Olazabal has all the players and permutations he needs

europe will win !!

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Wow, here we go. The Ryder Cup hype machine starts again, where they make a story out of any frivolous event like who the vice-captains are (what do they actually do??) and try to make out the captaincy as like a Alex Ferguson vs Jose Mourinho duel (in reality the captains are glorified PR men.)

The events worth watching, but all this nonsense that starts two months beforehand is tedious. And its a good example of the horrible 'old boys' culture that exists in golf. Even when a player can no longer play golf effectively they still get to be a part of it as a vice-captain.

ahh!!!!!!!!!!

I think that McIlroy/McDowell, Donald/Garcia and Rose/Poulter are all near certain pairings for the opening foursomes. The only real doubt is who you would partner with Westwood. I would be tempted to go with Lawrie for the opening set, although Molinari is also tempting given his straight hitting.

Iain

Who would you pair together on the 1st morning ? and if none of them lost would you send them out again in the afternoon to try and get a stranglehold ,or do you believe every player should "taste " the action on the 1st day

I honestly think, that whether or not he deserves it, has a good Ryder cup record etc, Harrington would be more likely to win points than Colsaerts...and that is what it's all about.

Sadly I think Ollie probably did let an old grudge get in the way, but fortunately he had enough of a case against Harrington to help him.

@therealjimmy

Don't forget my bonus points :-)

@2 I don't think so,do you :-)

Also, I feel that it is one of these cliches/myths that longer hitters are good in fourballs, on the basis that they are more likely to get birdies....but I would say being a good putter is far more important, especially with the pressure of the Ryder Cup, what do other people think

@Lord Voldermort

I know you get excitied about the blog but typing "1st comment" isn't really a comment is it ?
it is you saying I was here first, when in fact you were second and as everybody knows,nobody ever remebers the person who came second do they :-(

Good luck but I fear the US will win at home soil only for Europe to get it back in Europe.

@ 12 Maxtor, I agree, the US team looks very strong. But then, who could have expected what happened in 2004?!

I think everyone will agree that they're the obvious picks, and on paper Europe have a very good side. I'm sure they're also the top 12 Europeans in the world (discounting Carl Pettersson!).
Davis Love's picks will be interesting, especially after some good performances from Watney, Snedeker and Johnson on a very difficult course and a very deep field. Looking forward to it already!!

#7 Harrington "has a good Ryder Cup record". Really. Played 25 W 9 L13 H 3 pts 10.5 He was very fortunate to get a captain's pick ahead of Casey and Rose last time. More particularly, last three Ryder Cups Played 13 W 2 L9 H2 pts 3

I think for the foursomes, Garcia and Donald is a must pairing - 100% success record, same as Garcia Westwood in the fourballs, excellent record together. G-mac and Rory will be together for every pairing i'd imagine. Agree with the foursomes pairing of Colsaerts Molinari, Colsaerts hits it miles and straightish, Molinari's iron play is 2nd to none right now also. Where Kaymer, Lawrie and Hanson will fit in is a tough one to see, i'm sure Ole has a masterplan!
Strong European team vs Strong American team, it should be a great Ryder Cup!

@3, cheer up..!

You can't make a case for Harrington. His Ryder Cup form simply isnt good enough, and that's coming from an Irishman.

Also I don't think you can keep selecting the Ryder Cup team from the same group of players, unless they have earned it i.e not Harrington.
Otherwise the Ryder Cup might develop some sort of exclusive air and certain peripheral players might feel that, even if they're playing well, they won't get a look in.
The standard of golf in Europe is at an all time high and the players who are to play (whether they're Ryder cup rookies or whether it's their 8th) will have earned their places. The same goes for the captain's choices, they should be chosen on form and not on Ryder cup experience.

Now the Euro team is finalised it looks strong. Plenty of experience, coupled with youth. The one rookie is a proven match player so no worries there. One worry is the form of Kaymer but this is the Ryder Cup and it will inspire him as it has done others in the past. Only 32 days to go and the excitement will build. When do the Americans name their final team?

If anyone fancies doing the leg-work, would it be correct to say that this years Ryder Cup team will be the strongest ever in terms of the World Rankings of the players from both teams?

CAN'T WAIT! :)

No real surprise then with the team, it will be a great contest but I think home advantage will swing it for the USA.
Manina Unless someone wants a rest if the pairs that go out in the morning win then I would send them out again points make prizes.

RE #20 - It's ok. Someone over at the Golf Channel comments has pretty much done it by listing all the World Rankings for each team (plus the potential US wild cards.)

