Faldo: can he bring home the gold?
Ewen Murray previews the Ryder Cup and says Nick Faldo has what it takes to lead Europe to glory. < Back to Story
Faldo: can he bring home the gold?
Ewen Murray previews the Ryder Cup and says Nick Faldo has what it takes to lead Europe to glory. < Back to Story
Skysports.com takes a first-hand look around the Celtic Manor complex in pictures.
Pictures of Team Europe's individual players as selected by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.
Pictures of Team USA's individual players as selected by Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin.
As we countdown to the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, here's a look at the tournament's prestigious history.
Check out our gallery of European captain Colin Montgomerie's Ryder Cup career.
Pictures from USA's 16.5 -11.5 victory over Europe in the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla.
Pictures from the 2006 Ryder Cup held at The K Club in County Kildare, Ireland.
Tiger Woods won the US Open on one leg and, despite Poulter's best efforts, Europe fail in Valhalla.
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Comments (20)
David Edwards says...
I was wondering why the Ryder Cup Committee have not agreed to play 3 games of Foursomes and 3 games of 4 balls over the first 2 days, surely this would help all players being involved from the outset and also give the viewing public more games to watch. Perhaps someone can explain why 4 players are omitted
Posted 12:38 18th September 2008
Mary Courtney says...
Hi Ewan, I have missed you on the TV since Nick made his announcement and was feeling concern. I heard your comments and thought you had been taken to task by Sky because of them. For my part I found it refreshing to hear you speak from the heart, not enough people have the guts to do it. I'm always in trouble for saying what I think. And on we go. Just this morning Nick is being pilloried by the press because they read the pairings written on a scrap of paper in his hand. Is nothing sacred. For Gods sake leave him alone. With all the experts in the press room do we need a Captain at all. OK he never was Prince Charming, having seen him up close and personal in the press room at the Irish Open when he was in his hay day he left a lot to be desired. But boy could he make those clubs talk and after all thats what we watch the TV for. I found in those days that year on year the Press thought they could play better golf than the pros. This morning I heard them say he showed disrespect to them the way he answered their questions. What were they doing reading his personal notations. I hope they all get off their high horses and rally behind Nick .Would it not have been better if that photographer had alerted Nick to the fact that he could see what he had in his hand! Anyhow Ewan I'm back to the kitchen to continue with my Ryder Cup preparations. Since the Sky Sports coverage of said cup began I have entertained in my home for the weekend. I spring clean the house, pre cook all the meals, stoke up the fire, load up the bar and sit and live on the course for the whole weekend hanging on your every word. It would not have been the same without your dulcid tones. Not to mention Uncle Bruce. And in my opinion Butch Harmon looks like a little cuddly Buddha. Enjoy the weekend.
Posted 09:47 18th September 2008
Barry Gaskin says...
Hi Ewen, I was fortunate to meet at the last Ryder Cup 2006 K Club, where your boy Darren Clarke hurt the Americans. Second of all Darren's game looks great in 2008 - Weldone on that. On to the Ryder Cup 2008. I expressed my foursomes views on Tuesday morning under Faldos Formulas where I said - Harrington and Poulter, Westwood and Garcia, Jimenez and Karlsson and Last but not at all least Casey and Rose. Looking at our GREAT European team, we are spoilt for choice. In my view I would firstly pick the giant Swedes, enough to intimidate any American pairing. With fairways opened up they can unleash hell off the tee, also two very good putters - especially Karlsson this year. I do think Harrington (Europe's heavyweight) will go out with McDowell. 3rd Fourball will be Garcia and Soren Hansen. 4th Fourball - LJ Westwood and Wilson. The pattern here is that all rookies in the fourballs are playing with Ryder Cup winners in Detroit 2004, nerves will soon settle and I honestly believe that our rookies can't wait to taste victory. All 12 men have played the first day. Go Europe. Barry
Posted 20:25 17th September 2008
George Stewart says...
i'm looking forward to spending the weekend glued to my tv,with a beer in one hand and watching Europe open a "big can of whoop ass" (as they like to say)on the Yanks,as i'm more than confident of Europe retaing the trophy...
Posted 16:23 17th September 2008
Tony Parsons says...
