Nick Dougherty: Does the Valhalla beckon?

Nick Dougherty did his chances the power of good with his joint second place and given the history of Nick and Captain Nick, I'm sure Faldo would love to have him in the side.

Ewen Murray
Quotes of the week

My thanks to all of you who replied to last week's column and in doing so offered some interesting points.

Paul Boylan questioned my description of Padraig Harrington as being a very good golfer. Paul, he is that and I mean very good in every department of the game. Our three time major winner has no weaknesses, his focus is admirable, his short game is sublime and through hard work over the last decade, he has the strength from within to be one of the game's legends, if he is not already. I think the word "great" is used too frequently, and perhaps can only describe the likes of Nicklaus, Hogan, Player, Watson and of course Tiger Woods.

Padraig can join them and my hope is that he will, because he deserves all the success he is enjoying now. He is a model professional and a credit to the sport. Colm Connolly was just another viewer thrilled with the Irishman's brilliance down the stretch in Detroit

Mark Armstrong congratulated Padraig, yet said that Garcia, like no other golfer can ignite enthusiasm in a viewer. My thoughts are that Sergio will win a few of these majors. Tee to green at Oakland Hills, he had the better of Harrington, but Sergio as yet, does not have the killer instinct and the inner strength of Harrington. He is eight years his junior, so there is time. Remember Padraig suffered many second places early in his career. With the same work ethic as Harrington, Garcia can overcome this frustrating spell.

Two caddies better than one?

Chris Dunn asked why Sergio employs two caddies in Billy Foster and Glen Murray. Billy has a young family, so the Spaniard's schedule would not allow him time to spend with them. In a way Chris, I think it's no bad thing. Caddies and players spend a lot of time together and by using two, Billy and Glen, there is a freshness there. Both are top class bagmen and if you were to ask the top 50 players in the game today who is the best, a big percentage would say Billy Foster and some would say Glen.

Mike Jones was happy to be proved wrong after saying the Europeans disappoint in the majors. Along with Harrington and Garcia, Paul Casey did well as did Justin Rose, and Gary Scott was quite right in reprimanding me for not mentioning fellow Scot Alistair Forsyth. I flew home with Alistair from Chicago and sensed this was a big step forward in his career. His final two rounds of 70 will do much for his confidence.

The way Oakland Hills was set up caused great debate. Lee Lee said it was saved by Saturday's rain and Damien Morris agreed. Eoin Keeley agreed with me that the first two days were a tough watch and it was too much like US Opens in recent years. Gavin Moran said no, the course was fair. I think it's fair to say, the final day was compulsive viewing because the course was played the way it was intended. They have this idea in America that the way to toughen up the courses is to make the greens firm. That's fine if there are run in areas, but all of these courses designed in the 20s were built to be played through the air, Donald Ross's Oakland Hills is one of them.

Deeper bunkers and graded rough would be the place to start any change. Andrew Marshall had a good idea as regards to rough. Not so penal just off the fairways and make the areas where the spectators walk, GUR, with a drop zone in what would more than likely be primary rough. It would stop those missing the fairway by 20 yards getting away with errant tee shots. You were better 20 yards off the fairway than four feet off it in Detroit and that is not right.

Lighting up Oaklands

Damien Morris noted the bulk of the crowd on Sunday went with Harrington and Garcia. In years gone by, they would have stuck with one of their own. It's a sign of the times that Tiger apart, the best players are not from America.

Whatever the discussion about the course or other issues, Anne Miles summed it up superbly when she said, "Padraig and Sergio lit up the PGA with their brilliance" That's something we can all agree on.

Along with Robert Wilcox, some of you thanked Sky Sports for our extensive coverage of the year's final major. Robert, the commentators may be old, but behind them is a young and enthusiastic team and it's a pleasure to be a small part of that team. Being on air live for long periods requires much concentration. All of the pictures put to music take a lot of time and they are all part of Sky Sports' style. The majors may be over for the year, but our team, like you, are already thinking of the Ryder Cup.

There for the taking

Talking of which, it seems certain that there are going to be one or two twists in the tail as far as the selection process goes. Peter Hanson was a player I thought would contend for Ryder honours after his performance at the Seve Trophy last year. It hasn't happened until Sunday, when in front of his own people, he won in Sweden. Nick Dougherty did his chances the power of good with his joint second place and given the history of Nick and Captain Nick, I'm sure Faldo would love to have him in the side. He has a realistic chance after the SAS Masters. The last three spots in the automatic top ten are there for the taking with young German star Martin Kaymer only pennies outside 10th place. The next fortnight will reveal all, and it's an edgy spell for Justin Rose, Oliver Wilson, Soren Hansen and Martin.

Double dutch

We visit Holland this week and the wonderful Links of Kennemar plays host to the Dutch Open. With places in the automatic top ten still available, it's a chance for those on the cusp, and for those who can't make the top ten. It's the penultimate opportunity to impress Captain Faldo.

Colin Montgomerie is on holiday and Paul Casey and Ian Poulter are playing in America. Paul can make it through the world points list with good performances stateside as can Ian. Even with a win at Gleneagles next week, Colin will have to rely on a Faldo wild card.

Two wins for Darren Clarke may get the job done, if not, then only two high finishes will capture Nick's attention. Justin Rose looks safe, yet is still making the trip across the Channel to try and make sure. Justin began his professional golf career in Holland. In 1998, he shot 77, 65, to miss the cut by one. It was the start of 21 consecutive missed cuts. I have a feeling he will leave Holland happier this time around. If the rookies fill places 8, 9 and 10, will Faldo go for experience? Only our six-time major winner knows.

All four days coming up in high definition from one of Europe's finest courses. We look forward to your company.