Out of 24 players the lowest World Ranking will be Colsaerts at #35! Amazing!

@19 WCIHIS...I'm led to believe that it'll be on the 3rd Sep. So a chance for a few who played well at Bethpage to get into Davis's mind with another good performance in Boston this week.
@20 malmcleod.....Certainly will be strong with regards to the rankings, but the Americans have a few ahead of PM who haven't got in automatically. Hunter, Dustin, Stricker, Snedeker & Watney are all higher.

Daveyboy. I don't believe Europe will be intimidated by the USA home ' advantage'. Most of our team play regularly on the PGA tour. The worry is the over hyped and over excited crowds that can get whipped into a biased frenzy. Remember the 13th man. The yanks will be worried about our team and will probably resort to all sorts of underhand tactics designed to put europe off. They were at it yesterday shouting 3 putt at Sergio at every opportunity.

#3

We'll all entitled to express a view. I suspect that you are probably not a grumpy old man, but you are doing a fairly decent impression of Bob Geldorf!

Remember (take note of the spelling #11) that there is always the 'off' button before the main event begins if you so wish.

As far as the 'old boys' culture is concerned, may I respectfully remind you that the VCs are going to provide very wise counsel throughout the event and, like any good leader and manager, JMO will consult prior to making the important pairing decisions and order of play in the singles, which will inevitably be the critical element.

Regarding 'playing golf effectively' may I also jog your memory as to who won the Open in 2011!

#14

I agree with you that DL has a more difficult decision regarding his 4 wilds. In any event it will be a great Ryder Cup and the lads will do us proud - prediction: USA 13 Europe 15. Any advance!!

@ 15 dancer_image I think you've misunderstood me - I meant to intimate that Harrington has a poor Ryder Cup record. I should have said 'bad' in hindsight!

I think DL111 has problems with the form of his qualified players over which will be his picks. Have a look at last weeks results. Lawrie wins, Molinari and Colsaerts top 10. 5 euros above the cream of the yanks, including Westwood coming into form. Rose one shot off Phil, Kuch and Tiger. Ok Gmac had a bad week and missed the cut but he's a RC specialist.

I AM SO EXCITED.

Worried about Kaymer though. Needs a good talking to from Mr Langer I think! Can't wait to see a more mature Rory and GMac combination, and now that Mr Garcia has gotten his act together I think we have a fearsome team.

Europe to win

What bonus points manina?

Have to say that im feeling pretty good about this euro team compared to how I did a month or so ago. However the US team is almost certainly going to be equally strong which will lend itself to what should be a great contest. The US may have some form concerns over a few players but there is time for those to be overcome.

Two very strong sides. Advantage with the home side for being at home but Europe has the advantage of togetherness. Should all come down to the last singles match...Rory against Tiger and there is only one winner there.....WeeMac!

Harrington didn't deserve a place although he has shown signs of making a comeback. European selection process deserves recognition, balancing promotion of the European Tour without shutting out the World players and the Capt. has his players to choose also.

I would not like to be in DL3's shoes at the moment.....with Tiger and Phil in the same team again and neither playing near their top form, I would actually not play either of them the opening morning.....does he have the guts to do that? If he does, then that also frees him up with his choices because only Stricker and Furyk have been able to have some success playing with Tiger but they are very similar players and DL3 might want more variety and just pick one of them.

Should be a belter!

Bring it on!!

@Jimmy.....I've got a few concerns about a few European players form. I don't think GMAC, Justin and maybe to a lesser extent Lee & Luke have been pulling up any trees lately. I think all four could do with a good run and qualify for the Tour Championship. As for Kaymer, well he could be a liability.
The US team's got a few playing "out of sorts" as well so to speak, Phil's been struggling for a while, Tigers gone off the boil, Kuchar, Bubba & Webb as well!

@25

I know Darren Clarke won the Open in 2011, that was a total one-off. Sure he played well for those four days, and hasn't had a good day since, or for a while before those four days.

I'm not a huge fan of Mcilroy but i recognise people like him are the future of golf. Not these 'old boys' who drift aimlessly through the year simply because their 'pedigree' entitles them to a spot on the tour.

Lets watch the real golfers fight it out at this Ryder Cup rather than listen to the 'old boys' telling us their life stories.

some of the Europe pairings jump out as natural others perhaps a little less so. I wouldn't be surprised to see Westwood / Lawrie combo in the foursomes, and with Kaymer's form as it is the experience of Westwood alongside might be required in the fourball. Then again if Kaymer doesn't show anyform in the next few weeks he might not get a run till the singles.