Practice Day 1. What a blinder by the Captain! Play the team in three's, reveal that he thought Woods would have had a fantastic run this year and probably have scored 5 points -therefore the US have lost a few already. On the first point Faldo has completely outwitted his counterpart who would have been looking for early clues regarding pairingsand as far as his comments about the loss of Woods - that is a great move to spread doubt and generate pressure amongst the 'Yanks'. As far as Captains assistants are concerned it seems to me, watching and reading the press coverage so far, that Nick has quickly molded this great bunch of players into a formidable TEAM and I suspect that with Martin Kaymer about and with four players sitting out each of the foursomes and fourballs he will have ample support and help, and probably get much more useful and constructive information and opinion than from other suggested helpers. Good Luck to Nick and the Team - they certainly look to be scoring in the 'RUN UP'
Posted 08:53 17th September 2008
Richard Sumner says...
Europe are in danger of becoming victims of their own success because the USA are such poor losers. Recent victories have dampened the American publics enthusiasm for this event, but watching the lads trounce em every two years is great and Sky's covrerage is brilliant unlike in America where they go to a "message from our sponsors" every 30 seconds. . . .Zzzzzzzzzz. Sky should support more matchplay events amongst the European tour elite because it is far better viewing than strokeplay, much more exciting.
Posted 23:09 16th September 2008
Gary Smith says...
Now the team is at Valhalla i hope all the bad press that Poulters been getting in the press stops and all the focus is on a european win. Like in any team sport the man in charge picks his team and weather the fans like or dislike the line up i would think a win would be the only outcome we would look for. What a great gesture from Nick to take Martin Kaymer to the Ryder Cup for what he has been through but he was also thinking a head because this young golfer will play in the cup quite a few times.
Posted 21:10 16th September 2008
Patrick Larkin says...
the european tour is full of lower level players who cannot make it on the pga tour, why is it that all the big name players ,europeans included play more events on the pga tour, and the european tour gets unknowns like ilonen,remesy and co. ps mcdowell is by far the weakest of the european players followed by wilson lets hope westwood does not moan about the course as he has done in his last 2 events
Posted 18:56 16th September 2008
Gordon Stirling says...
Love what Midgely says about the rankings but as they're heavily based towards the US tour and this is probably the best we've ever been for rankings I'd take absolutely no notice of them. If you did all they's do, based on previous years, is point to a huge European win. I honestly think with the way the USA team looks these past few competions to give them a chance we should go back to GB & Ireland even then I would put my money on us. It's quite sad the way the US tour has declined over the years as I think the players are too mollycoddled and have no real incentive for coming first as 10th gives them so much money. They also play every course in pristine condition and it's the same every week, target golf, whereas the Europeans at least have different environments to play. Overall this year with most of the Americans so out of form I see a repeat of 4 years ago & eventually the US tour may get a wake up call that it isn't the best in the world just the most lucrative which is a huge difference. Also re the comment by Midge on US tour V Euro tour I take it that's by an American so they can then get some good players - half the Euro team!!!! Although I suppose we did add continental Europe to our team so adding the Rest of the World to America's might just balance it out based on recent results.
Posted 16:29 16th September 2008
Andrew Marshall says...
I am just hoping it is a closely fought well mannered competition and the US crowds don't over do it as in some previous occasions. The result will depend on how well the pairings play individually and how well they happen to fit together on the day. This is what will decide the winning team, regardless of the captain. I hope Ian Poulter and Paul Casey are the star performers to stick 2 fingers up to all who criticised their inclusion (me included)! I have a sneaking feeling that this year though Azinger will lift his team using the underdog status to take the pressure off and drag his team to victory. Lets just hope I am wrong.
Posted 13:44 16th September 2008
Jon Stephens says...
USA,Friday foursomes. Prediction. Furyk/Perry Kim/Weekley Leonard/Campbell Mickelsom/Mahan
Posted 23:38 15th September 2008
Scott Beaumont says...
I think America will win. As much as I would love to see the Ryder Cup on Faldos long CV of meteoric acheivments I just cant see them losing on home soil this time. The course rough has been cut to allow the 'bombers' to smash the ball 365yards. I also worry we might get those boozed up crowds crying "your da man!" and those "boooooooooos!" when Boo Weekley holes a 3ft putt for par. I dont think the absense of Tiger will affect them, more likely to spur them on and they might see it as a chance to prove to everyone he does not 'rule' golf ! Either way I cant wait for 12pm Friday and i'm off now to get a case of beers and some chicken wire to wrap round the screen in case I need to throw something when some annoying burk screams "get in da hole!!" Ewen, best wishes for the commentary, I heard the hurricane had blown over a 60ft TV tower so best strap yourself in !
Posted 18:35 15th September 2008
Sheena O keeffe says...
Hello Ewen l have to say that i agree with everything you say however do you think that the ryder cup would begin to get boring if the european team won it again?I just hope that it is a great event and that the golf is of a high standard.I also think that the pairings are going to be very interesting in both sides.
