Ryder Cup 2010- Chapter

Last week’s Omega European Masters just happened to be the first European Tour tournament providing qualifying points (euros) for next year’s Ryder Cup clash at Celtic Manor in Wales.  You may think that it’s a little premature to be thinking about an event which is more than a year away, but Sunday’s result at Crans-sur-Sierre could turn out to be quite significant.  Winner Alex Noren and second placed Bradley Dredge won 333,330€ and 222,220€ respectively, which represent healthy starts by players good enough to expect a few more top 5 results. In fact, if one took the top 8 european finishers in the European Masters, most could be said to be in with a good chance of making the european team next September. The list includes (in finishing order) Ross McGowan (3rd), Miguel Angel Jimenez (4th), Simon Dyson, David Howell, Rory McIlroy (joint 5th), Paul Broadhurst, Ignacio Garrido (joint 8th). The four captain’s picks would probably be from Harrington, Westwood, Casey, Poulter, Fisher & Wilson on current form, so if the team had to be announced right now, it might not be the strongest, but it would probably give a good account of itself. Skipper Montgomery reckons he already has a provisional list of what his team might be by September 2010. What do you think it might be? Send your pick to me by email david@golflb.com and the prophet with the nearest match to the actual 12 man team to be announce next year will win an amazing prize!  Entries close on October 31st, so there’s plenty of time.

Tags: European Tour, Ryder Cup