How to pair Molinari / Hanson / Colsaerts (or is that rotate ?) with might come down to stone paper scissors.

Although some players are not in the best of form the thing to remember is that its matchplay and you can have a bad hole or two and still win by making plenty of Birdies so its not like you have to be as consistent as in stroke play. Also remember playing with a partner helps take some pressure away.

Ah Mr Carter,
Still being carried away on the glorious Olympic aftermath eh ? Not that it did the cricketers any good or,one suspects, Andy Murray's chances in the Flushing Meadow If hard practicality counts for anything, you may be interested to note that not a single bookmaker on either side of the Atlantic is offering other than US odds on !

#32

Interesting 'comeback' response. Paul Lawrie isn't bad for an 'old boy'. I take your point about Darren, but history shows that at present he has achieved something that most of the rest of the team have not - winning a major!

Anyway, let's move on. What's your scoreline prediction? I stand by my 15-13 in favour of Europe, particular now that Poulter is in the team. He is there for more than his golf - he will inspire, lead, cajole and give each of his colleagues a 'determination' and 'confidence' injection, whenever he needs to.

I'm sure that DLIII knows full well that he's got himself a ball game!

DL3 has such a tough challenge in making his 4 wild cards. Assuming we narrow the choices down to Dustin, Watney, Furyk, Stricker, Snedeker, Van Pelt, Fowler and Mahan, somehow 3 of those guys miss out.

By Watney's own standards, not the best of seasons for him, but a win yesterday puts him top of the fed ex cup, hard to look past him. Stricker, a steady player all round and one of the best putters in the game. Fowler did well in the last ryder cup and won this year at Wells Fargo. Despite injury, Johnson has done well with a win and a top 3 yesterday moving him well up the fed ex cup standings. Snedeker contended at the Open and then a 2nd yesterday as well moves him into contention, but lack of experience in Ryder Cup will possibly be his downfall. Furyk contended at the U.S open and at Bridgestone and regained some form this year big time, a Ryder Cup veteran as well, and potential partner for Woods, definitely hard to look past Furyk. Mahan won the Matchplay earlier this year and is as solid as anyone, he will surely get a pick, especially as he will be after some revenge for personal reasons, after the infamous fluffed chip last time around. He just missed automatic qualification also. Van Pelt could catch the eye of DL3 with a performance next week, he's had his share of top 10s and did well at the PGA.

This week will be a huge factor for DL3, the names mentioned will all be trying to force the issue and play their way into selection, i wish them all the best!

Well that was predictable, wasn't it? Iain calls it 'straightforward' in his piece, but there was little to get excited about once it became clear Colesarts was not going to kock Kaymer out of the auotmatic slots. There was no repeat of 2010, with Eduardo Molrinari putting a huge spanner in the works at the last minute, nor the three-into-two situation regarding the Captain's picks. Perhaps that's a good thing.

I have expressed concerns about Kaymer's form on these pages in the last few weeks, and the fact that he didn't feel up to playing Gleneagles at all is puzzling, but the simple truth is that he made enough points to get on the team and other players (for that, read 'Harrington') did not. If Martin's still in the team despite being out of form, that's probably a reflection that Europe doesn't really have anyone better availible.

I also agree with Peter @ #25, there had been a hint of 'The Old Boys Club' about RC selection in 210, and it's good to see that being blow away a little. I have a feeling that Harrington was only selected in 2010 because both Montgomerie and two of his VCs (McGinley & Clarke) were friends with him. Glad to see that chicken came home to roost in the end.

I can't really complain about the selection for Europe but make no mistake, this will be tough. I've been watching the Ryder Cup since the 1991 edition, and I'm struggling to think of the USA fielding a stronger team in that period (1999 may run it close, though). One only needs to look at what's been going on on the PGA Tour from Firestone onwards to see the quility of some the American players who have not made the team as of right, with Nick Watney the latest to put his hand up, plus high finishes for Brandt Snedker and Dustin Johnson. This strength, combined with some boisterous home support, will make the Americans a formidable outfit. Europe will need to be at the top of their game to have even a chance.

i am from the uk but i reside in the states , and watch live on tv on a weekly basis all the USPG tour events
they have some awesome talent it wont be easy and all 12 european players will have to hit form , i cannot see the europeans winning many singles matches

Hurray! 40th comment.

