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Thomas Bjorn impressed by Ryder Cup hopeful Matt Fitzpatrick

By Ali Stafford

Friday 19 August 2016 17:17, UK

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC - AUGUST 19: Matthew Fitzpatrick of England takes his second shot on the 18th hole during day two of the D+D REAL Czech Masters at A
Image: Thomas Bjorn has tipped Matt Fitzpatrick to be force in future Ryder Cups

Thomas Bjorn believes Matt Fitzpatrick has the potential to become a leading light in Europe’s Ryder Cup plans for years to come.

Fitzpatrick currently sits ninth in the World Points List and occupies the final automatic qualification spot with two events remaining, with the 21-year-old looking to secure his spot with a strong showing at the Czech Masters.

Bjorn - one of Darren Clarke's vice-captains - played alongside Fitzpatrick and fellow Ryder Cup hopeful Andy Sullivan for the opening two rounds in Prague, where he was left impressed by his back-to-back 69s.

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 30: Matthew Fitzpatrick of England and Andy Sullivan of England looks on during day one of the 100th Open de France at Le Golf Natio
Image: Fitzpatrick (left) and Andy Sullivan are both looking to secure Ryder Cup debuts

"He (Fitzpatrick) looks like he's coming in to the right kind of form right now," Bjorn told Sky Sports. "He looks aggressive, smart in his golf and plays with the maturity of someone much older than he is.

"We know he has the right mentality, he's one of the brightest young prospects in world golf. The Ryder Cup is a big boy's game, but the experienced players in the team will help him along and make him feel comfortable.

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"At 21 he has so many Ryder Cups ahead of him, it's just a question of him now getting in to his first one and learning and becoming one of the greatest Ryder Cup players Europe has ever produced."

The players who can still secure one of the automatic qualification spots
Image: The players who can still secure one of the automatic qualification spots

Sullivan joined Bjorn in missing the cut at Albatross Golf Resort, but the Dane is confident the three-time European Tour winner can still play a key part in Europe's line-up at Hazeltine.

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Bjorn added: "It obviously wasn't the week that Sullivan would have wanted, but I always have said that he's one of I have always said that he's one of the rookies I would worry about the least.

How the European Team currently looks, as it stands
Image: How the European Team looks with two qualifying events remaining

"His attitude towards things and how excited he is about the prospect of making the team will stand him well.

"They'll be great additions to the team, if they make it, and I'm sure they'll make their fair share of points. You need new blood and new players once in a while to come in and take over, so it's up for them to stand up and show how good they are."

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