The United States team may have been set for Rome but there are still several Europeans vying for position at this week’s DP World Tour.
Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, and Tyrrell Hatton (European Points List), have all already qualified. The final two automatic places — one from each point list — will be announced after the final round at the Omega European Masters in Crans-surSierre Golf Club, Crans Montana, Switzerland, on Sunday.
Matt Fitzpatrick (15) will try to seal the deal on Sunday, when he takes the tee with a two shot lead after a third round 3-under 67.
The Englishman’s game has improved over the past month. He tied for second place at the BMW Championship as well as ninth in the Tour Championship. It seems that his excellent form has followed him to the other side of the Atlantic.
Omega Masters Full Leaderboard
Fitzpatrick, who had played his first 12 Saturday holes in 2 under par, fell at the 13th hole, where he put his tee-shot into the water, and ended up with a double bogey. He was able to get back on track, however, with birdies at Nos. He then added birdies at 14, 15 and 18, solidifying his two-shot lead.
Fitzpatrick’s third appearance in the biennial tournament (2016, 2021) would be if he can earn a place on Luke Donald’s squad.
Ludvig Anberg, of Sweden, plays his tee-shot on the seventh green during Day Three at the Omega European Masters held in Crans, Switzerland on September 02 2023. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images).
Fitzpatrick is looking back at Ludvig Aberg. The rising star is the heavy favorite for Donald to choose him as one of his six captain’s choices. Aberg is the ninth European to have a 70% chance of making the team according to data golf. Aberg has four top-25 finishes in seven starts this season on the PGA Tour, highlighted by a T-4 finish at the John Deere Classic.
The Swede was solid throughout the week. He opened with a 64 Thursday, and followed it up with another 67 Friday. On moving day he continued his momentum, shooting a 4-under 66 to tie for second with Alexander Bjork.
Aberg’s performance should not be a surprise, as he was tied for fourth place at the D+D Real Czech Masters last week. It would be his first professional win if he could catch Fitzpatrick.
Alex Fitzpatrick’s younger sibling, Matt, and Nicolai Hjgaard tied for fifth place at 12 under par, three back.