At #39 - am also an expat and live on CA central coast - there's awsome talent on both sides. As others have noted two of the US greats are in much less than their best form, and TW does not have a great RC record. How Phil M will play is anyone's guess. The rest will be ok or better. The Europeans are narrow favourites in my view, not least because they are team players. Our men are individualists - perhaps why the singles matches favour us a bit. It should be a great contest on a splendid course. Sergio is rounding into ominously dangerous form, which will offset Kaymer's happy (for us) tendency to love left field off the tee... People have expressed reservations about Colsaerts but he looks a very fine player. If his putter gets hot he'll be a very valuable member of their team.

@36

My prediction is for Europe to win 16.5-11.5, to avenge our defeat four years ago.

Europe have players in better form than America (excluding Kaymer.) And most of them are well suited to the Ryder Cup, Garcia, GMac Poulter etc. are the type of characters who relish this sort of competition.

This American team isn't suited for the RC, too many individual personalities who aren't team players. Their best player Woods only turns up for the sake of sponsorship, their second best player Mickelson looks clueless outside Augusta these days. Many of their other players are farly average.

It's going to be Europe all the way. :D

Geddin the Hole! All the way USA !

Fortunes have definitely swung Europe's way in the last few weeks.

A number of them coming back into form - McIlroy, Garcia, Lawrie, Poulter, Westie and Donald usualy perform well.

A number of the US top 8 have drifted out of form - Simpson, Kuchar, Mickelson and Woods is very erratic.

US should be able to pick a form 4 though and for that reason I cant see how Mahan will get picked unless he does well this weekend. If one of Watney, Dustin or Snedeker have another big weekend, they will get in.

It does look like 2 very high quality teams though and let's hope it is captivating viewing as always, though I hope Mont gets a new tee shirt, the one he is using just now in the advert with Butch Harmon looks a tad tight !

Matt - These out of Form Euros to whom you refer. Is that the same Donald and Westwood who gained top 10 finishes this week, the same Justin Rose who finished top 3 at the US PGA and G-mac who has finished well in every event he's played since the US Open with the exception of the Barclays. You have very high standards if they are causing you to worry.

Anyone remember Lee Westwood at the 2002 Ryder Cup, he had no right to be there other than that the team was picked a year in advance due to the 9/11 tragedy, was so out of sorts that it was embarrassing, and yet rallied phenomenally with a performance that seemed to turn around his whole career. Its a long shot but you never know, the RC could do that for Kaymer.

Jimmy....You don't get my point. What are top 10 finishes all about, c'mon, Luke done his usual, make the cut and he's happy, they were never involved, they both got up the leaderboard when they had no pressure. I mean you're no fool, but you've got to understand that these are (supposedly) the best 2 English golfers in the world. The sad fact is they're never in contention to win a big event. And that is undisputed!!

I'm disappointed that Poulter, or Kaymer, for that matter, did not feel compelled enough to front up at Gleneagles at the weekend. It would have really demonstrated commitment to the team cause and probably, in Poulter's case, obtained automatic selection.
JMO would have been able to gauge where Kaymer is at in terms of his game and would have ended up having a genuine wildcard pick in his hand.
He may well have used it on Kaymer (unlikely), or perhaps taken one of the current form players from the European Tour, outside of the top 15 or so, or extended an invite to Martin Laird as an example.

The two wildcard picks were inevitable, thanks to IJP decision not to play in Scotland. A little more flexibility on his part could have presented JMO a real option for a 'Fowler' type selection.

At least Colsaerts tried to get an automatic selection; which, ironically, he would have received under the previous selection criteria.

Don't see how Davis Love's picks are going to hurt the team when you look at who he has to pick from. Say this pretty much every RC since the heyday of Seve and Faldo, on paper the US team looks stronger and deeper. But every RC the Euros find a way to challenge and surprise. The temperature at Medina should be super hot, even if the thermometer says something different. Can't wait.

Comment #49! Beat that, GB!

"43.At 22:39 27th Aug 2012, maxmerit wrote:
Geddin the Hole! All the way USA !"

Now THAT is a splendid post! Well, the first part is anyway. Even spelt it right

I'm just going to raise my blade to my adoring public, to celebrate the half century, then I will make a serious post.

Re 44 and others, I thought fortunes had swung to the US a week or two back, with Westwood and Kaymer seemingingly off form (esp Westwood's confession that his game was off before the Open). But I agree now that a few US players, notably Woods, don't seem on form.

