He will line up in the European team, at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, USA, 19th-21st September, after securing his place over the weekend in the Johnny Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

It follows the double gold medal triumph for Becky Adlington at the Olympic games in Beijing.

Wilson, who was in the 10th and last qualifying place at the start of the week, held off the challenge of fellow Englishman Nick Dougherty to book his first ever appearance at the prestigious Ryder Cup and become the first European to play in the Ryder Cup without first winning a tournament in his professional career.

Wilson has had four second places this season, including at the prestigious PGA Championship at Wentworth.

But he hopes that his successful US college career will help him in the Ryder Cup in Kentucky.

"There are probably 20 to 25 guys over there I've played with, I've beaten them and I know their games," he said.

"I played with Phil Mickelson this year and beat him at Loch Lomond, so it's not likely I'll be intimidated."

A final round 69 at Gleneagles saw Wilson home in a tied 10th position on seven under.

His rival for the final place in the Ryder Cup team, Dougherty, needed to finish second to have any chance of edging out Wilson. His final round 70 left him tied seventh on eight under.

Sunday's success capped a fine rise for Mansfield golfer Wilson - based at the Coxmoor Club - and puts him firmly on the world stage for the tournament against the top USA golfers.

He admitted on Sunday: "If I was a wildcard then I'd possibly feel like I don't really deserve to be there.

"But doing it without winning shows I've played pretty consistent. I think it is maybe a bit more impressive."