Rory McIlroy has praised Darren Clarke's decision to include Thomas Pieters in his captain's picks for the upcoming Ryder Cup.
The Belgian was selected alongside Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer in the European team following his victory at the Made in Denmark tournament last month.
However, his inclusion came at the expense of Russell Knox, who has won twice on the PGA Tour so far this season and is higher in the rankings.
"To add a little bit of experience in there was necessary. That last pick could have gone to anyone - what Thomas did in Denmark was impressive," Sky Sports News quotes the Irishman as saying.
"Russell Knox has played well throughout the year and Luke Donald showed a bit of form and he has that experience in the Ryder Cup - so there were a few guys to consider.
"I wouldn't have liked to have been in Darren's shoes - it was a tough decision to make. But I think Thomas will be a great addition to the team."
The 2016 Ryder Cup gets underway at the Hazeltine National Golf Club on September 30.
