Pablo Larrazabal is aware Luke Donald will be watching his every move over the first two rounds of the BMW International Open but welcomes the pressure as he chases a dream Ryder Cup debut.
We’ve passed the 100 days to go mark in the Ryder Cup countdown so qualification is getting serious now, and although Larrazabal is not currently in the qualifying spots he’s pressed his case already.
The 40-year-old has won twice already this season - adding to two tournament victories last season – and along with breaking into the world’s top 50 that makes a decent set of credentials.
His form prompted European Ryder Cup captain Donald to play alongside Larrazabal in the opening two rounds in Germany – something which this close to Rome is a sure sign of being right up there in his thinking.
“I know what I’ve done in the last five weeks,” Larrazabal told the DP World Tour. “I know Luke Donald is having an eye on me.
"I knew he was going to choose to play with me one of these weeks, but I have had this pressure during my career. I play with pressure. I like pressure.
"I am going to have a bit of pressure playing with the captain but I am used to the pressure and whatever the way it goes will go.”
A spectator in the crowd at Valderrama when Seve Ballesteros captained Europe to victory in 1997, it’s been a dream for Larrazabal to play in the Ryder Cup, and now he’s right in contention to be a 40-year-old rookie in Rome.
“It is a dream of mine,” he added. “The Ryder Cup is the result of the work you do day after day. If I was nervous in Korea in the last few holes and in Holland I can’t imagine how much pressure I could have in a Ryder Cup.
“The Ryder Cup is at the end of September, and we are in June so many things can happen in three months.
“If it happens, it happens. If not, I will be pushing for Europe anyways.”
Larrazabal the happiest man in the world
Larrazabal would join the proud tradition of Spaniards representing Europe in the Ryder Cup, and maybe the possibility of pairing up with Jon Rahm could be another asset in his favour when it comes to selection.
Either way, he's as happy as he has been in his long career right now with his form and his winning streak being what he feels is a payoff for years of hard work.
“The golf game is giving me back after all the hard work that I have put in over the years,” said Larrazabal.
“I am the happiest man in the world right now.”
-
King Charles III Becomes Patron Of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club Of St AndrewsThe monarch has followed his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in accepting patronage of the Club
-
‘It Does Become A Lonely Place’ – MacIntyre On Stark Difference Between PGA Tour And EuropeThe Scot admits settling into life on the PGA Tour has been tough in recent months
-
'We're Not Going To Change Anything' - Rahm And Hatton Remain Eligible For Ryder Cup Selection Says New DP World Tour BossNew DP World Tour boss Guy Kinnings says Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton will remain eligible for Ryder Cup selection as long as they follow the current criteria already in place
-
Jon Rahm Pinpoints ‘Key Difference’ That ‘Could Help A Lot Of Fans Trust In LIV'The Spaniard believes a change of format could improve the perception of LIV Golf
-
'We're A Fraternity' - Seve Stories Shared At Jon Rahm's 'Emotional' Masters Champions DinnerPhil Mickelson was again quiet, Sandy Lyle couldn't make it and the Seve stories flowed as Jon Rahm hosted a successful Champions Dinner ahead of The Masters
-
Jon Rahm Reveals What He Misses About The PGA Tour Ahead Of Masters DefenceRahm spoke about why he still "loves the PGA Tour", the pressure of LIV Golf events, and his legacy ahead of defending his Masters title this week
-
'I Definitely Wouldn't Mind Going Back To 72 Holes' - Jon Rahm Calls On LIV To Make 'Helpful' Format ChangeThe current Masters champion suggested that increasing the number of holes in a week on the PIF-backed circuit could help with unification in the men's game
-
Jon Rahm Could Lack The 'Right Intensity' To Defend Masters Title After 'Playing Resort Courses In His Shorts' In LIV GolfSir Nick Faldo questioned whether Jon Rahm could find the right intensity to defend his Masters title after making the switch to LIV Golf
-
'We're Coming For That Green Jacket' - Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, And Sergio Garcia Backing LIV Golfer To Win The MastersThere are 13 LIV Golf players set to tee it up at Augusta National Golf Club next week - and it's fair to say that confidence is high among the group
-
Jon Rahm Calls On Majors To Consider Invite For 'Left Out' LIV PlayerThe current Masters champion suggested there was one player in the LIV Golf League that has been "a little bit left out" despite being "fantastic" in 2023
