Bloggy Underfoot: In Monty’s Ryder Cup Notebook (Part 1)
Colin Montgomerie certainly is taking his role as Ryder Cup Captain seriously. A couple of weeks back he oversaw the jousting at the Vivendi Trophy a la Hitler at the 1936 Munich Games. He is said to already have a shortlist of probables and possibles for his Ryder Cup Team Selection. His notes might read thus……
Rory McIlroy
This is the only guy in the World I would pay to see, the best young talent out there. He may need an experienced partner (possibly Darren) because Rors is still blinking in the morning sun of matchplay golf. Some say his chipping from heavy greenside rough is suspect, but whose isn’t? I might even send him out first in the singles, the perfect foil for Tiger Woods. And the way he dispatched Henrik two weeks ago, he may slay the Tiger. NB: We will have to do something about that mop on top though! Verdict: Grab your clubs Rory, after a trip to the hairdresser.
Miguel Angel Jimenez
There comes a time when even the most experienced of the European Team members has to sit back with a nice glass of Rioja balanced on his belly whilst lighting up a nice Cuban cigar and reflect on what has been and still is, one hell of a career. Miguel, with Vijay Singh and Kenny Perry has taken a hammer to all the common logic of over forties winning on Tour. I know you’re a thoroughbred and not ready for the glue factory just yet. Verdict: Keep the clubs in the boot.
Martin Kaymer
German means efficiency and Kaymer is the man, so far. I could never ignore a back to back winner on Tour. Martin will be another Rookie and added to Rory, that makes two. But hang on, wasn’t Martin at the last Ryder Cup? Ah yes I remember now, his mother sadly passed away in the lead up but he did travel as part of the extended European Team. He can be our new Langer; come to think of it, I might bring Bernhard too as his foursome partner. Give the US guys a bit of Vorsprung durch technik! Verdict: Grab your clubs
Paul Casey
Casey reminds me of myself back in my heyday, charging around with that juggernaut brow. He loves matchplay as evidenced by his WGC and HSBC performances. I remember that 10 and 9 hammering he gave Shaun Micheel in the HSBC final in 2006 and the hole-in-one in the Ryder Cup at the K Club. Nick had to pick him as a wildcard last time but I think he will make an automatic spot this year. Was it eggs or the US Ryder Cup Team Casey was talking about when he reportedly said "Oh, we properly hate them. We wanted to beat them as badly as possible"? Verdict: Grab your clubs
Ian Poulter
Remember how poor Ian was powerhosed by the press after receiving Nick’s wildcard pick last time. It must have been tough for him but he really showed his mettle in the matches. Whether he deserved his pick last time is still up for debate, Darren Clarke did win twice on tour in the lead up but then again Nick and Darren aren’t exactly drinking buddies. If Ian doesn’t win next year or make the team automatically, I’m going to really have to think hard about bringing him. Verdict: Keep the clubs in the boot.
Lee Westwood
Lee is part of the fabric of the Ryder Cup. Since working with Mark Roe on his short game a couple of years back, Westwood has re-emerged as a force in World Golf. The perfect foursome partner for a rookie possibly. A couple of rolls of the ball could have landed Lee The Open and he also had a rattle at the PGA Championship. I think he will win a Major before Celtic Manor; you cant win 28 times worldwide and not win a Major unless you’re ….me! Verdict: Grab your clubs, you’re out first.
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