By Brian Keogh

Darren Clarke and Graeme McDowell have pulled out of US Open qualifying in a bid to make this year's Ryder Cup team.

Clarke said: "My win in China really put my career back on track and I want to do everything I possibly can to be part of Nick Faldo’s side for Valhalla next September.

"This was a very tough choice because the US Open would definitely have been on my schedule had I automatically qualified."

World No 63 McDowell can still qualify for Torrey Pines automatically if he makes the top 50 by May 26.

He said: "Qualifying affects the week before and the week after. If I play well the next few weeks I'll make it."