Richard Bland hits out at rumoured Ryder Cup picks

DP World Tour winner Richard Bland has aired his disagreement with rumours surrounding Luke Donald’s Captains Picks.

Reports suggest that Adrian Meronk will not make his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, as the Pole is set to be snubbed.

Instead, Shane Lowry looks likely to be handed a berth on Team Europe despite his poor form, and Bland has argued against it.

The 50-year-old, who now plays on LIV Golf, posted on Instagram: “Hearing Adrian Meronk not getting picked.

“Wins Italian Open at the Ryder Cup course. Third in DP World Tour rankings!

“Deserves a pick over an out of form Shane Lowry in my opinion.”

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The two players in contention for a wildcard pick have faced vastly different fortunes this season on their respective tours.

Meronk, who has two wins this season, including an Italian Open at Ryder Cup venue Marco Simone, finished 5th on the European points list and 11th on the World points list.

The 30-year-old recorded four other top ten finishes on the DP World Tour and tied for 40th and 23rd at the PGA Championship and Open Championship, respectively.

He was in the running to clinch the final automatic qualifying spot last week but could not finish inside the top two to edge Robert MacIntyre.

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Lowry has had a frustrating season by his usual standards, having missed five cuts and recorded only one top ten finish.

Team Europe captain Donald will name his six Captain’s picks live on Sky Sports this afternoon.

Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick, and MacIntyre have already secured their place in Rome later this month.

Veteran Justin Rose looks set to join the team once again, alongside compatriot Tommy Fleetwood.

Omega European Masters winner Ludvig Aberg has shot onto the Ryder Cup scene and is expected to be picked with any of Meronk, Sepp Straka, Yannik Paul, and Nicolai Hojgaard.