Ryder Cup - Wildcard Picks

Brewster · 02-09-2014 1:01pm

McGinley has got it spot on. People totally underestimating what Westwood can bring to the table. It's not like his form has been diabolical, he has been inconsistent but if anyone can rise to the occasion it is Lee. Yes it's tough on Donald, but one of Westwood/Donald had to miss out as Poulter was a shoe in and Gallagher made it impossible for Paul not to pick him after weekend.

Ravenid · 02-09-2014 1:03pm

Any word on if they will announce any more Vice Captains today?

Tiger Mcilroy · 02-09-2014 1:05pm

pistol_75 wrote: »

Donald hasn't been inside the Top 35 in his last 8 tournaments. Westwood's form while not up to his usual standard has been ok, especially in some of the bigger tournaments. Remember he shot 63 on the final day of thw WGC and was well up there in the USPGA.

That's hardly woefully out of form.

His last 6 tounaments dont show me a man in good form. Take the 63 out of the WGC and the Good first round at the PGA and it looks much worse.

6/08/14 FedEx St. Jude Classic CUT
6/15/14 U.S. Open CUT
7/20/14 The Open Championship CUT
8/03/14 World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational T19
8/10/14 PGA Championship T15
8/24/14 The Barclays T57

ionadnapokot · 02-09-2014 1:06pm

Rikand wrote: »

was gonna tune into sky sports but work got busy.

Not happy with westwood over donald but I guess it was pretty obvious westy was getting the pick when he didnt go to Italy to try and get some form.

Oh well, at least he's picked Gallagher and Poults.

Probably fels garcia and mcilroy could be the pairing of choice rather than Garcia and Donald

Hadnt thought of those two before. Could be a good match & would give McGinley a viable alternative to McIlroy / McDowell. Although I would think that you would need a rock solid putter to be paired with Garcia.
Garcia / McDowell? McIlroy / Donaldson?

SaveOurLyric · 02-09-2014 1:06pm

Brewster wrote: »

McGinley has got it spot on. People totally underestimating what Westwood can bring to the table. It's not like his form has been diabolical, he has been inconsistent but if anyone can rise to the occasion it is Lee. Yes it's tough on Donald, but one of Westwood/Donald had to miss out as Poulter was a shoe in and Gallagher made it impossible for Paul not to pick him after weekend.

You have some aregument with the opening observations. But he next bit does not make sense at all to me. Lee has never risen to the occasion. His record throughout his career, despite it being a fine record, is that come the crunch he goes missing more often than upping his game. He is weaker version of Monty.

Keano · 02-09-2014 1:10pm

Westwood is longer off the tee
Westwood is better with an iron in his hand
Westwood has at last shown the form to lead tournaments this year

ionadnapokot · 02-09-2014 1:10pm

Gallacher career singles record in matchplay (Eurasia Cup, WGC, Royal Trophy, Seve Trophy, Volvo) played 7, lost 7.
No need to panic. None of those were played in Gleneagles, where he is bleedin' rapid:cool:

SaveOurLyric · 02-09-2014 1:15pm

ionadnapokot wrote: »

Gallacher career singles record in matchplay (Eurasia Cup, WGC, Royal Trophy, Seve Trophy, Volvo) played 7, lost 7.
No need to panic. None of those were played in Gleneagles, where he is bleedin' rapid:cool:

Well he is from 50 miles down the road, which according to uncle Bernard is a factor. We all know golf scores are proportional to how far you are from home. So he'll be all right then. Doesnt look good for the yanks being an ocean away from home.

ionadnapokot · 02-09-2014 1:20pm

35 miles:pac:

stooge · 02-09-2014 1:22pm

vienne86 wrote: »

Groan....I hope you're wrong!

I hate being right! Wouldve been nice to see a newbie in there like illonen, weisberger or lowry but in fairness to Mcginley, experience can definitely help. thats probably why he wanted westwood and pulter in there. he wouldve lost some respect by not picking Gallagher.

force eleven · 02-09-2014 1:22pm

Very strong European team. Should win handily - 17-11 I predict.

coopdloop · 02-09-2014 1:26pm

Donald

Year Events Played 1st 2nd 3rd 4th-10th MC Year End Rank
2014 20 - 1 1 2 4

Westwood
Year Events Played 1st 2nd 3rd 4th-10th MC Year End Rank
2014 20 1 - - 2 7

Westwood top 10 and wins came back in 5 week stretch back in April-May

Like everything Paul had his picks in mind and talk about hunger and trying to get in the team as crap.

