RYDER CUP – CAPTAIN’S PICK OR HOBSON’S CHOICE?

The selection of Ian Poulter rather than Darren Clarke as Nick Faldo’s pick was always bound to be unpopular with golf fans and the media, but the criticism and cynicism heaped on Faldo by his peers has ensured that European team spirit cannot be as strong as in previous successful matches. Sky Sports’ golf pundit Ewan Murray was the first to express his disgust at Faldo’s poor judgement, consistant with his criticism of Poulter’s decision to miss the final qualifying event at Gleneagles in favour of the US PGA tour. Previous captains Sam Torrance and Bernard Gallagher also piped up, the latter clearly not believing Faldo’s assurance that Poulter had “received the nod” prior to his defection to America.

Poulter, who has admitted that his decision not to attempt to win his team place by qualifying was a mistake, will now be under severe pressure to perform at Valhalla, much more so than his eleven team members. The question Gallacher has posed, is would Poulter have made such a poor decision if he had not already been assured of his place by captain Faldo, who seems to have spent more time on the telephone to Poulter than any other member of the team.

As Faldo stated in his press conference at Gleneagles, he will have to live with his decision. Not only will Europe have to win at Valhalla in order for Faldo to save some face, but Poulter will have to perform above what I believe is his best level to justify Faldo’s misplaced faith. My guess is that every member of the American team would have dreaded being matched against Darren Clarke, whereas they will relish meeting Poulter.

Tags: Captain, Europe, Ryder Cup