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Amateur golfer writes to Ryder Cup captain Thomas Bjorn to withdraw from Paris team

Getty Images
Getty Images

Thomas Bjorn has easily the busiest few months of his life as the European captain refines his plans for September’s Ryder Cup.

However, one decision has been made for him with amateur golfer Stephen Atkinson ruling himself out of the running as one of Bjorn’s wildcard picks.

The Ascot resident wrote to the Dane with a ‘heavy heart’ to announce his decision and also rule himself out of a vice-captaincy role, to Bjorn’s dismay.

The captain tweeted a photo of the letter asking Atkinson, a captain himself, to reconsider his decision.

While being unable to assist in Paris later this year, Atkinson did offer his time and expertise in the pairing of wine and food ahead of the matches, a vital component of any winning Ryder Cup side – just ask Miguel Angel Jimenez.

“Dear Thomas,” Atkinson wrote.

“Reluctantly, and with somewhat heavy heart, I must to write to [sic] inform you that I wish to withdraw from being considered for a wildcard for this years [sic] Ryder Cup.

“Whilst I have recently won the West Hill monthly medal (now cut to six) I fear that I have not made the progress I was hoping for and a world ranking of 52187 still leaves a little room for improvement.

“I had hoped that a good showing in the Open might catch your eye, but I think I am going to have to recognise that my wife may be correct when she describes me as ‘sadly deluded’.

“I realise this may come as a shock and removes one of your options, but I am sure there are a number of equally good choices available. In any event the team looks very strong even without my experience.”

He continued: “Also, I do not think I will be available to help as a vice captain as I am the 2018 captain of the Babalou Golf Society (membership runs into the 20s…) and feel that it will be unfair to both the society and the Ryder Cup team if I dilute my time by trying to accommodate both.

Absence | Unfortunately Atkinson will not be at Le Golf National for this year's Ryder Cup (AFP/Getty Images)
Absence | Unfortunately Atkinson will not be at Le Golf National for this year's Ryder Cup (AFP/Getty Images)

“I am however available before hand [sic] if you want to discuss strategy etc. I am particularly knowledgeable about provencal rose win and may be able to help you re wine/food pairings, something that has often been overlooked, I feel, in the past matches.

“Once again, many apologies for letting you down and best wishes for Paris.

“Yours

“Stephen.”

The Ryder Cup, while lacking in Atkinson’s craft and skill, begins on Friday, September 28 at Le Golf National, near Paris.