If you don't make the top 9 you don't have any complaints if not picked

First Up · 02-09-2014 1:26pm

ionadnapokot wrote: »

35 miles:pac:

And a good record after he gets there. Gallacher was a no brainer really. I was expecting Donald ahead of Westwood but it was virtually a toss up and I'll give McGinley and his vices the benefit of the doubt on the basis they have probably thought about it more than me.

ionadnapokot · 02-09-2014 1:31pm

Och Aye re: Galllacher. Aye.
it will be interesting now to see who he will pair Gacia up with in the foursomes. Que?
And will Westwood even play in the foursomes?

soundsham · 02-09-2014 1:40pm

Rikand wrote: »

I'm not sure if you're too familiar with the Ryder Cup but there are other formats other than fourball.

Luke Donald Foursomes record

6-2-0 ( 6 wins, 2 losses ) - It's not all about length

Luke Donald Fourball record

1-1-1 ( 1 win, 1 loss, 1 half ) - not bad for someone who isn't long enough

Luke Donald Singles record

3-1-0 ( 3 wins, 1 loss ) 3 wins.... Again, not bad for a short guy

Not good enough for this year
Glad he picked Westwood Poulter and Gallagher

pistol_75 · 02-09-2014 1:50pm

If you were to base the selection on the number of world ranking points gained this year the there is no disputing that Poulter should have been the one to miss out.

Points gained in 2014

Gallacher 140.15
Donald 98.40
Westwood 95.80

Poulter 42.18

Quite a gap when all things are considered. We all know why Poulter has been picked and how hard it would be to leave him out, but the argument for Donald/Westwood was also based around what they had done previously as well.

vienne86 · 02-09-2014 1:53pm

coopdloop wrote: »

If you don't make the top 9 you don't have any complaints if not picked

That's spot on. Good team for Europe. USA will be underdogs, which makes me nervous. Can't wait for it all to get going.

DiegoWorst · 02-09-2014 2:05pm

force eleven wrote: »

Very strong European team. Should win handily - 17-11 I predict.

The best thing about the Ryder Cup is you never know what is going to happen. When it comes to matchplay form goes out the window. Which side can gain the momentum, and who are the biggest players to step up to put a bit of blue (or red) on the board. US will be no pushovers...

BigChap1759 · 02-09-2014 2:33pm

DiegoWorst wrote: »

The best thing about the Ryder Cup is you never know what is going to happen. When it comes to matchplay form goes out the window. Which side can gain the momentum, and who are the biggest players to step up to put a bit of blue (or red) on the board. US will be no pushovers...

Eh, no form does not go out of the window......how do you work that out??

sky88 · 02-09-2014 2:51pm

force eleven wrote: »

Very strong European team. Should win handily - 17-11 I predict.

I think the teams are pretty evenly matched except rory who the americans couldnt compete with if hes on form

First Up · 02-09-2014 2:53pm

DiegoWorst wrote: »

The best thing about the Ryder Cup is you never know what is going to happen. When it comes to matchplay form goes out the window. Which side can gain the momentum, and who are the biggest players to step up to put a bit of blue (or red) on the board. US will be no pushovers...

The Ryder Cup is not much to do with form. These are all among the best .001% of golfers on the planet and anyone is capable of beating anyone else. It has a lot more to do with how they respond to pressure and - let's be honest - a bit of luck here and there.

The picks are quite rightly based on a mix of track record and who has earned it. All three picks are justified by one or other criteria.

pelevin · 02-09-2014 3:09pm

Disappointed for Harrington.

Jazzzman · 02-09-2014 3:44pm

I can't understand the support for Donald in here over Westwood.

Westwood is in much better form. Period. A few top 20's in BIG tournaments where Donald has been plodding along since the BMW.

Rikand · 02-09-2014 3:47pm

Jazzzman wrote: »

I can't understand the support for Donald in here over Westwood.

Westwood is in much better form. Period. A few top 20's in BIG tournaments where Donald has been plodding along since the BMW.

Ryder Cup record is the main point for me. What he brings in Singles and Foursomes is exemplary

Johnny_Fontane · 02-09-2014 4:09pm

Jazzzman wrote: »

I can't understand the support for Donald in here over Westwood.

Westwood is in much better form. Period. A few top 20's in BIG tournaments where Donald has been plodding along since the BMW.

to be fair, neither have done much. Donald is above westwood on the world points list and ranked 30 to his 38 in world rankings.