The other thing, as Jimmy alludes to, is that form going into the Ryder Cup is not an especially reliable indicator of how someone will play at the event. Westwood in 2002 is a good example but I'm sure there are others.

If you compare the teams 'on paper' (and there aren;'t many other scientific ways of doing it at this stage) then it looks even ish, with possibly a slight advantage to the US. But you only have to look at some of the past results to know that 'on paper' means very little. Woods losing to Rocca in 97, Mickleson losing to Price in 2002, and believe it or not David Feherty beating the late Payne Stewart in 1991

who's everybodys favourite Ryder Cup player past/present ?

Two strong-looking teams: I think USA will win but it should be a great contest.

Re Poulter: I find all this stuff about his 'passion' for the Ryder Cup a bit yucky. All the players get super-motivated for this event, it's just that Poulter makes sure everyone knows how 'passionate' he is. Keeps telling us. It's personal PR, that's all. And rather phoney. He's actually no more up-for-it than anyone else (rather less than many, I suspect). Having said that, an excellent RC record and a slam-dunk pick.

@umpteenth_time_user save 606 your comment no 3 is without doubt a ridiculous comment as the Ryder Cup has to mentioned two months before the event to find out who will make the Team and who will be the wildcard picks. Comment 42 make perfect sense for a change. On paper Europe should win.

I think i must have missed the point Matt, and to be fair i'm still missing it, I dont really understand what any of that has to do with the Ryder Cup if i'm being honest. I also fairly wholeheartedly disagree with your post but thats not so much a case of me missing the point as me disputing the apparently indisputable.

Frazer, whilst you and I are of a like mind in so far as form isnt perhaps a direct indicator of how someone will perform, (See again Lee 2002 or Tiger pretty much every time he plays RC) i'd suggest possibly its an indirect factor. Confidence is, I reckon, a key to being able to stand up under pressure and stripe the ball exactly where you want it and is linked fairly closely to form. However it only takes one good or band shot to totally undermine it, or send it rocketing.

#46 Matt
I'm missing your point too, Matt. Surely top-ten finishes indicate a general level of form. Being the actual winner of a strokeplay tournament is largely irrelevant when you're talking about a matchplay event where the only issue is to do better than the player (or pair) you're playing against, rather than a field of 156 (or whatever).

#52 manina
It has to be Seve from the past of course, and I'd go for Westwood now. I'd like to give Mark Calcavecchia an honourable mention for his hilarious meltdown in 1991 though!

#47 - agreed. Given how passionate Poults is when it comes to the RC why didn't he play at Gleneagles where a top 35 place would guarantee his place? The captain then could pick his second wildcard. As it is, Poults made that decision for him. Shame.

#46 - so rather than constantly be a top 10 player (in a competition contested by 24 players) you'd rather have a Watney? Absent from the top 40 all year and then comes out of the woodwork with a streaky win?? Another mastercard moment...priceless!

My favourite player in the RC has to be Seve. Transformed the event as a player and captain.
Must also mention Monty, no one has played and captained with more passion than him.
Favourite memory of the RC was Monty sinking the winning putt in 2004.
Special mention though must go to Boo Weekly in 2008 riding the cowboy horse from the tee.

55 - Jimmy, agreed re confidence. But you lose 10 points for illegal use of a poster's real name.

Obviously, lack of form is not TOTALLY irrelevant. Didn't Sandy Lyle withdraw one year? He certainly threatened to. I remember in 99 O'Meara had been a double majro champion the previous season, but couldn't hit a barn door at 10 paces in the RC. He really struggled, but to give him credit he still ran Harrington close in the singles.

But as you say Jimmy, a lot of it is confidence and one good round or even a good shot can help restore that. Or sometimes something on the range will 'click' and suddenly you're playing well again

I don't have a single fave RC player, but amongst my fave players and moments:

Torrance crying (MK I and MK II)
Phil Price going bonkers for 5 seconds when he finally beat Mickleson
Calc’s meltdown
Effort by Torrance and Strange to repair the damage done in 99 by conducting themselves in a manner befitting the RC
Faldo getting up and down from 90 yards to defeat Strange in 95
Christy O’Connor’s 2 iron in 89 vs Couples
Canizares beating Green (?) in 99
Mahan flubbed chip last time (sorry Hunter!)

