FOLLOWING FRUSTRATION IN the US PGA Championship, Phil Mickelson can take solace from securing a spot in the United States’ Ryder Cup team.

The five-time major winner headed to Valhalla in 10th position on Team USA’s points list, just outside the automatic placings.

On Sunday, Mickelson fell just short of claiming a second US PGA crown, losing out by one shot to Rory McIlroy.

However, the result saw the left-hander pick up enough points to climb to fifth in his nation’s Ryder Cup standings, securing a record 10th appearance on the US team.

Mickelson would likely have been selected as one of captain Tom Watson’s wildcard picks, which will be announced on September 2, had he not landed one of the nine automatic slots.

Patrick Reed and Zach Johnson also secured their qualification on Sunday, but doubts over Jason Dufner’s availability remain.

Previously eighth on the points list, Dufner was forced to pull out of the PGA Championship after just 10 holes due to discomfort caused by two bulging discs in his neck, and has now dropped to 10th.

Should he recover in time for the event at Gleneagles starting on September 26, Dufner is widely expected to earn a place in Watson’s team, with the likes of Keegan Bradley, Ryan Moore and Brendon Todd also in contention for wildcard picks.

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