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Blixt 'nailed on' for Ryder Cup, says McGinley

Jonas Blixt finished tied for second place at the Masters © Getty Images

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Paul McGinley has suggested Jonas Blixt is "nailed on" for a place in Ryder Cup team come September following the Swede's second-placed finish at the Masters on Sunday.

Blixt, 29, carded a final-round 71 to finish just three shots behind winner Bubba Watson and tie with 20-year-old American Jordan Spieth on five under for a share of the runner-up spot.

It was another impressive outing in a major for Blixt, following his fourth-placed finish in the US PGA last September.

He still lies seven places outside of qualifying for Gleneagles in 16th, but clearly impressed the watching McGinley who will have three wild card picks to go with his nine automatic selections.

"Jonas put himself in the driving seat to possibly make the team," said McGinley, at Augusta in an analyst role for Sky Sports.

"He was quite far back on points before the Masters; he's performed well again for the second consecutive major and it's clear that he's a man for the big occasion.

"It looks as if Victor Dubuisson and Jamie Donaldson are nailed-on as rookies - and maybe Blixt as well.

"His short game was special. I think he was third or fourth in putting for the week but his chipping was superb too.

"But it wasn't just a short-game exhibition. This guy has got a lot of heart and a lot of game; he had a lot of focus coming down those last holes.

"He certainly wasn't daunted and it's important, if he's going to be a Ryder Cup player, that he has that psyche and it's quite clear he has.

"It's up to him as to how he plays in the summer as to whether he makes it or not. Certainly he's good enough for the Ryder Cup team."

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