Ryder Cup drama

The Europeans did themselves no favours in the Bridgestone Invitational over the weekend, as none of those competing for automatic selection could do better than 22nd.place, the only exception being Padraig Harrington, who played well to finish in joint place 9th, alongside Rory McIlroy. In fact, the Americans were so dominant, that they may well be favourites by the time the teams tee off at Celtic Manor. The long term calf injury which has now caught up with Lee Westwood puts his fitness to play in doubt, as he needs a minimum of 6 weeks’ rest to repair the damage.  Woods has virtually played himself out of the running as far as automatic selection is concerned. He is now so out of sorts that he would probably decline an invitation as a captain’s pick, even if were to offered.

Next weekend’s U.S.P.G.A. Championship at Whistling Straights will virtually decide the composition of both teams. The European side’s nine automatic places remain unchanged, as Rose, Casey, Garcia, Jimenez, Kaymer and Wilson all disappointed, playing themselves into and out of contention. This may have been due to the pressures imposed by the desire to make the Ryder Cup team, but if they can’t cope with that pressure, how will they perform under the unique pressure which the event itself imposes?  Colin Montgomerie, Europe’s captain, must be beginning to revise his optimism about Europe’s strength in depth, as the young American stars flex their muscles.

Tags: Ryder Cup, Tournament, USPGA