GARCIA OFF FORM, EUROPE RYDER CUP TEAM MIGHT NOT HAVE A SPANIARD IN LINE-UP FOR CHICAGO
By JAMES CORRIGAN
The Ryder Cup qualifying race is entering its final lap with the Europe captain keeping a concerned eye on his continent’s most enigmatic performer
Fortunately for José Maria Olazábal he understands what makes Sergio Garcia tick.
Starting on Thursday with the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio, there are only three events until the automatic 10 competitors are decided and Olazábal must name his two wild cards. Garcia is in 10th place and out of form. His mood is like his putting: erratic.
“Sergio is changeable,” Olazábal told Telegraph Sport. “He’s getting very down on himself at the moment. He’s a very emotional guy. But knowing Sergio, if he has something to focus on, it’s good for him. He’s loved the Ryder Cup from the first time he played it. The camaraderie – he loves to be a part of that. Sergio won’t want to miss it.”
As a leader and, as a Spaniard, Olazabal will not want Garcia to miss it either.
As a leader and, as a Spaniard, Olazabal will not want Garcia to miss it either.
There is a real danger that, for the first time since the Great Britain and Ireland team became Europe in 1979, Spain will be without a member on the team. And with players such as Ian Poulter and Padraig Harrington outside the automatic berths (Poulter is in 12th, with Harrington 20th) Garcia is not guaranteed a wild card. No matter how close his relationship with el capitan.
Olazábal has found himself reaching out to down-at-heart professionals other than Garcia. At times he must have felt less like the man entrusted with the hopes of European golf and more like its sports psychiatrist.
“Paul’s match-play record is great, but he has had a bad run of injuries and that’s been a problem,” Olazábal said. “There were other issues off the course which happened last year which didn’t help him at all. It’s not only physical but mental. That’s the way golf is. So I got in contact with him at Augusta, met up and had a chat. That’s what I have to do with guys who need the encouragement.”
In truth, Casey has no chance, unless something remarkable was to happen this week at Firestone or at next week’s USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island. That does not seem likely with yesterday’s news that his caddie, Craig Connelly, has switched bags to return to Martin Kaymer.
Certainly Olazábal will not have the luxury of being able to carry any passengers to Chicago in the last week of September.
With Tiger Woods top of the American qualifying list after three wins this year and with the three of the past four major-winners in Davis Love’s ranks, America’s captain appears to hold most of the golfing aces. Love must name his four wild cards the day after the USPGA. Such is the strength of his hand, there are players of the quality of Steve Stricker and Rickie Fowler sweating.
In contrast, many of Europe’s top players, including Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood, are off the boil. Olazábal is willing them to rediscover their mojo in the next fortnight.
“I always expected it to be a tough match anyway with Chicago right behind them, but the Americans are flying,” Olazábal said. “They have players who are really hot. Am I concerned? No. But the Europeans are not all winning, I must say. It’s important for them to do so. If you have players who have been winning they are full of confidence.”
Whatever happens in this next month, Olazábal can count on having to make a difficult decision come Monday, August 27. He has already gone against the European Tour’s wishes and stalled naming his vice-captains until after he knows the make-up of his team; and he is plainly prepared to select that team on form rather than reputation.
"The one thing I learnt when I was the assistant to Nick [Faldo, when Europe lost in 2008] was that whatever you do as captain, whatever the outcome, there will always be two sides of the story,” Olazábal said, talking in his role as a Nespresso ambassador.
“Look at Ian Poulter. Nick was criticised by all the media for picking him ahead of Darren Clarke, but then, after Ian had been the best player on the team, nobody stopped to praise his selection.
"So I know what it’s going to be like. I am ready. I’m not going to please everyone and it would drive me mad trying to.”
Garcia should take note.
In truth, Casey has no chance, unless something remarkable was to happen this week at Firestone or at next week’s USPGA Championship at Kiawah Island. That does not seem likely with yesterday’s news that his caddie, Craig Connelly, has switched bags to return to Martin Kaymer.
Certainly Olazábal will not have the luxury of being able to carry any passengers to Chicago in the last week of September.
With Tiger Woods top of the American qualifying list after three wins this year and with the three of the past four major-winners in Davis Love’s ranks, America’s captain appears to hold most of the golfing aces. Love must name his four wild cards the day after the USPGA. Such is the strength of his hand, there are players of the quality of Steve Stricker and Rickie Fowler sweating.
In contrast, many of Europe’s top players, including Luke Donald, Rory McIlroy and Lee Westwood, are off the boil. Olazábal is willing them to rediscover their mojo in the next fortnight.
“I always expected it to be a tough match anyway with Chicago right behind them, but the Americans are flying,” Olazábal said. “They have players who are really hot. Am I concerned? No. But the Europeans are not all winning, I must say. It’s important for them to do so. If you have players who have been winning they are full of confidence.”
Whatever happens in this next month, Olazábal can count on having to make a difficult decision come Monday, August 27. He has already gone against the European Tour’s wishes and stalled naming his vice-captains until after he knows the make-up of his team; and he is plainly prepared to select that team on form rather than reputation.
"The one thing I learnt when I was the assistant to Nick [Faldo, when Europe lost in 2008] was that whatever you do as captain, whatever the outcome, there will always be two sides of the story,” Olazábal said, talking in his role as a Nespresso ambassador.
“Look at Ian Poulter. Nick was criticised by all the media for picking him ahead of Darren Clarke, but then, after Ian had been the best player on the team, nobody stopped to praise his selection.
"So I know what it’s going to be like. I am ready. I’m not going to please everyone and it would drive me mad trying to.”
Garcia should take note.
Labels: RYDER CUP
posted by Colin |
See story on its own page | Wednesday, August 01, 2012
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