Donald delight at Cup call

But Englishman spares a thought for Casey and Rose

Last updated: 30th August 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

I feel bad especially for Paul (Casey), being number nine in the world, third at the Open, great match play record - and with my brother on the bag I was disappointed for him as well.

Luke Donald
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Luke Donald was thrilled to be given a Ryder Cup wildcard but also sympathised with the two most high-profile absentees from Colin Montgomerie's team, Paul Casey and Justin Rose.

World number 10 Donald found out mid-way through his final round at The Barclays, which started with an incredible front-nine of 28, including a run of six straight birdies to open.

Donald received the good news after the 10th hole and promptly dropped five shots on the way home to finish with a 68 and a six-under-par total.

Montgomerie, who will mastermind Europe's bid to regain the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in October, opted to make Donald, Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Italian Edoardo Molinari his three wildcards.

That means there is no place for English duo Paul Casey, the world number nine, and Rose, who has won twice on the PGA Tour this season.

Both players - like Donald and Harrington - opted to play in the opening event of the FedEx Cup play-offs this week rather than make the trip to Gleneagles for the Johnnie Walker Championship - Europe's final Ryder Cup qualifying event.

And, with Molinari winning at Gleneagles to convince Montgomerie to hand him a Ryder Cup debut alongside brother Francesco, they paid the price.

"I found out after I finished the 10th hole," said Donald, who played in Europe's wins in 2004 and 2006 but missed the defeat in Kentucky two years ago with a wrist injury.

"I'm obviously delighted - it was very up in the air.

"I't's been one of the craziest selections for the Ryder Cup ever when guys in the top 10 in the world didn't know they were playing.

"There were very anxious moments today and some relief and I'm very excited to be back in the team and part of the Ryder Cup again."

Rethink

Donald also felt there may be a case for changing the qualification system.

"I feel bad for the guys that didn't make it," he added. "I think how it went this year the European team has to look harder at the qualification system and whether it's the correct way to do it or whether there is a better way.

"Golf is becoming a world game and I understand they want to protect the European Tour, but at the same time the top guys are going to want to play against the best players in the world no matter what and you shouldn't be penalised for that.

"It did throw me off a little bit. I feel bad especially for Paul, being number nine in the world, third at the Open, great match play record - and with my brother on the bag I was disappointed for him as well.

"It did throw me off a little bit I was trying to get that out of my head and just play golf, but I didn't do a very good job on the back nine.

"A lot of things happened that haven't happened for a while - two guys winning majors (Graeme McDowell and Martin Kaymer) threw it off a little bit.

"In a way it was a good problem for Monty, in a way I feel bad he had to leave some people out too.

"Perhaps the Tour has to look at the selection process - if they win it's very beneficial for the European Tour both in image and financially so I think it's in their best interests that they have the best side.

"Hats off to Molinari, winning two big events he probably deserved it. I'm not sure if Monty was even watching my front nine.

"We all have responsibilities to both tours if we play over here. You can't fault a person for setting their schedule as best they think they can."

Comments (6)

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Padraig Doran says...

Monty has got it spot on. Donald and Molinari were certs to be picked going on form & that they both played in Europe during the year. Well Done to them both. Although Harrington could off had no complaints if he wasn''t picked, he has had 13 top 10''s in the last 18 months & has been the main catalyst for the rise of european golf over the last 4 or 5 years with his major wins. Rose has played the least out of any off them in Europe over the last 2 years & Casey was a wildcard 2 years and should of played his way onto the team this time. Maybe the top players will think twice about playing in America next time round and be a bit quicker to remember that only for the european tour, they wouldn''t be the players they are today.

Posted 20:58 30th August 2010

Anne Martin says...

I know Harrington has 3 Major Championships to his name but he has done nothing since 2008, I really think that was a big mistake, And a great kick in the teeth for Casey & Rose who are both higher than him in the rankings & have played a lot better.

Posted 11:54 30th August 2010

David Fisher says...

i think monty has got it spot on casey and rose should have a close look at themselves miguel angel jimenez was not due to play at gleneagles but with his desire and passion for the ryder cup played and qulaified automatically both rose and casey could have played 1 or 2 more events and maybe would have done enough. The 3 wild cards r solid picks harrington a 3x major winner and a great scrambler and donald and molinari r very consistent straight done the middle guys. Good luck and bring on the yanks

Posted 07:56 30th August 2010

Adrian Mcfadden says...

I think it''s a great selection by monty. Padraig will bring all his experience and Donald and Molinari are in tremendous form. I feel sorry for Paul Casey but maybe he should have played more in europe this season to secure his place.

Posted 03:31 30th August 2010

Paddy De loaf says...

The selection process is outdated. A selection committee made up of the captain and vice-captains should select TWELVE wildcards. Experience does count, but current form should be the most important qualification. I''m Irish, but would not have selected Harrington. Clarke, McGinley and Garcia (even though they''re not on the actual team) bring enough experience and inspiration to the group.

Posted 23:40 29th August 2010

Andrew Fowden says...

To leave out Paul Casey was bad enough, But Justin Rose, you''ve got to be kidding. The Americans have got to be rubbing their hands at this huge gaffe!

Posted 22:38 29th August 2010
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