Is Nick Faldo's European Team Destined for Ryder Cup Success?

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.

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.

Fortunately for him, he does have a few weapons at his disposal. Home advantage is certainly a great help—regardless of how Oakland Hills turned out, host courses historically have suited the home side.

Of the eight players included so far, “experienced” would be a fitting description. Phil Mickelson, Stewart Cink, Kenny Perry, Jim Furyk, and Justin Leonard have all played at the highest level for a long time, and will not struggle under the pressure.

Between them, they have played in an impressive 17 Ryder Cups. 

As a result, they have felt the pain of defeat more than once, and will be extremely hungry to avoid another harrowing episode.

Interestingly, however, they are also joined by three rookies—in the form of Ben Curtis, Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley. All three bring solid characteristics—Curtis is extremely consistent, Kim has youthful exuberance, and Weekley has a great short game.

If Azinger can get them in the right frame of mind, they will certainly contribute to the team's cause, on and off the course.

With such an interesting blend of youth and experience, the four wildcards at Azinger’s disposal could help create a well-rounded line-up.

With the intimidating power of JB Holmes, pinpoint iron play of Hunter Mahan and grinding consistency of Stricker, “Zinger” has a team very much capable of making life difficult for Europe. If the other pick, Chad Campbell, plays to his full potential, he has also proven to be a match for the best in the world.

For the US, previous captains Tom Lehman and Hal Sutton struggled to create the team spirit that was so evident in their opponents. Whether Azinger can succeed where his predecessors failed is debatable, but the absence of a certain Tiger Woods might help.

Without the World No. 1, the team has no distinct hierarchy, every member will feel he is equally deserving of his position. With no inter-personal rivalries, it could finally bring them together to pursue a common goal.

Nevertheless, the European team will not be concerned by Woods' absence, or indeed the inclusion of anyone else on the American team. Those opponents who have played in the Ryder Cup before they have beaten, and those who haven’t played before have extremely limited experience of international competition.

For Harrington et al, arguably there is nothing to fear but fear itself. Even if they simply play “percentage golf,” they should emerge victorious come Sunday evening.

In his press conference on Sunday, Faldo was asked whether he could repeat Europe’s nine-point winning margin. His response was intriguing:

“14½ points will do me very nicely! Obviously, we've been on an extraordinary run for these last few years, but winning is the most important thing to me. Points are really not important.”

But come Sept. 19, points will be incredibly important. Facing a more determined and united American side than in recent years, Faldo will have to ensure his side are just as prepared as they were in 2004 or 2006.

If they are, Europe could be on for another impressive victory. But if they are not, it could open the door for an uncomfortable few days for him and his team.

Ultimately, then, the pressure rests on Faldo’s shoulders.

But isn’t that how he always liked it?