As a European, the Ryder Cup has become one of the most important events in the sporting calendar.
Every two years, it almost guarantees that “feel-good” factor, as the Americans are given a lesson in matchplay golf by their opponents from across the Atlantic.
In each of the last two competitions, Europe has marched to a comprehensive 18½-9½ triumph. The champagne (or, more frequently, Guinness) has been poured freely from Ireland to Italy.
It hasn’t always been like this—after all, the U.S. held Samuel Ryder’s famous trophy for 24 undefeated years between 1959 and 1983.
It was even this period of dominance that forced Great Britain & Ireland (the original contesters of the cup) to recruit Ballesteros-inspired mainland Europe in an attempt to gain an elusive win.
Now, bearing in mind recent successes, the tables have turned. Some of the more mischievous European pundits are even suggesting that it is the US who could do with a little help, if they want to have any chance of reclaiming the Cup.
Nick Faldo, this year’s European captain, must be hoping that proves the case. Honoured to follow in the footsteps of Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam, the Englishman is nevertheless under a lot of pressure to deliver a similarly convincing victory to those seen at Oakland Hills (2004), and The K Club (2006).
Fortunately for him, it looks like he has a squad capable of such a performance.
Padraig Harrington will undoubtedly be the talisman of the team, after his two major victories this year (at the British Open and USPGA) catapulted him into the golfing stratosphere.
The genial Irishman should relish the extra responsibility, and will be looking to improve on his already solid record of eight points in four appearances (which includes three singles victories).
Harrington will be supported by a bevy of experienced competitors. Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Lee Westwood, Miguel Angel Jimenez, and Robert Karlsson have all been world-class golfers for a number of years, and all reside comfortably inside the world’s Top 30.
Crucially, they have also all shown good form on American soil this year—especially in majors.
The only worry for Faldo might be the four rookies that qualified for the team. Justin Rose, Graham McDowell, Soren Hansen, and Oliver Wilson will all be making their Ryder Cup bow at Valhalla, and could be expected to struggle. Players often need time to adapt to the whole spectacle.
However, all four have great pedigrees (of them, Wilson is the lowest ranked, at world No. 48) and despite being Ryder Cup novices, the three British golfers all have experience in the amateur equivalent—the Walker Cup.
As a result, the step up should not overawe them.
Hansen’s lack of experience in high-profile team competition will undoubtedly worry Faldo, but the 51-year-old is disciplined enough to make the tough decisions—if Hansen is not up to the task, he will not play unless he must.
For Faldo, it is that simple.
5 comments Last one added 10 months ago — Leave a Comment
Tim Thomas 10 months ago
Of course. They will slap the Americans again. Nothing new.
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Thomas 10 months ago
I'm gonna try real hard to ignore that arrogant comment.
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Michael Fitzpatrick 10 months ago
I would love to see the US Team regain the Ryder Cup but I don't think it's going to happen this year - my money would be on the European team.
The European team is far too deep for the US team to compete with. I mean, there has to be a lack of available talent when one of the captains picks, JB Holmes, has missed the cut in 5 out of his last 9 tournaments.
Excellent article Alex!
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Thomas 10 months ago
As an American, I'm betting on the USA to win. We'll do great but it looks like we'll have a hard time. Great article Alex. I'm watching this when it starts.
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Andrew McNair 10 months ago
Good stuff Alex. Very In depth. Fingers are crossed.
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