Made in Denmark: Last Ryder Cup chances

The Made in Denmark tournament at Himmerland Golf & Spa is the last event before Darren Clarke finalises his European Ryder Cup team.

Shane Lowry has entered this year’s Made in Denmark tournament as he makes a final bid to be included in the European Ryder Cup team bound for Hazeltine, Minnesota in late September.

“I can’t wait to get to Denmark for what could be a big week for me,” said Lowry. “I’m determined to play my way onto The Ryder Cup team.

Lowry will be joined on the start list by Ryder Cup hopefuls Martin Kaymer, Thomas Pieters, Thorbjorn Olesen and Soren Kjeldsen who will all be looking to impress captain Darren Clarke and earn a wildcard pick for the great biennial team event.

Englishmen Matt Fitzpatrick, Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan will play and all three have made it through into Darren Clarke’s side as automatic qualifiers.

This will be the third running of this hugely popular tournament. More than 87,000 spectators turned out last year and organisers expect similar numbers this season, particularly with the introduction of a music festival to run alongside the event.

When the exhibitions in the tented village close down for the night at the end of play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the Made in Denmark village will be transformed into a music festival with a selection of top Danish artists performing.

Scotland’s Marc Warren won the first Made in Denmark tournament in 2014 and last year, David Horsey of England held off the chasing pack to win by two from a group of four players, including Soren Kjeldsen.

Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort is a 7,033-yard par-71 layout with a number of sub 400-yard par 4s but two par 5s measuring more than 620 yards. It’s a relatively exposed track with a number of water hazards, undulating fairways and contoured green complexes.

The weather forecast looks set fair and there shouldn’t be any interruptions to the play.

Venue: Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort, Farso, Denmark Date: Aug 25-28 Course stats: par 71, 7,033 yards Purse: €1,800,000 Defending Champion: David Horsey (-13)

TV Coverage: Thursday 25 – Sky Sports 4 from 10.30am Friday 26 – Sky Sports 4 from 10.30am Saturday 27 – Sky Sports 4 from 12pm Sunday 28 – Sky Sports 4 from 11.30am

Player watch:

Matt Fitzpatrick – The young Englishman should be in relaxed mood after securing his place in the Ryder Cup team with a tied fifth place finish in the Czech Masters.

Soren Kjeldsen – He’ll be desperate to secure a win in his home event to give Darren Clarke little choice but to select him. He was tied second last year.

Soren Kjeldsen on playing the draw shot:

Thorbjorn Olesen – Another man who will be keen to secure a home victory. He’s also got a chance of being picked for Hazeltine and a win here for Olesen would certainly give Clarke something to think about.

Key hole: 18th. It’s a par-4 of only 419 yards where birdie is a distinct possibility but a pond short right of the green means it also has risks attached.

Skills required: Wedge play. With five par-4s at less than 400 yards and two three shot par-5s, getting it close from around the 100 yard mark will be of paramount importance.