Ryder Cup team take

With barely 6 weeks to go until Montgomerie’s team will be known, you would think that the nine qualifiers for automatic places would most likely be the present encumbents. Prior to the 3 Irish Open, they are Westwood, McIlroy, McDowell, Donald, Poulter, Kaymer, Molinari (Francesco), Jimenez and McGowan. But with five big money tournaments to be played, only the first four of these are assured of their places. Snapping at their heels are Justin Rose, Paul Casey, Padraig Harrington and Rhys Davies. One win by any or all of these four would immediately catapult them into an automatic place in the European team. Indeed, such are the riches available in the next few weeks, that the door could open for several rookies, such as Quiros, Edoardo Molinari, Cañizares, to mention a few. Even Sergio Garcia could make it, if he could only re-invent himself. One win might not be enough to win him automatic selection, but it would make it easier for Monty to make him a captain’s pick. Assistant captain Darren Clarke is not out of the running and is currently finding some form. All of which illustrates the strength in depth of the Europeans, who now start as favourites to recover the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October. More next week as events unfold…..

Tags: European Team, Irish Open, Ryder Cup