Torrance wary of Tiger

Scot surprised by Fowler's wildcard selection

Last updated: 9th September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance reckons Tiger Woods will be close to his awesome best when the world number one tees it up at Celtic Manor.

Woods had to rely on a captain's pick for the United States Ryder Cup team, but Torrance has no doubts that US skipper Corey Pavin has made the right decision in naming Woods as one of his four wildcards.

Woods' Ryder Cup record is mediocre compared to his record in tournament play - he has won just 11 of a possible 25 points in his five matches since 1997.

His game has also unravelled after lurid stories about his personal life emerged last year, but Torrance told Sky Sports News: "He's the best golfer on the planet. He is also the first or second best golfer that has ever lived, so I would have to have him on my team.

"I also think his game in recent weeks has improved beyond recognition and he is almost back to his best."

Fowler

But Torrance - who captained Europe to victory in the 2002 match at the Belfry - admits he was surprised at the selection of Rickie Fowler as a wildcard.

The 21-year-old is the first PGA Tour rookie to receive a captain's pick and has yet to win on tour - although three runners-up finishes this year have lifted the Californian to number 31 in the world.

Torrance said: "I was surprised, actually. Rickie Fowler was a surprise. Obviously he's a great little player but he is new to the game... I guess he likes his game a lot, there's no other reason, but it's not experience, that's for sure.

"I thought Charlie Hoffman had a great chance, also Lucas Glover, a former US Open champion. So Corey Pavin has also had his headaches as well as Monty, so we shall see..."