Posted 16:57 15th September 2008
Graham Hood says...
Not sure this will prove to be a success but I think Faldo will start off with the following pairings: Harrington & Garcia Poulter & Casey Karlson & Hansen Westwood & Rose I believe Faldo will make this decision because he will want to put his own stamp on proceedings & in fairness these pairings do look very strong too. Will we see.
Posted 16:37 15th September 2008
Hugh O'connor says...
The world rankings only show how golfers perform in individual tournaments. They never have and never will be a clear-cut indication of who should be favourites to win a Ryder Cup. As regards the pairings, I'd love to see Anthony Kim and Boo Weekley play together in the fourballs. I think they're Azinger's biggest chance of taking some points of Faldo, and the only reason I wouldn't would be if you need them to make two very solid fourballs. I hope the rookies all get a game before Sunday - I don't think it'll be a problem for Rose or McDowell, but I'd like to see Oliver Wilson as much as possible. His play in Gleneagles shows the guts you want a Ryder Cup man to have. I'd like to see him play with McDowell in foursomes and maybe with Westwood as well, in either format.] I think Jimenez and Garcia would be a formidable duo, and it's in keeping with the (surprisingly successful) pairing of nationalities. I'd keep a few of the English boys together as well - Rose and Casey and Rose and Poulter would be two great pairings. Europe are going to win. They just have too much class, spirit, and sheer guts not to do it. If you look at the rookies on our team - Justin Rose a rookie? It sounds ridiculous. Then you've goy Wilson, McDowell, and Hansen. It's a hell of a team. The States have some great players on the team, but they just don't have enough. There's not a player on the European team I wouldn't want standing over a Cup-winning putt come Sunday evening. I'm going to go out there, on a limb, and predict 18-10.
Posted 16:19 15th September 2008
Derek Field says...
Ewan, you are correct, we have our team now, lets get behind them and hope for some sparkling golf played in true golfing spirit. Hope we don't have too many "Get In The Hole" shouts or any invasion of the greens. Just play well and bring the cup home boys.
Posted 15:15 15th September 2008
Terry Mcgill says...
Hi Ewen, Great Column as always. Nick Faldo was always my favourite player so this truly hurts me to say it but I think the Americans will win and win quite easily. I would love it for him and the team to be be victorious but the fact that Europe are favourites I think will work against us. Some early losses will put massive pressure on the rest of the team and I think the Americans will take advantage - Lets hope i'm wrong!!
Posted 13:44 15th September 2008
Midgeley Taylor says...
Too many expert pundits seem to be putting their money firmly on europe, but in my opinion it's too close to call. Look at the world rankings here :- U.S. Europe 2-Phil Mickelson 4-Padraig Harrington 8-Steve Stricker 5-Sergio Garcia 9-Stewart Cink 6-Henrik Stenson 13-Jim Furyk 12-Lee Westwood 15-Anthony Kim 14-Justin Rose 17-Kenny Perry 18-Miguel Angel Jimenez 23-Justin Leonard 21-Robert Karlsson 33-Ben Curtis 25-Ian Poulter 35-Boo Weekley 31-Graeme McDowell 37-Hunter Mahan 36-Paul Casey 53-Chad Campbell 44-Soren Hansen 55-JB Holmes 48-Oliver Wilson Perhaps europe shade it, but there's hardly anything to choose between them.Then look at the results of the accenture matchplay and you see the US players just shading it. Personally I don't care who wins because while I enjoy watching, it is pointless to select teams based on birthplace. Surely the time has come for it to be the US tour versus the European tour, much like the champions league in soccer. Then we can include the top players from all over the world and see which tour is the strongest. What do people think about that ?
Posted 13:27 15th September 2008
Alan White says...
Confidence is high, we have a greater % of the European team on good form. It's by no means a certainty, Americans will be fired up for this as well and have some good talent on their team and I think it's going to be a tight one this year but Europe has the edge and team spirit to retain the cup. Bring it on.
Posted 11:30 15th September 2008
Paul Mccabe says...
I know its been said many times already but i really feel Clarke will be a massive loss. He has played so well in the past and i feel he would be alot more flexible with who he can play with. He has formed a great partnership with Westwood and would also be an obvious choice to play with McDowell. He would also make a great partnership with Harrington or Garcia. I just dont think Poulter would play as well with as many people. Probably Rose or Casey but i wouldnt put him with anyone else.
Posted 11:19 15th September 2008