Gold blend?

Faldo: has to look players in the eye

The big problem for America is being able to gel like we do.

Tony Jacklin
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Ryder Cup legend Tony Jacklin says he is "excited" by the blend of Europe's team for 2008.

Jacklin, who won the Ryder Cup as captain in 1985 and 1987, was in the Golf Night studio to give his reaction as Nick Faldo named Ian Poulter and Paul Casey as his wild card picks for the 2008 tournament in Valhalla.

Jacklin said he is pleased with the variety in Nick's side and insists the team ethic that Europe has will give them a big advantage over their American counterparts.

"I'm not surprised," said Jacklin after Faldo confirmed Poulter and Casey were in the side.

"I had a two-hour lunch with Nick on Saturday and I could tell he'd made his mind up.

"He's the one that's got to put his head on the pillow and be comfortable with it. He's glad it's out there now and it's off his chest.

"I think it's a very well rounded team.

"Obviously I don't know a lot of these players as well as the ones from 15-20 years ago but there's a tremendous variety there.

"They're all going to do what Nick has said and gel well.

"The big problem for America is still being able to gel like we do. That's Paul Azinger's problem but I think Nick's got a good handle on this whole thing.

"I did see some American gelling, if you like, at the Presidents Cup. They got excited and they seemed to be a team on that occasion.

"I can remember thinking that if they could bring that to a Ryder Cup then it would maybe be all different.

"But I love what Nick's saying, I know he wants to lead the team out and get on with it.

"I'm excited and I'm looking forward to it very much."

Small team

Jacklin said he also likes the fact that Faldo only has a small management team in place because it will allow him to convey his ideas to the players more easily.

Faldo has appointed José María Olazábal as his vice-captain, while Paul Azinger has asked a number of people to help him run the American team.

"I still think we're doing it right," said Jacklin.

"Nick said Ollie is his single right-hand man for that week.

"Paul, in his wisdom, has got Raymond Floyd, Dave Stockton and maybe another and I personally think that muddys the water.

"As Nick said, the decision making is down to him and it's so important to be able to look the guy in the eye when you're talking to him.

"You've got to feel that way about every single player because it's only then you can tell what his feelings are.

"They're all going to be nervous, but you know when a guy's positive, you know what his vibes are and you can read so much into those human things."

But for all his planning and decision making, Jacklin revealed a Ryder Cup captain can do little once a player walks onto the first tee.

"They're all experienced professionals, but that's the time when you're saying to yourself: stay in the moment, think what you're doing.

"That's the time when Nick Faldo's got to pray very hard."