Furyk surprised by Clarke's Ryder Cup omission

NORTON, Massachusetts (Reuters) - American Jim Furyk expressed surprise after Britain's Darren Clarke was overlooked as a wildcard pick by European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo on Sunday.

Clarke, who has played in the last five teams, had been widely regarded as a likely selection for next month's matches in Louisville, Kentucky but Faldo opted for Britons Paul Casey and Ian Poulter.

"I think everyone kind of felt like Darren was going to get the nod," Furyk told reporters after shooting a two-under-par 69 in the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship.

"All of his team mates and actually our guys respect him. He's a good friend of a bunch of guys over here and I know the guys on their team love him.

"He's great behind the scenes, a good team guy, so I think I'm a little surprised Darren wasn't a pick.

"From a personal perspective, Darren is a friend and I feel badly for him that he's not there," added Furyk, who like the Northern Irishman has played in the last five Ryder Cups.

"He's a great guy and a team member but Ian and Paul are both good players and good match play players."

Furyk, who will go into Monday's final round at the TPC Boston four strokes behind pace-setting Canadian Mike Weir, said he had been beaten by both Casey and Poulter.

"They both whipped me, Paul in the last round of the last (Ryder) Cup and Ian beat me in the WGC event (the Accenture Match Play Championship," he added. "I think they're two solid picks."

Furyk is one of eight Americans who have already qualified for next month's Ryder Cup. U.S. captain Paul Azinger will add his four wildcard picks on Tuesday to complete the 12-man team.

The Ryder Cup takes place at Valhalla Golf Club from Sept 19-21.

(Editing by Ed Osmond)