Matt Wallace hoping to capitalise on U.S. Open ‘opportunity’ in drive for Ryder Cup debut

The immediate end goal is clear for Matt Wallace and the U.S. Open presents him with his latest opportunity to further his quest of playing his way to the Ryder Cup.

The Englishman has made no secret of his desire to make his debut for Team Europe in the biennial clash against the United States at Bethpage later this year.

After making a fast start to the qualification period, including winning his first DP World Tour title in six years at the Omega European Masters, Wallace finds himself tenth on the Ryder Cup Rankings going into the third Major Championship of the season.

So, with just the top six securing a place automatically, the 35-year-old is hoping he can give his chances a boost with a strong showing at Oakmont Country Club ahead of what promises to be a busy summer.

“A week like this you can only see as an opportunity,” said Wallace.

“You’re always battling your own personal expectations and hopes and fears, but you can only go into a tournament and a set-up and a great challenge like this looking at the positive.

OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 09: Matt Wallace of England walks across the eighth green during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 09, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

“I said at the start of the points race that the Ryder Cup was my driver and that hasn’t changed. Along the way there have been other goals, but they all work towards that too.”

After missing the last three editions of the U.S. Open, Wallace came through 36-hole Final Qualifying in Canada earlier this month to secure his 21st start at a Major.

Having begun his year on the DP World Tour at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic, he has since plied his trade solely on the PGA TOUR.

And while he comes into the week on the back of a missed cut at the RBC Canadian Open, there is optimism he is on a “good path” after he finished in a tie for 17th at last month’s US PGA Championship.

“I obviously struggled with my golf at the start of the year, but my focus didn’t change,” added Wallace, who missed the cut in five of his first seven starts stateside earlier in the season.

“I used the Ryder Cup process as a driver to wake up every morning to get better. I hope come September I’ll be able to speak to you and say the hard times were all worth it.

“I want to be playing great going into the Ryder Cup, so I’m more than happy with where I am right now and I’m looking forward to a strong summer.”

Wallace is expecting Oakmont to pose a “brilliant challenge”, with the venue hosting what is widely described as golf’s toughest test for a record tenth time.

When Dustin Johnson was victorious the last time it hosted the United States’ national championship, Wallace was playing on the Alps Tour but nine years later he is a truly global player, with six titles across both the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR to his name.

So, with thick rough and fast greens the main challenges for the 156-strong field, Wallace is aware he will have to be firing on all cylinders and try to avoid too many bad breaks which are an inevitability on weeks like this.

“It’s a proper U.S. Open course, no question; somewhere you can make good bogeys and where every aspect of your game is challenged fully,” he said.

“You can feel the history here and I’m really looking forward to the test. U.S. Opens are meant to be hard and this will be.”

Big weeks are to come, including at the Genesis Scottish Open – co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA TOUR – before he rounds off Major season at The Open at Royal Portrush.

While results will always be a firm focus of attention for players, Wallace looks beyond just that and is among the hardest workers around.

OAKMONT, PENNSYLVANIA - JUNE 10: Matt Wallace of England plays a shot during a practice round prior to the 125th U.S. OPEN at Oakmont Country Club on June 10, 2025 in Oakmont, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

He will leave nothing to chance, of that there is no doubt.

“I know my stats and you’re always looking to make improvements across the board there,” he said.

“There are also psychological improvements that can’t be measured really. You’re always working towards more.

“I’ve had some success in Majors, and I’d like to think I can win one one day.”