Golf: European captain to get four Ryder Cup picks

Thomas Pieters and Rory McIlroy of Europe react on the seventh green. Photo / Getty Images

Europe will have four captain's picks in their team for golf's 2018 Ryder Cup as part of a revamp of the qualifying system in the wake of last year's heavy loss to the United States at Hazeltine.

Among other changes announced on Thursday by the European Tour, more points will be earned at events in the latter stages of qualifying to ensure there are more in-form players in the team.

The changes were approved late on Wednesday at a meeting of the European Tour's tournament committee.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of the Abu Dhabi championship, European captain Thomas Bjorn said "with these changes, I feel I can get the best team possible".

Europe lost 17-11 to the Americans in October for only their second Ryder Cup defeat since 1999.

It was felt by some that Europe did not field their best team because of restrictions with the qualifying system.