By HITC,James Shearman

Copyright yardbarker

Nicolas Colsaerts was part of the European team that pulled off a remarkable comeback at Medinah in 2012.

He later returned to the Ryder Cup as one of four vice-captains under Luke Donald in 2023, helping Europe to a 16.5-11.5 win in Rome.

Colsaerts had been hoping to reprise that role at Bethpage Black but was overlooked by Donald this time around. Speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted he was disappointed by the decision.

“Well, yeah, I was very disappointed because it’s a competition that I live for. It has basically been the only thing to get me out of bed for the last couple of years.

“I was extremely disappointed, but the captain is in charge. There are no hard feelings about the decision the captain made.

“Also, because of my respect for the competition and my respect for who is representing us every two years, I will always back them.

“Of course, I would have loved to be there, and more than that, I would have loved to help. It’s not really about living the week, it’s that I’m not able to help, which I’m disappointed and sad about.

“At the same time, I’m going for a couple of days, and I’m going to mingle a little bit with them early in the week. Then I’ll come and work with you guys on the build-up show on Saturday and Sunday, which I’m actually really excited about.

“I will always back the team. I will always wish them good luck. I will always think the world of the guys representing us. I hope that we keep the cup.”