Westwood hasnt had a top 5 this year on the PGA tour, hasn't been in contention for any tournament this year, coming into the back 9. Donald not much better, but contended at wentworth and a couple of other tourneys.

Neither are in form, so understand why they went with westy. Smart thing would have been to blood luiten.

slave1 · 02-09-2014 4:28pm

Just reading some random stats, Poulter has never made the cut at Gleneagles, Gallagher has never won a match play match and Donald has the 3rd best winning percentage of all time in the RC at 70%....don't know what to think about the Poults one

Johnny_Fontane · 02-09-2014 4:40pm

I think Poulter is unquestionable when it comes to Ryder Cup. He turns into a different player, stats go out the window.

His experience of going down the stretch in tough matches is remarkable and I cant imagine for even one second that McGinley wouldnt have picked him, no matter what his form is like.

ionadnapokot · 02-09-2014 5:02pm

I wonder do Westwood and Bjorn get on after the 2006 WC picks fallout.
Im sure they do get on. Ditto Bjorn and Des Smyth. As Smyth recommended Westwood over Bjorn in '06. Id imagine he also recommended him again.

SaveOurLyric · 02-09-2014 7:23pm

pelevin wrote: »

Disappointed for Harrington.

Very difficult to see how he was left out. A lot of the British press apoplectic about his omission and really gunning for McGinley now. If they lose he will be really vilified for not picking a proven world class winner, with a great Ryder Cup pedigree, and clearly in the form of his life. Truly baffling decision.

yaboya1 · 02-09-2014 7:50pm

ionadnapokot wrote: »

I wonder do Westwood and Bjorn get on after the 2006 WC picks fallout.
Im sure they do get on. Ditto Bjorn and Des Smyth. As Smyth recommended Westwood over Bjorn in '06. Id imagine he also recommended him again.

Don't know a lot about this, but it seems braindead to have a falling out with the guy who gets picked ahead of you.
So Donald could fall out with Westwood/Gallacher over this? Ridiculous!

ForeRight · 02-09-2014 8:12pm

I would have had

Gallagher
Poulter
Tones

FixdePitchmark · 02-09-2014 9:42pm

ForeRight wrote: »

I would have had

Gallagher
Poulter
Tones

I would have gone.

Harrington
Langer
And Christy O'connor with just a 2 iron.

FixdePitchmark · 02-09-2014 11:51pm

I'll be honest.

A big disappointment that there is nobody from south on team.

When I watch all sport . It is the tricolour I'm into.

Know people view golf in a different way.....
But that is just me.

D'Arcy
O'connor
Mcginely (as player)
Walton
Harrington
Smyth

Reading about above at moment a nd loving it.

baboo800 · 03-09-2014 12:13am

Keegan Bradley is the first pick. American announcement is a bit drawn out so far

maudgone · 03-09-2014 12:22am

.

baboo800 wrote: »

Keegan Bradley is the first pick. American announcement is a bit drawn out so far

What channel is it on?
edit. Found it SS1

Rikand · 03-09-2014 12:32am

Watson picks bradley, mahan and.......

Rikand · 03-09-2014 12:36am

Copped out

Went for simpson

Kirk was definitely the play

sunbabe08 · 03-09-2014 12:43am

jaysus almighty the americans are long winded.

as for webb simpson? um a senior moment on tom watson's part?

callaway92 · 03-09-2014 2:17am

Jesus, I've went from - having tickets for this since last September to now having zero interest in it. Probably bought the tickets out of pure excitement last year when I got lucky through the ballot.

Has anyone else lost interest in the Ryder Cup? As good as Medinah was (will never be trumped), I can't get as pumped for this. The line-up is poor. As well as that, it's about 1/50 that players like McIlroy, Mickelson etc. don't care about it, same goes for Woods.

First Up · 03-09-2014 7:53am

sunbabe08 wrote: »

jaysus almighty the americans are long winded.

as for webb simpson? um a senior moment on tom watson's part?

He needed someone to play with Bubba and Simpson has both done it sucessfully and remained sane. Neither is easy.

sunbabe08 · 03-09-2014 8:07am

callaway92 wrote: »

Jesus, I've went from - having tickets for this since last September to now having zero interest in it. Probably bought the tickets out of pure excitement last year when I got lucky through the ballot.

Has anyone else lost interest in the Ryder Cup? As good as Medinah was (will never be trumped), I can't get as pumped for this. The line-up is poor. As well as that, it's about 1/50 that players like McIlroy, Mickelson etc. don't care about it, same goes for Woods.

i would buy off you in a heartbeat if it wasn't for college.