Worst moments:
Notorious green invasion at Brookline in 99
Numerous subsequent attempts by US players / commentators to play it down and deny that anything wrong was done.
Cory Pavin amongst others acting like a hooligan in 91
Hale Irwin’s drive on 18 in 1991 that went 50 yards off line and appeared on the edge of the fairway
Subsequent attempt by various pro – US protagonists to concoct a story that it hit someone hard in the back, that she had a welt there for weeks, and that the ball rebounded 50 yards off her to the edge of the fairway
David Duval’s loutish celebration after the singles in 99
Paul Azinger’s octupral high five after holing a bunker shot to halve Fasth in 2002
Paul Azinger’s call for the 13th man
Paul Azinger in general

Manina Favourite two players in Ryder cup of recent times Poulter and Gmac.

#47

I'm a great Poulter fan, but you do make an interesting point. I guess the difference is that Poulter is moving through the gears on his way to a fantastic peak for the RC and therefore felt a degree of confidence (not complacency) that he would stand a very good chance of being picked. Kaymer, on the other hand, has been in neutral for most of the season and he possibly should have committed himself to the Johnnie Walker, which would have at least showed intent. It would have been interesting for JMO if Colsaerts had achieved at least a top 2 finish - would he have still picked Kaymer or given RC-B a chance (a fellow spaniard). It was intrigued to digest Iain Carter's comments regarding JMO putting someone on standby if Kaymer's form does not improve. Did I miss something, or is it still possible for someone in the team to be given the 'Dear John' prior to the event?

#53

For passion read 'fiery determination'. I'm sure you are right about all the team having passion, but somehow Poulter demonstrates that extra little bit of spark, which definitely inspires others.

good to see Tucker made the team in the end

#63 - JMO was asked at the press conference yesterday did he have someone on standby in case Kaymer withdrew. JMO said he had spoken to Kaymer who had been working hard on his game for the last few weeks and had no intention to step aside.
Had Poults played last week, maybe these questions could have been avoided. I'm sure he'd been given the nod, but had he qualified by rights then maybe RCB would be looking forward to the boarding the plane to Chicago...

If the situation arises, that Kaymer flops in these next 2 tournaments he is playing, one would expect his withdrawal from the side.

TheRealJimmy. Picks for this week are.
Europe
Siem
Wiesberger
Dyson

USA
Snedeker
Donald
westwood.

I thank you

Blimey whcihis Your early out of the blocks feeling confident??

@therealjimmy

It would be nice to see who scored points this week,and if daveyboy is still uncatchable
P.s That means can we have the results and latest table please

Manina I got 5 points this week for Snedeker but that was it all my euro picks were in the top 10 with Gallacher and Molinari just outside the top 3.

#65

I have the feeling that you may have hit the nail on the head there. Let's see if Kaymer can deliver during the next couple of tournaments - I can't imagine anyone being willing to relinquish a RC spot. Apart from winning a major, it has to be the pinnacle of one's career.

I can see not picking Harrington coming back to haunt Olly.

Lets look at history when the wild card selection was down to an experienced player and a inexperienced players but who is playing better.

1995: Gallacher picked Seve as his wild card even thou he was playing the worst golf of his career...what happened...he played crap...but inspired his team to victory.

2008: Faldo had to pick between Monty and Paul Casey....he went with Casey...the team was missing a leader and they lost miserably.

2010: Monty had to pick between Harrington and other players ahead of him on the list playing better...he went with experience...what happened....the team won and played better as a team because of Harrington on it.

Colsaerts will bring nothing to the team, might win a point if he has a good partner but will bring no inspiration to his playing partners.

Big mistake Olly!Have you fallen down the Faldo trap.

@72 jamesmathew as usual looking on the bright side of life. Idiot.

#71 - the unpredictibility of the Ryder Cup is what makes it so exciting and unlikely heroes step forward - Paul Way, Baker, Darcy, Price etc etc. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Kaymer deliver when it matters most. I just hope JMO rotates his players - its not so much the physical demands of 5 rounds in 3 days as the mental exhaustion that is tough to deal with.

#72 - I know I shouldn't rise to the bait but..... In 2008 Paddy delivered half a point from 4 matches and in 2010 2 points from 4 because Fisher didn't miss from 15 feet.
Yeah, we bound to lose with him not in the team - D'OH!

therealjimmy

My picks for this week are :

Deutshe Bank

Rory McIlroy
Louis Oosthuizen
Adam Scott

Eoropean Masters

Peter Hanson
Thorbjorn Oleson
Marcel Siem

@lordV

Don't worry school starts again next week :-)

I sincerely hope that the European team does not wear feminine pink this time round, it has been such a visual embarrassment in past years, that it has brought ridicule upon the game.

