Adrian Meronk, the event’s champion and defending champion, didn’t require any additional motivation to play well at the 2023 Horizon Irish Open this week. But a phonecall on Sunday added fuel to his already burning fire.
Luke Donald, the European Ryder Cup Captain, made his six captain’s picks Monday. After finishing fifth in the European points table and 11th in the world list, Meronk received a message to be ready for a call, regardless of the result. The 30-year-old was happy after his T-13 finish at the Omega European Masters on Sunday in Switzerland.
Meronk admitted that he was “shocked” when he heard if a 12-player team heading to Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome this month had not selected him. “I thought I had a decent chance of being on the team but it was quite a shocking call.”
“I heard (Donald), that it was also tough for him. “I stopped listening when he told me he wasn’t going,” he admitted. “He said that someone would have to stay at home. It was obvious that it was close and other stuff. I would not want to be in that position. I knew he was struggling. “But yeah, I’ve said it was a huge shock and I didn’t really focus on anything after that.”
Meronk had only three top-25 finishes in 11 starts this season on the PGA Tour. He missed six cuts. In 18 starts on the DP World Tour, Meronk won the Australian Open and Italian Open.
Meronk said, “It has been an emotional week for me. From shock to sadness to anger. I am now trying to turn that into motivation as we head into this coming week.” Meronk was speaking ahead of his title defence at the K Club in Ireland’s Kildare country. “It’s hard to accept. It’s a shame because I thought I had done enough for the team. “I wish them luck and will focus on my own game and move forward.”
“Monday morning, I was filled with sadness and disbelief. He added that he felt anger because, to be honest, he had spent the last year-and-a-half thinking about it and it was his goal. “So, you know, I just realized that it wasn’t going to happen this coming year. It was only sadness that turned into anger. “I think emotions are normal and honest.”
Those who think Meronk has been overlooked for the team point out captain’s choices like rookies Ludvig aberg, and Nicolai hojgaard. One of these was highlighted after his victory in Switzerland at European Masters.
“I believe Ludvig will probably play in the next 6 or 7 Ryder Cups. This is a great one to start in Rome, with a strong team. Shane Lowry said, “I think he will fit in the team nicely.” This is Lowry’s second Euros start. “He drives the golf ball extremely well, which is exactly what you need on that course. I think he will be a good fit for the team.”
“Oh, Ludvig is a clear choice at the end,” said Padraig Harrington. Padraig Harrington, former European captain, added: “I don’t believe it was a question at all. “I believe two weeks earlier, it would have made a huge pick. The pick would have been made based more on statistics than results. But his performances have been excellent the last two week, which is why you set a deadline. Ludvig’s form has been proven to be current, so you want him in your team.
