Clarke Looks for Wildcard

armchairninja

From BBC Sport Website
Clarke wants Ryder Cup wildcard
Darren Clarke has asked to be considered as one of Europe's Ryder Cup wildcards, his management company said on Wednesday.
The Northern Irishman's wife Heather died on 13 August after a long battle against breast cancer.

"Woosie (Ian Woosnam) is aware that Darren would like to be considered. Of course he will abide by any decision taken," said the statement.

European skipper Woosnam will announce his wild cards on Sunday evening.

Europe will defend the Ryder Cup at The K Club in County Kildare from 22-24 September.

Clarke has been on the winning side three times in his previous four appearances and is widely expected to be one of Woosnam's picks.

Woosnam, asked on Wednesday if Clarke would be considered, replied: "All I've heard is that Darren is available to play in the Ryder Cup. It is a possibility. He is a possible, yes."

Clarke has not played since the Open in July, after which he took a break to care for his wife.

However, he is expected to play in the Madrid Masters the week before the Ryder Cup.

"He feels if he is picked, he needs a competitive week (beforehand)," Clarke's spokesman said on Wednesday.

Clarke has to commit to the Madrid Masters by this Friday - two days before Woosnam announces his wild cards.

Woosnam gave little away when he was asked about his options on Wednesday ahead of the BMW International Open in Munich.

The Welshman was adamant that he did not want to discuss individual players.

He added: "I'm not going to talk about anybody because I think it's unfair."

Before announcing his two wild cards, Woosnam needs to know who are the 10 to qualify automatically.

Seven are now certain - Sergio Garcia, Colin Montgomerie, Paul Casey, David Howell, uncapped Swedes Henrik Stenson and Robert Karlsson and also Luke Donald.

Jose Maria Olazabal and Dubliners Padraig Harrington and Paul McGinley are in position to join them with four rounds left, but Paul Broadhurst, Johan Edfors, John Bickerton and Thomas Bjorn could yet climb into the top 10.

Olazabal has decided not to play in Germany after saying that he needed a rest and had not done well in the tournament in the past.

Woosnam said that Olazabal had "left himself a little bit vulnerable" but added that he respected the Spaniard's decision.


Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter and Bjorn are thought to be among the other main contenders for a wild card.



Story from BBC SPORT:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/sport1/hi/golf/5299238.stm

Published: 2006/08/30 14:43:07 GMT

© BBC MMVI

Nice to hear it from the man himself and finally end all the specualtion and ifs and buts!, Hopefully he gets it! He would be a great addition to the team, and if he feels well enough to play theres no reason he shouldnt play!

slumped

I agree but Woosie will have a big dilemma if McGinley does not get an automatic place.

Will he pick 2 Irishmen??

S

Trampas

I cant see Paul getting it if he doesn't make the team.

Not sure who will get the 2nd pick

GreenHorn

If McGinley doesn't get in then the two picks will be McGinley and Clarke...

sofireland

Maybe not... Mcginley needs to get his finger out this weekend and put in a solid performance to cement his place, he shouldn't leave to others to decide for him.

But i'd love to see clarke get it...

Ruu_Old

Clarke has to be one of them, theres a number of people backing him for it although up to Woosnam at the end of the day. Good to see if it happens, not too sure about McGinley though.

sofireland

Well he shot 3 over yesterday. As Sky Sports are saying, he's trying his best but nothing is coming good for him.

I'd say that he shouldn't get the wildcard just cos he's Irish, his current form is poor.

But whats his Ryder Cup record like (apart from sinking the put that won it last time)

N1977

Current media speculation based on interviews with Woosnam and Lyle is that the second wildcard will be offered to Lee Westwood.

Although he isn't universally popular, if I was asked to decide, I'd pick Ian Poulter. In my opinion he's tried to get into the team where as Westwood hasn't seemed bother all year. Maybe that's because he was promised a pick earlier on in the year.

madds

Wild cards should be awarded based on the following criteria - short/medium term form & player's liking for the course in question.

I would give Clarke a wild card as he is one of our top players and was playing reaonsbaly well considering his personal situation during the Summer months, plus he likes the setup at the K-Club.

McGinley's final round at the Euro Open may swing it for him. Can't remember Ian Poulter ever performing well in Straffan, but Westwood has shot some good scores over the years.

My picks would be Clarke and McGinley, with Westwood an outside shot.

sofireland

what are Westwood and Mcginley's records like in the Ryder cup?