Sky Sports.com

Faldo: will do it his way

One of the strongest points of the Ryder Cup team is to have the players enjoying what they're doing all week.

Ian Woosnam
Quotes of the week

Ian Woosnam believes Nick Faldo will have to recreate Europe's team spirit if he is to retain the Ryder Cup.

The Welshman skippered Europe to the trophy in 2006 and told Golf Night what he thinks of the man who will be in charge with the 2008 tournament begins at Valhalla in September.

He says Faldo's experience of winning big tournaments will stand him in good stead, but more than anything warned his successor that the bond that has brought success in six of the last seven competitions must not be broken.

"I think Nick will be a fine captain," he said. "I think he'll do it is own way, as he has always done things. He'll work in the things he wants to do.

"His plusses are he's got the experience of playing in the Ryder Cup, the experience of winning tournaments and winning majors.

Carry on

"He'll take that to the team and hopefully Nick will just carry on how the team has been over the years - one of the strongest points of the Ryder Cup team is to have the players enjoying what they're doing all week."

Faldo's preparations were hit by Paul McGinley's decision not to take up the role of vice-captain last September.

The Irishman is still hoping to qualify as a player and his decision means Jose-Maria Olazabal is still the only confirmed back-up for the new skipper.

But Woosnam believes, in naming the Spaniard, Faldo has already pulled off a masterstroke.

"He obviously picked Paul McGinley - I don't think he's still doing it though - and he's picked (Jose Maria) Olazabal. And Olazabal one day will make a fine captain.

"He's got a good head on him and he loves the inspiriation he's got for the Ryder Cup.

"He'll be a very good man at Nick Faldo's side - that's if he doesn't make the Ryder Cup (as a player)."

Woosnam also believes Paul Azinger has set about his reign in the best possible way too.

To see what Woosnam makes of the American captain and to watch him reliving those magic moments from the K Club when he skippered Europe to success in 2006, click on the video icon at the top right.