’t look like the five-time DP World Tour winner will make the Ryder Cup team this year after falling short. Regardless, fans are eagerly awaiting Captain Luke Donald’s announcement to see who he selects and if the 35-year-old might by any chance make the team.
Main Photo Credit: © Allison Lawhon-Imagn Images
