Clarke's weakened Europeans could fall short at Hazeltine

Martin Kaymer plays from a bunker at the European OpenCredit: Getty Images

He won’t of course, but Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke can always blame Paul Casey if Europe get close to a successful defence on Sunday but fall just short.

The Arizona-based Brit, arguably the second-best golfer in Europe on current form after finishing 2-2-4 in three top-quality FedEx Cup tournaments, took himself out of the Ryder race at an early stage by refusing to rejoin the European Tour.

With typical cussedness, Casey has saved his best for the most eye-catching moment, at the same time hoisting himself to 13th in the rankings.

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Published on 30 September 2016inThe Open

Last updated 19:42, 28 September 2016

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