#75 Seve also delivered only 1 point in 1995 but it was his presence that helped Europe win.

In 2008 it was the lack of Montys presence that helps us lose.

Truly great players bring more to a team then winning points, they inspire others.

Last ryder cup if you ask most people who was most instrumental on the team...Poulter or Harrington...majority would agree with Harrington.

Poulter can only win 5 points...Harrington can inspire 20 points. That's the difference...one is a loner...one is a team player. Poulter doesn't care if Europe win or lose...he cares if he wins or loses.

If Europe do not retain the cup then there be something seriously wrong. US are very poor with to many of their players being inconsistent or just out of form. This includes Woods (still the best player in world but only 50% of the player he was) and Mickleson.

Europe should win by a landslide.

Obvious picks by Olazabal. Harrington isn't the player he was and couldn't justify being picked above Poulter or Coulsarts. Really interested in what DL111 does with the 4 US picks. I think he might go with Stricker, Furyk, Fowler & Watney leaving out Mahan, Snedeker & Dustin Johnson although what happens this week may change things. Anyone agree?

sagamix @53;
You've clearly never been to a RC when Poults has been playing. To say that man has the same enthusiasm as everyone else on the team is absolute nonsense. He is way more than a golfer that week, he's the heart and soul of the team. When you see how much it means to him to stick it to the US it gets the whole crowd going and is infectious for the other players. You only had to look at Ross Fisher in Celtic Manor to see how it rubbed off, a normally quiet man who goes about his business was suddenly high fiving, fist pumping and more importantly winning! Poults gets it, and he gets it because he likes nothing more than beating the other side because of who they are. Sure there are others who get fired up and yes it means a great deal to everyone but he just gets that little more excited because he loves it.

As for Kaymer, he was no good at Celtic Manor when everyone was hailing him as the next big thing. He was subdued and devoid of personality to the extent that the first tee crowd couldn't even come up with a song for him. This wouldn't matter if his golf delivered, but it didn't, is hasn't since and he has no real feeling for the RC so it won't magically come back in Medina.

Colsaerts is a strange one. There's no doubt he's a decent player and he can play match play but he seems a very odd character. He was verging on arrogance when asked about his pick both after the final round at Gleneagles and also in the presser y'day. He isn't going to add much to the team in my opinion. While Paddy probably doesn't deserve a pick on form, he would be a better team member.

I would also love to see Sergio and Poulter together at some point, they would get right in the faces of the Americans and shut the crowd up.

#79 - of course, you're right. Paddy even more influencial than Seve. Monty was on the slide by 2008 but now you mention it - it's obvious why we lost - can't believe I didn't work that out myself. Despite the feelings voiced on this site supporting Poulter as a pick again you're right. After all who wants a player who can only deliver 5 points and not inspire 20.
I'll e mail George O Grady immediately - I take it you'll be free in 2014 to lead the team to glory in Gleneagles??

Mr Suitcase

This update you are after, i presume you want one like I do every single week (With the exception of last week because there was nothing to update you all on) It'll be delivered either this evening or tomorrow evening.

I think its a forlorn hope to expect Kaymer to withdraw, and whilst his slump has been a worryingly long one his hot streak was too long for it to have been a fluke, he is (or at least was) quality and i'm sure he'll get his mojo back eventually.

@jamesmathew, would you say Westwood, Donald and Rose are the 3 weak links in team Europe?

#79 JamesMatthew - please james, that's a terrible arguement. I'm a supporter of Paddy but definitely think the last Ryder Cup was one too many for him as a player and if the rest of the guys need him for inspiration then pity help us as USA will win by a record margin.
Europe have, in their captain, a man who came back from the depths to win his second Masters Tournament and who has no right to be playing now due to the arthritic condition he suffers from. What more do you want for inspiration?

#86 Olly will be one of the most inspirational captains of all time. probably only piped by Seve. However who have we on the course that is a leader?

Westwood is a loner...he's not a team player.
Poulter is an amazing individual and will prob get 4/5 points but he's not a leader.
Donald...too quiet, Rory too young, Garcia...too young, GMac…don't think so.

Monty was our captain on the course for the last 10+ years. Now we have no one. Harrington with 3 majors to prove he knows how to win would have been the right person to have on that team to add balance and leadership on the course.

