The Englishman has already shown the sort of iron will that characterized his playing days, with the selection of Paul Casey and Ian Poulter as his wildcards.
Picking the two Englishmen, especially ahead of Ulsterman Darren Clarke and Scot Colin Montgomerie, has led many in the European press to suggest Faldo wants to solidify his position of leadership rather than recruit players best equipped to bring victory.
They may have a point. While Poulter is, in common parlance, a “bit of a geezer,” he does not enjoy great friendships with his teammates. Only Justin Rose (who he neighbours at Lake Nona) looks to be a potential partner, and neither man has the benefit of being part of the 2006 victory, where a lot of Europe’s team spirit was built.
Compare that to Darren Clarke, who was an integral part of the K Club success. The 40-year-old would also have been a proficient partner to Lee Westwood (their friendship stretches back over a decade) or Padraig Harrington, not to mention any countless other members of the team.
He could also have served as an unofficial “playing vice-captain” to Harrington, a role that might have ensured the Irishman’s responsibilities would not affect his performance.
Nevertheless, Faldo has made his decision, and he will certainly not lose much sleep over the fallout. The important thing for him to do now is help the team gel.
This is what Woosnam and Langer did so well—they fostered a camaraderie amongst the players that the US was simply unable to match. They tended to every player's needs, from the beginning of the qualification process right up to final day of singles in the competition itself.
As captains, they made inspiration their priority.
Faldo, however, looks to be following a different path. Distinct leadership looks to be the trademark of his reign, and the admission on Sunday (at his wildcard announcement) that he had been unable to speak to those who failed to get the nod (or even Casey, who did) suggests he has had little contact with many of his players over the last few months.
Demonstrating a departure from previous regimes, concerns are inevitable. But the one thing you can guarantee from Faldo is preparation—throughout his career, he has always done everything he could to maximise his chances of victory.
Expect him to spend time working on his pairings, and be clinical in leaving out those who underperform. Tactically, the team are unlikely to make a wrong step—especially as Faldo will be spurred on by a determination to beat his old enemy, Paul Azinger.
Azinger, the US captain, has a long and storied rivalry with Faldo (not to mention Europe), one that stretches back over two decades. Neither man will have forgotten Faldo's epic victory in the 1987 Open at Muirfield.
The 48-year-old Azinger will be desperate to reclaim the Ryder Cup for America, and stick one to his old rival in the process.
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