Jazzzman · 03-09-2014 8:50am

callaway92 wrote: »

Jesus, I've went from - having tickets for this since last September to now having zero interest in it. Probably bought the tickets out of pure excitement last year when I got lucky through the ballot.

Has anyone else lost interest in the Ryder Cup? As good as Medinah was (will never be trumped), I can't get as pumped for this. The line-up is poor. As well as that, it's about 1/50 that players like McIlroy, Mickelson etc. don't care about it, same goes for Woods.

Such a bizarre post.

The line-up is poor? Bar Tiger not being there, how on earth is it poor?

I know Rory said the RC was an exhibition before he'd ever played in it, but he took those comments back and he seemed to be highly invested in it last time out. Same goes for Phil. His partnership with Keegan Bradley was pretty epic and his matchplay against Rose was one of the best matches of the day.

I'd say you're pretty much alone in having 'lost interest in the Ryder Cup'.

ionadnapokot · 03-09-2014 9:17am

callaway92 wrote: »

Jesus, I've went from - having tickets for this since last September to now having zero interest in it. Probably bought the tickets out of pure excitement last year when I got lucky through the ballot.

Has anyone else lost interest in the Ryder Cup? As good as Medinah was (will never be trumped), I can't get as pumped for this. The line-up is poor. As well as that, it's about 1/50 that players like McIlroy, Mickelson etc. don't care about it, same goes for Woods.

PM me if your looking to sell them. I'll buy them off you at face value. I would love to be there.

vienne86 · 03-09-2014 9:56am

First Up wrote: »

He needed someone to play with Bubba and Simpson has both done it sucessfully and remained sane. Neither is easy.

That's what RTE said this morning, and I would say it is right. Bubba must be an awful prat to play with. And as for losing interest in the Ryder Cup, as another poster suggested......NO WAY! I can't wait.

callaway92 · 03-09-2014 10:02am

Jazzzman wrote: »

Such a bizarre post.

The line-up is poor? Bar Tiger not being there, how on earth is it poor?

I know Rory said the RC was an exhibition before he'd ever played in it, but he took those comments back and he seemed to be highly invested in it last time out. Same goes for Phil. His partnership with Keegan Bradley was pretty epic and his matchplay against Rose was one of the best matches of the day.

I'd say you're pretty much alone in having 'lost interest in the Ryder Cup'.

Fair enough

ionadnapokot wrote: »

PM me if your looking to sell them. I'll buy them off you at face value. I would love to be there.

Already passed them on, sorry!

DiegoWorst · 03-09-2014 10:05am

First Up wrote: »

He needed someone to play with Bubba and Simpson has both done it sucessfully and remained sane. Neither is easy.

Great comment.

First Up · 03-09-2014 10:05am

vienne86 wrote: »

That's what RTE said this morning, and I would say it is right. Bubba must be an awful prat to play with. And as for losing interest in the Ryder Cup, as another poster suggested......NO WAY! I can't wait.

Bubba is an awful prat to not play with too.

Rikand · 03-09-2014 10:42am

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I'll be honest.

A big disappointment that there is nobody from south on team.

When I watch all sport . It is the tricolour I'm into.

Know people view golf in a different way.....
But that is just me.

D'Arcy
O'connor
Mcginely (as player)
Walton
Harrington
Smyth

Reading about above at moment a nd loving it.

Very significant tri-colour right at the top of this list. In fact, it's the one that matters most!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Ryder_Cup#Players

ionadnapokot · 03-09-2014 10:53am

sunbabe08 wrote: »

jaysus almighty the americans are long winded.

as for webb simpson? um a senior moment on tom watson's part?

“After struggling with a couple of different players, who was going to be the best for the team, I had a revelation this morning,” the 64-year-old said. “I looked at the last time the Ryder Cup was played and I see Webb Simpson 5&4, Webb Simpson 5&4 and I said ‘that’s got to be the guy’.
http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/golf/tom-watson-goes-for-bradley-simpson-and-mahan-as-his-wild-cards-1.1916357
He only looked it up the morning of the announcement? That can not be true. Anyone see the press conference? Was he having a laugh when he said that?

Webb Simpson for Bubba was a must.

Brewster · 03-09-2014 11:12am

ionadnapokot wrote: »

PM me if your looking to sell them. I'll buy them off you at face value. I would love to be there.

There are tickets still available on rydercup site to best of my knowledge, certainly tickets for Fridays play and some season tickets were on sale yesterday.

Ryder Cup - Wildcard Picks

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