Paul Casey will miss the 2016 Ryder Cup after opting out of joining the European Tour.
Entry rules to the European Tour were relaxed recently to allow players to gain membership by competing in five tournaments, but the Englishman has decided to concentrate on competing on the PGA Tour.
"Having given the matter a great deal of thought, I have decided not to take up European Tour membership for the coming season," Casey said in a statement.
"With my wife and young son as my priority, I have decided to continue to concentrate on the PGA Tour which has worked well for us this past year as I have climbed back up the rankings.
"I am very sad not to have the chance to qualify for the 2016 European Ryder Cup team but I believe this decision will help me to be the best I can be both on and off the course and is the right decision for my family."
The 38-year-old represented Europe in the 2004, 2006 and 2008 Ryder Cups.
Jonathan McIntosh
