Reaction to Nick Faldo's Fresh-Faced Ryder Cup Team.
- Monday, 1 September 2008
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Faldo did what Faldo does best last night and surprised most of the golfing world by selecting Casey and Poulter as his two wild card picks. Casey was almost a certainty for most but the Poulter controversy continues on as he was chosen over Darren Clarke.
Reaction to Poulter’s inclusion has created a stir amongst current and past Ryder Cup players. Bernard Gallacher feels that by leaving out Darren Clarke the rest of the European players will be affected. "I think the morale in the team might be a bit lower for
Reaction to Poulter’s inclusion has created a stir amongst current and past Ryder Cup players. Bernard Gallacher feels that by leaving out Darren Clarke the rest of the European players will be affected. "I think the morale in the team might be a bit lower for
picking Poulter
ahead of Darren Clarke” he said yesterday.
There will be a few players today thinking, 'Nick, I think you've made a mistake.”
Garcia and Furyk who will both be present at Valhalla in September have also expressed their surprise. Garcia expected Clarke to be picked but said “I think he (Faldo) just went with what he felt was probably the best for the team, and we all respect that.” Darren Clarke’s American compatriot Furyk remarked "He's great behind the scenes, a good team guy, so I think I'm a little surprised Darren wasn't a pick.” Furyk however isn’t looking forward to facing either Casey or Poulter as he has been beaten by both in matchplay over the last two years.
Faldo revealed in the press conference that he hadn’t liaised with any senior members of his team with regard to his wild cards. With Garcia’s reaction along side Harrington saying on Thursday how he would like his fellow Irishman (Clarke) in Louisville with him has lead some to believe the European Team moral will be dented.
As Faldo said, he had to make the call and now has to live with it. He mentioned his new senior men Harrington, Garcia and Westwood in the press conference, "Looking at the characters that we've got on our Team, we've got Padraig who I think has moved onto a new level. Sergio brings great passion to the Team. Many of the guys will be contributing in their own way. I think that Lee Westwood will probably take a new role on, very much like I had, looking after some of the rookie players when Lee and I played together years ago.”
In a fresh-faced, new look European Team these players have the opportunity to fill the shoes left behind by the likes of Clarke and Montgomerie.
Garcia and Furyk who will both be present at Valhalla in September have also expressed their surprise. Garcia expected Clarke to be picked but said “I think he (Faldo) just went with what he felt was probably the best for the team, and we all respect that.” Darren Clarke’s American compatriot Furyk remarked "He's great behind the scenes, a good team guy, so I think I'm a little surprised Darren wasn't a pick.” Furyk however isn’t looking forward to facing either Casey or Poulter as he has been beaten by both in matchplay over the last two years.
Faldo revealed in the press conference that he hadn’t liaised with any senior members of his team with regard to his wild cards. With Garcia’s reaction along side Harrington saying on Thursday how he would like his fellow Irishman (Clarke) in Louisville with him has lead some to believe the European Team moral will be dented.
As Faldo said, he had to make the call and now has to live with it. He mentioned his new senior men Harrington, Garcia and Westwood in the press conference, "Looking at the characters that we've got on our Team, we've got Padraig who I think has moved onto a new level. Sergio brings great passion to the Team. Many of the guys will be contributing in their own way. I think that Lee Westwood will probably take a new role on, very much like I had, looking after some of the rookie players when Lee and I played together years ago.”
In a fresh-faced, new look European Team these players have the opportunity to fill the shoes left behind by the likes of Clarke and Montgomerie.
