Sweden's Jesper Parnevik has ruled himself out of Europe's defence of the Ryder Cup in September. Parnevik, who plays on the US-based PGA Tour, has told Europe captain Bernhard Langer he cannot commit to playing 11 European Tour events.
Five players qualify through the world rankings, five via the European Tour list and two are captain's picks, but all 12 must play at least 11 European tournaments.
"Bernhard said he's very disappointed, but he understood," said Parnevik.
 |  I understand their position - a career is more important than one match |
The Swede, who is 21st in the world rankings, added: "I'm playing 100 times better than at the last Ryder Cup, but playing 11 extra tournaments would be tough." "If I was guaranteed a spot on the team it would be different, but as it is I'd have to play three months straight in Europe to maybe get a captain's pick."
Parnevik has been an important member of the last three European Ryder Cup teams.
Langer has admitted he is worried by the prospect of Europe taking on the US without their strongest side.
Sergio Garcia, Alex Cejka and Fredrik Jacobson have now confirmed they will meet the criteria, but England's Luke Donald and Parnevik's compatriot Carl Pettersson have expressed doubts.
They and Richard Johnson must all decide by the end of May whether to play in 11 European events.
"I am more in favour of everybody being available and I feel we need the top players," said Langer.
"That is the rule and we could have a long debate about whether it's right or wrong. I would like to encourage them to play 11, but I know some will not. "And I understand their position. I don't want to downplay the Ryder Cup, but a career is more important than one match and they have decided to play on the US Tour."
Langer sits on the European Tour tournament committee which made the ruling.
MMIX
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
