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.
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