It is Ryder Cup year and already the debate has started over who will make the European team.
Nick Faldo has succeeded Ian Woosnam as captain and will head up the bid for an unprecedented fourth straight European victory at Valhalla in Kentucky.
Despite their superb record in recent matches, many feel that this year's event will see something of a changing of the European guard with a number of new, younger faces qualifying.
Ryder Cup veterans such as Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Jose Maria Olazabal will all be bidding to secure a place on Faldo's side, but the likes of Nick Dougherty, Martin Kaymer and Rory McIlroy demonstrate there are plenty of young guns ready to fill their shoes.
With the match itself still over six months away there is a long way to go before the teams are decided, but we want to know who you think will make Faldo's European team.
Send us your views.
Comments (12)
John Perrett says...
Monty looks unlikely to make it by right on current form, but I still think Faldo will end up taking him as a pick - not because of any sentimentality, there's no way that would come into it, but simply because the man has an outstanding Match Play record. He demonstrated again in Arizona recently he is a top competitor at that format of the game and his Ryder Cup record speaks for itself. I also think the rest of the team will end up having a more familiar look than people currently seem to be believe, although the outstanding Martin Kaymer is one who should book his place.
Posted 13:38 17th March 2008
Tony Parsons says...
Richard Burke's comments re Monty indicate just the sort of emotional rubbish that MUST not be allowed to influence Nick Faldo's picks. Monty's recent form indicates that a captain's pick is the only way that he has a chance of playing in Valhalla. After his last performance I would suggest that he is now more than a BUSTED FLUSH, and I doubt if Nick Faldo is wasting too much time agonising on this issue. Incidently Richard's reference to Tony Jacklin and Seve is not relavent. Seve was absolutely at the top of the WORLD game when Jacklin had to persuade him to be available after he had been ludicrously dumped by the selectors for the 1981 match.
Posted 11:10 11th March 2008
Richard Burke says...
1st match, 1st tee, 1st points in the bag... Monty loves the Americans and they love him - he has to be picked, no question! He just loves the occasion and the whole team will grow ten feet in the air. Remember Nick what Tony Jacklin said to Seve, it's history now and look what's happened to the Ryder Cup. All the best Nick.
Posted 12:08 10th March 2008
Anthony Clarke says...
Faldo needs players who are good match players not necessarily the best at stroke play. In addition the players have to be prepared to be part of a team effort - something that has made the difference since the 1980's. Without doubt Montgomerie fits the bill in both. Unless his form is so bad, I believe that Faldo will have him as one of his picks. As far as the younger players are concerned, their Walker Cup record is a pointer to their match play abilities. Remember Tiger at Royal Porthcawl?
Posted 20:39 4th March 2008
Alex Pringle says...
I agree wholly with Tony Parson, If Monty gets the points - fine, if he doesnt I'm sure Faldo will have the knowledge, NOT the sentiment to conclude that he is a valuable addition. Yes It is inevitable that some of the old guard will fall by the wayside this year but on American soil it would be a mistake to rely on youth too much. I think personally think Darren Clarke would be the first to admit manfully that he has not recaptured his form yet, likewise Olly and Mcginley are way short at present. I think a blend is still the key though, both in experience and personality - and Miguel Jimenez is a player who is very steady, experienced, a personality and who has a decent major record. I'm not saying "play the guy!", but there needs to be some stability in the team. I fear Mcilroy, Kaymer, Dougerty and Poulter will be overwhelmed in the States. Poulter and Dougherty for me 'implode' far too much. Its all very well being confident Ian, but with that you have to posess justification.
Posted 02:44 3rd March 2008
Tony Parson says...
Please stop this ongoing obsession with Monty and his inclusion in the Ryder Cup team. His record in European Golf is admirable as is his Cup record but so was Peter Oosterhuis's many years ago and he has been labelled for years as a 'nearly man'. He dominated European Golf in the early 1970's but failed to win a Major championship. Monty can qualify for the Team through the points system or he can be one of Nick Faldo's selections but if he is selected for sentimental reasons or because of inappropriate media pressure it will surely backfire and probably cost the European team critical advantage. Monty's inconsistent form over the past 12 months or so suggests he is a 'busted flush' and I am sure Nick Faldo will make a professional decision at the right time. Monty will have to be playing at his very best through the summer to get Nick Faldo's attention and gain a spot
Posted 16:03 29th February 2008
Bruce Porter says...
With the unsporting conduct of Azinger as a player in the Ryder cup I can only assume that we could see scenes worst than Brookline 1999. The reputation of American golf will be at stake, let's hope the likes of Tiger Woods will carry the spirit of golf so that the Ryder cup can remain the great spectical that it is and the best team and golf are the winners.
Posted 15:56 29th February 2008
Ned Baggley says...
I think Faldo should go for experience in Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood who thrive on the challenge of the Ryder Cup, also Monty who has been great over the years. I also would like to see Sandy Lyle involved in some way, Rory McIlroy is to inexperienced at the moment. But I say the Cup will be staying here for another year.
Posted 15:01 29th February 2008
Brian Tierney says...
I think Nick Faldo is a very formidable and able person. I've no doubt that he'll put together the best individuals and pairings within his capabilities. I expect to see a balance between experienced campaigners combined with the introduction of some new players who will be earning their places on merit. I do not expect "Monty" to feature - he's simply not good enough and he is sometimes a little controversial which Nick Faldo could well want to avoid. I think Nick Faldo will select his two players based on the pairing combinations it will give him and I think he'll draw these players in, from positions 11-15 on the final rankings table. My forecast is; Stenson, Harrington, Westwood, Rose, Donald, Fasth, Casey, Kaymer, Fisher R, Dredge, Dyson and Karlsson. I don¿t see Garcia, Chopra or Poulter making it through. I'm expecting it to be a very tight match and hopefully Nick and the team can pull it off.
Posted 12:46 29th February 2008
Adam Harrison says...
Nick Dougherty all the way! And he's one for future teams for many years to come!
Posted 17:21 28th February 2008
John Halliday says...
in zinger the americans have a much stronger captain than in previous years. i expect the matches to be alot closer.the european team is strong all over and with the young talents of mcilroy and kaymer mixed with the experience of westwood and harrington the team has a great balance of young boldness with some old know how.monty brings so much to the team in so many different ways. hopefully faldo can put the team before his ego and make monty his first pick
Posted 11:16 28th February 2008
Terry Keaveney says...
Having won the last three with a fairly settled side, it's in Europe's interests that the so-called veterans make this year's match - especially with it being out in America. It just wouldn't be right if Monty wasn't there, but that said the prospect of Rory McIlroy being let loose on the Americans is certainly a mouthwatering one!
Posted 16:51 27th February 2008