- Sep 1, 2004
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I was recenly reading an article, quite by chance on the Ryder Cup at Brookline and the "war of words" between Nick Faldo and team captain Mark James. James overlooked Faldo for a wild card slot, preferring to go for Andrew Coltart, a decision that Faldo berated (and happened to be right as Coltart only played in the singles, got stuffed by Woods and apparently dubbed one 20ft off one of the tees, but anyway...)
Faldo went on about the importance of expereince in the team, someone who has been there before etc. It led to a lot of animosity for quite some time and to the famous "ripping up and binning" of a good luck letter from Faldo to the team on the eve of the competition.
So years on and Faldo is captain of the Seve Trophy team, a good platform for experience before the next Ryder Cup. Bear in mind that this is taking place in Ireland this week, without an Irishman being on the team. So who does he pick as wildcards? Simon Dyson and Marc Warren, both not exactly household names. Who did he overlook? A certain Paul McGinley with 2 Ryder Cups under his belt, a lot of experience etc. Interesting that Faldo decided against playing an Irishman, even for political reasons. I know Harrington pulled out, but he McGinley, Clarke, and McDowell to choose from. Surely all with as much to offer as his selected wildcards.
It seems like Mr. Faldo has a very selective memory. He may reckon that the Seve Trophy is a good learning ground for these guys to get experinece, with not much significance, but actions speak louder than words. On the eve of the tournament, a certin Mr. McGinley resigned as assistant captain to Mr. Faldo for next year's Ryder Cup. I read that as a direct snub to Faldo. He cited that he would rather play in the team than be on the sidelines, but I see it as a vote of no-confidnece for Faldo.
Faldo went on about the importance of expereince in the team, someone who has been there before etc. It led to a lot of animosity for quite some time and to the famous "ripping up and binning" of a good luck letter from Faldo to the team on the eve of the competition.
So years on and Faldo is captain of the Seve Trophy team, a good platform for experience before the next Ryder Cup. Bear in mind that this is taking place in Ireland this week, without an Irishman being on the team. So who does he pick as wildcards? Simon Dyson and Marc Warren, both not exactly household names. Who did he overlook? A certain Paul McGinley with 2 Ryder Cups under his belt, a lot of experience etc. Interesting that Faldo decided against playing an Irishman, even for political reasons. I know Harrington pulled out, but he McGinley, Clarke, and McDowell to choose from. Surely all with as much to offer as his selected wildcards.
It seems like Mr. Faldo has a very selective memory. He may reckon that the Seve Trophy is a good learning ground for these guys to get experinece, with not much significance, but actions speak louder than words. On the eve of the tournament, a certin Mr. McGinley resigned as assistant captain to Mr. Faldo for next year's Ryder Cup. I read that as a direct snub to Faldo. He cited that he would rather play in the team than be on the sidelines, but I see it as a vote of no-confidnece for Faldo.