However, the 38-year-old h as never been on the losing side in four Ryder Cup appearances and was second in the Wyndham Championship earlier this month.
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Clarke remains unconcerned, believing that with former world number ones Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer also on board, Europe have the right balance of raw talent and experience to post their fourth successive Ryder Cup victory.
Kaymer, 31, has not lifted a trophy since claiming his second major title at the 2014 US Open, but delivered six top-10 finishes in his last 12 events.
If that is the case, it is a straight fight between Pieters and Russell Knox, who would have easily made it to the team if his biggest win a year ago – at the WGC-HSBC Champions – had come as a European Tour member.
The Belgian has been in terrific form in recent weeks, with three top-five finishes in his last three events including a fourth place finish at the Olympic Games and a win at the Made in Denmark event last Sunday.
Clarke had sought world number 41 Pieters out as a playing partner in Denmark and witnessed at first hand the Belgian’s opening-round 62 that laid the foundations for his one-shot victory over Bradley Dredge of Wales.
The Ryder Cup is set to begin on the 27 of September to the 2 of October at the Hazeltine golf course in Minnesota. Clarke’s picks were first reported Monday by Golf Channel insider Tim Rosaforte.
“Having to phone Russell yesterday and give him the information was probably one of the toughest phone calls I’ve ever had to make”. I would have liked to have played my way on, but obviously I was very relieved and thrilled at the same time to get the pick.
“If I hadn’t hit it in the water three times at The Players in May I might have won that tournament and then I’d definitely be on the team”.
Kaymer and Westwood were already heavy favourites to be included in the European team and it looks as though Clarke has opted for experience over form with pre-weekend favourite Russell Knox and Made in Denmark victor Thomas Pieters set to be overlooked. Luke Donald and Graeme McDowell with their experience.
“It’s going to be hard for me to watch (the Ryder Cup) but I probably will and I’ll be rooting for the team of course”.
But equally as impressive was the way he closed the tournament at Himmerland Golf & Spa Resort, almost acing the iconic par three 16th hole but settling for birdie, and then also picking up shots on the final two holes for a round of 65 and a 17 under par winning total. In addition to this Clarke told Sky Sports News HQ on his decision of including Westwood and Kaymer and said “In Lee Westwood I’ve got one of the most experienced “Ryder Cuppers” of all time”.
“And now to finalise the team of 12 guys who are going to Hazeltine to try and bring this lovely trophy back home with us”.
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“It’s been a little bit insane”, Pieters said.