#86 - you raise an interesting issue about the role of the captain. I've no doubt JMO will be inspirational, but what about Davis. He has a fine line to tread. No doubt he'll want the full support of the home fans, but what if it crosses the line. Sergio seemed to take some stick on Sunday with cries of "mashed potato" during his backswing. Love III seems a good bloke, steeped in the traditions of the game and the RC...but then I thought the same of Crenshaw. I guess if you're getting hammered principles can get left behind...

#87 jamesmathew
James, I can't help feeling you're "bigging up" the role of "captain on the course". Surely any player should be concentrating on his particular match and relationship with his partner, not worrying about what else is going on. JMO and his vice captains can see to that, especially with their recent Ryder Cup playing experiences.

I'm not sure why you're focussing on PH for this role (whether it is necessary or not) and your dismissals of Westwood/Poulter/Donald/Garcia/McDowell seem rather perfunctory (possibly agree with you about McIlroy at the moment).

#89 I dont mean to dismiss any of those players they are all amazing and maybe on text its coming across a lot worse then it is. My main point was just that I believe PH would have added a lot more to the team than a player who has 1 top 10 in a major, 2 wins in Europe and zero wins in the US. I just think Harry is playing well enough to have been picked. He has shown some amazing form at certain times this year albeit not very consistant but he is a big game player.

Anyways enough of that...im sure Nicolas Colsaerts will do fine.

Would anyone like to see Rory and Garcia play the 4 ball together?
I think that would be amazing...two young lads going crazy with birdies.

#90 jamesmathew
James, I didn't mean to suggest you had any criticism of thenm as players, it just appeared that you suggest they may have fewer leadership credentials than Harrington - and I'm not sure I agree with that.

I'm sure Garcia would be flattered to be called a "young lad". OK, he's in the younger half of the team, but he is 32, older than Molinari, Rose, Colsaearts, Kaymer and (of course) McIlroy.

#91 LOL....your dead right...I just always see Garcia as a 21 year old running around the course jumping. He has more life and soul in him them most of the guys younger then him. I think his personality would suit McIlroys and a fourball with those two would be amazing.

Whats the bets that Westwood will be putting like God in this ryder cup as well? Kinda like Monty back in the day...Westwood always seems to find his putter come RC.

Last time we had by far the strongest team, home advantage and even distinctly british weather. Yet we still almost managed to lose it.

How Monty got praised for almost blowing that is beyond me frankly.

#74 3puttpete.

I suspect that JMO will rotate all 12 players during the 16 foursomes/fourballs, probably giving NC at least 2 matches so he can cut his teeth prior to the singles

#83 3puttpete

Dry and subtle response. I love it!

#82 nahbs

Right on!

#95 - thankfully I can't see JMO doing a Mark James! I dont get all this talk of which team is strongest on paper. Hopefully we'll see remarkable drama, a very close match that is decided by a chip in here or a 3 foot horseshoe there. The one thing for certain, is that every single player will sweat blood'n'tears to try and get the win. What more can we ask from them?

Harrington's RC record is dismal, Colsaerts is one of the most improved players on tour this year and is an easy pick ahead of him. Anyone who was able to shoot two rounds of 65 at Lytham is going to be a tough customer in matchplay, plus his length will be useful at Medinah. He looks a natural selection for the 4balls as our 4somes line up looks very strong.

Just joined this blog so don't know if it's been covered but I don't think Poulter did the team any favours. If he had played in Scotland and finished in the top 35 (surely he would have managed that) then Kaymer would have been out and JMO could have picked Harrington with all his experience and recent good form. I think this would have been a stronger team

replying to yourself there Pete?

The on paper thing doesnt make much of a difference like you say. You should see some of the World Rankings of the 2002 team, there are guys in the low 80's and even mid 100's in the rankings, and yet they still managed to win, the standard has improved vastly.

Among the favorite moments have to be the reception Darren Clarke got onto the first tee following all his personal problems. Never heard a golf crowd sound like a full football stadium!

But most of all Monty and Padraig up against the 'Dream Team' of Woods and Mikelson in 2004. Unbeatable apparently! Promptly got their backsides handed back to them - surely the moment Monty sealed is RC lengend status!

Can't wait!

@MWS....come the last hole...and Colsaert needs a par on a tough 18th to win a vital point....what has he to draw from in the past that will tell him "I did this before I can do it again"

His 2 rounds at Lytham when he was no where near the lead? And after his first round of 65 the pressure was too much and followed it with a 77.

Not to take away from a much improved player but his pick seems almost out of pity just to say well done for keeping in there and your 1 significant career win.
I think the poor guy could fall apart under the RC pressure.