Michael Hoey tops European Ryder Cup points list

Michael Hoey tops the European Ryder Cup points list after the completion of the Castello Masters.

The Belfast player ended in a tie for 20th in Spain but his high points tally comes mainly from his recent victory at the Dunhill Links Championship.

Hoey boasts 618,577 points while his nearest challenger, Holywood's Rory McIlroy has 608,110.

The top five from the European list, plus the top five from the world points list on 26 August will make the team.

European captain Jose Maria Olazabal will select the other two players to face the United States at Medinah Country Club in September 2012.

"It's fantastic to be where I am but it would be better if I was top of the points table when the team is selected next year," said Hoey.

"The Dunhill win was a big one and it has changed everything - I'm now playing against the top players in the world.

"It has given me a huge confidence boost and I have lots of targets to aim for now that I'm in the top 100 in the world.

"I've qualified for the Open but I'd love to make it to the Masters and the US Open too if possible."