Decision time... nearly
- Monday, 16 August 2010
- 2 Comments
Has Edoardo Molinari done enough to impress Monty and get a wildcard pick? [Getty Images]
After an eventful USPGA Championship some of Europe's big name players have fallen short of an automatic Ryder Cup spot. They must now rely on Colin Montgomerie who has three captain's picks, but with so many promising European golfers to select from, who's going to get the nod?
Luke Donald is the only player in the world's top ten not to hold an automatic spot. Donald won the Madrid Masters in May and played a vital role in both the 2004 and 2006 Ryder Cups. His steady, consistent game is a valuable attribute in team matches and I think Monty will favour the Englishman.
An impressive 2010 for the Molinari brothers has pushed Francesco into a Ryder Cup position, however his older brother Edoardo did not guarantee a role in the side. Despite this Edoardo is actually ranked higher in the world rankings than his younger brother, and unlike Francesco has won an event in 2010. In addition, Montgomerie will no doubt have seen the brothers working extremely well together in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup last year, where the two came out victorious. With this in mind I think the sibling combination is something that Monty will have to take advantage of.
So, I would fancy Luke Donald and Edoardo Molinari as the two most likely picks for the Ryder Cup in October but the final one is more uncertain. Last year's world number three Padraig Harrington must fancy his chances, but a poor year highlighted by last week's missed cut at Whistling Straits have no doubt hampered his chances. Other contenders for the picks include Justin Rose, Simon Dyson, Alvaro Quiros and even European Tour veteran Bernhard Langer.
The ill health of Lee Westwood leading into the Ryder Cup may also affect Monty's picks. Westwood didn't play in last week's final Major due to a calf injury. As it stands if Westwood pulls out Luke Donald will squeeze in as an automatic qualifier leaving Montgomerie with another decision to make.
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Reader comments
Add your commentsAugust 17 22:37
Andy
Langer would bring the best attributes to the team. He is playing the best golf, has more experience than almost the whole team put together, he is ultra competitive, loves the ryder cup and could pair up with anyone on the team. Oh and under pressure is awesome. I would shove in Casey and molinari also. Padraigs game is too ragged at the moment and his cup record is so poor and Rose apart from a purple patch in the summer is a bit of a choker. I know poulter is world matchplay champion but his form is so awful he should do monty a favour and withdraw himself.
August 22 17:38
Bill
I think Langer is too old to be in this ryder cup and he has had his time. Casey is a definate possibility. While Donald may be consistent he hasn't really been on form for a few years now. Just like to add this was the best blog i have ever read. Beautiful Lawrence if i may say so! You are pure genius in your choice of words and you kept me on the edge of my seat. Simply fantastic. Final comment- Poulter was the only thing that brought us ANY credit last ryder cup. He is a man who's signature i would happily wear on my hat.