Donaldson eyes Ryder Cup spot
WELSHMAN Jamie Donaldson moved closer to sealing a European Ryder Cup place after posting a first round 66 to hold a one-shot lead in the Czech Masters yesterday.
The 38-year-old holds the eighth of nine automatic places for Gleneagles due to his world points list position although victory in Prague would see him qualify via the European list.
Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell is ninth in the world points list and carded a one-under-par 70 in the first round of The Barclays, the first event of the PGA Tour’s FedEx Cup play-offs, five shots behind American leader Bo Van Pelt.
England’s Lee Westwood followed suit as Luke Donald finished with an even-par 71, while Ian Poulter carded a one-over-par 72, with the trio all eyeing a late Ryder Cup charge.