Oct 6, 2016: Thomas Pieters admits it is a “weird feeling” to return to the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship as a Ryder Cup star just two years after a strong finish at this event helped him solidify his European Tour card.
The big-hitting Belgian was the leading scorer on either side at Hazeltine National last week, winning four points from five matches in his first Ryder Cup.
Pieters is one of six members of Darren Clarke’s team in Scotland for this week’s tournament, with Martin Kaymer, Lee Westwood, Danny Willett, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rafael Cabrera Bello also teeing it up.
“I’ve played here two times before, last year I missed the cut but the year before I had a decent finish.
“It’s quite tough to sit here and talk about my individual performance when we lost as a team. You go there as a team, so you win or you lose as a team. Obviously there’s talk about me being a rookie and having four points, and I played great so I’m really happy. But three of those points were with Rory (McIllroy), so I don’t really see it as my four points.”, said Pieters.
Two years ago, Pieters finished in a share of 18th place when he made his debut at the US$5 million event, which is played as a Pro-Am on three of the world’s finest links courses in St Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingsbarns.
The 24 year old has been paired with Johann Rupert, Chairman of the Organising Committee, whilst keen Sheffield United fan Fitzpatrick has former Portugal and Real Madrid footballer Luis Figo as his playing partner, and Cabrera Bello will team up with Dermot Desmond, the Irish businessman who part owns Celtic FC.
“I am feeling fine today, but yesterday I did feel pretty tired so I needed to catch up on some sleep. Mentally, I feel very happy and I’m confident with my game at the moment.
“I’m still thinking about last week and am not so much focused on this week, which is not ideal, but I think in a way that’s inevitable. Come tomorrow, I’m sure that having had another good night’s sleep and a bit more rest, I’ll be ready to go. To be back competing on three great courses and playing links golf, which I love, it’s going to get the juices going again.”, said Cabrera.
European Tour Release
