Europe are the reigning Ryder Cup champions

Five players will now earn their places from the world ranking points they win during the 12-month qualifying race.

Previously 10 members of the team earned their places from points earned in Order of Merit events, with two places going to wild card picks by the team captain.

The team will now be made up of five players from the world rankings, five from the Order of Merit and two wild cards.

Ryder Cup Director Richard Hills said: "The Ryder Cup Board recognises the growing influence of the Official World Golf Ranking while also acknowledging the continued importance of the Volvo Order of Merit, which has supplied the majority of the European teams since 1979.

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"The board is aware that golf has grown internationally and that European tour members play in many countries on different tours.

"In the circumstances, it is felt that the implementation of this new qualification system will ensure that the Ryder Cup team continues to be both competitive and representative of the talent at Europe's disposal."