'Relieved' Kaymer earns Ryder spot; Colsaerts waits

• By Ryan Lavner
• Aug 26, 2012 11:31 AM ET

Nicolas Colsaerts didn’t make the European Ryder Cup team on points, but the long-hitting Belgian still seems likely to hear his name called Monday as one of Jose Maria Olazabal’s two captain’s picks.

Colsaerts, who needed to finish first or second at the European Tour’s Johnnie Walker Championship to knock Martin Kaymer out of the top 10 on the World Points list, finished in a tie for 19^th at Gleneagles. That kept him at No. 12 in the standings, behind Ian Poulter.

The top five from the European Points List and top five from the World Points List (not already on the team) will represent Europe at the Sept. 28-30 Ryder Cup at Medinah.

Kaymer, the former No. 1 player in the world, hadn’t recorded a top 10 since April and was skidding down the points list, but managed to hang on to the 10^th and final automatic spot when Colsaerts couldn’t finish in the top 2 at Gleneagles.

“I am obviously very happy to be on the team,” Kaymer said in a statement. “A little relieved, yes, but overall it is just a great feeling.” 

Olazabal seemingly avoided a potential headache when Padraig Harrington, who was 19^th on the World Points list, dropped out of contention at The Barclays. Though that event does not award Ryder Cup points, there was a growing sentiment that the Irishman should receive the other captain’s pick (Poulter seems a lock for the first one).

Other players vying for a captain’s pick: No. 13 David Lynn, No. 14 Rafael Cabrera-Bello, No. 15 Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and No. 16 Thomas Bjorn (also one of four vice captains).

The announcement will be made at 7 a.m. ET Monday.

The 10 European players who already have secured a spot on the team: Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, Sergio Garcia, Peter Hanson, Paul Lawrie, Francesco Molinari and Kaymer.