Faldo Flops

Congratulations to the USA Ryder Cup Team. A thoroughly deserved victory. Faldo is an idiot. Great golfer, but an idiot. Questionable fourball pairs and a dubious singles order. As predicted, Garcia's miserable form in major tournaments continued and he flopped yet again, not to mention Harrington, Casey and Jimenez. When will the media start to realise that he just isn't that great?

Sandy Lyle as the next captain.

The Ryder Cup

Hernandez squeezed into his golfing slacks today and took to the fairway after a break of almost 10 years. Suffice to say I was quickly re-acquainted with the frustrations that can arise on the golf course and my swing was (let's be kind) 'rusty'. I hadn't forgotten everything however, and there were a number of sweet drives and long putts which would have drew applause from the gallery if there was one. I eventually carded a frankly embarrassing 104 (37+), a score not helped by the course conditions which resembled a quagmire in places (Clydebank Municipal). Hopefully I will pick up some inspiration from watching the Ryder Cup, which starts this Friday in Kentucky. The Europeans will go into the competition as favourites, having had a stranglehold on the Cup since 1995 (aside from the 1999 shenanigans). Ireland's Padraig Harrington is arguably the form player from either side this season, although Stewart Cink and Phil Mickleson have impressed in recent months. Team spirit will play a huge factor in winning the trophy, and in the respect I have a feeling Team USA will have the edge over Nick Faldo's European team this year. Europe's recent victories have by and large centred around the reliability of Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke and Paul McGinley, none of whom made the team this time around. Sergio Garcia is notoriously unpredictable, while Casey, Rose and Westwood are know for blowing hot and cold. From a Northern Irish perspective, it is disappointing that we will not see Darren Clarke or his cigar this year. We will though be able to cheer on the solid Graeme McDowell, and hopefully young Rory McIlroy will continue his ascent up the world rankings and make future teams.

Without wishing to sit on the fence, this could go either way. I have a hunch the Americans will perform better than some might expect, however I am backing Team Europe to record a narrow victory. Lets hope that if they DO win, they won't dress up in those ridiculous white polo necks and pink jackets!