The 2016 Ryder Cup

[The Camel]

Kaymer and Westwood have been Europe's worst two players. So much for picking wild cards with experience. Should have taken Knox and Noren.

 

Already got 6 rookies.

Clarke would have been slaughtered in the press if he'd picked another 2 and Europe had lost.

[Tonibell]

If we're cracking out the aftertime emoji...

Top European Scorer is now looking like a field with only six live runners and the books have gone 1/5 1,2,3. Cheers,Tighty and The Camel.
 

Click to see full-size image.

[Doobs]

If we're cracking out the aftertime emoji...

Top European Scorer is now looking like a field with only six live runners and the books have gone 1/5 1,2,3. Cheers,Tighty and The Camel.
 

Click to see full-size image.

That isn't the greatest aftertime, as Cabrera Bello and Pieters weren't in the original top 6 in the betting?  I think it is probable that the top 4 play every game right now.  Only if one has an absolute shocker in the morning is it likely to change.

I think nobody has 2 points yet across the board, so still very wide open.  There can't be any chance for Kuchar now, though I can't think of a reason that will mean he doesn't play in the afternoon.  So the place is still a possible

[rinswun]

My post was a bit tongue in cheek Keith. However, I do think if Europe were to suffer a big loss and Westwood plays as badly as he did yesterday again, then Clarke will probably be pilloried for picking his out of form mate over an in form player. I really don't buy the rookie thing anyway. These guys are all professionals who have won tournaments at the highest level. Russell Knox has won a WGC and been a successful tour player for a number of years. He's not going to wilt because a few yanks are chanting before his first tee shot.

[BigAdz]

My post was a bit tongue in cheek Keith. However, I do think if Europe were to suffer a big loss and Westwood plays as badly as he did yesterday again, then Clarke will probably be pilloried for picking his out of form mate over an in form player. I really don't buy the rookie thing anyway. These guys are all professionals who have won tournaments at the highest level. Russell Knox has won a WGC and been a successful tour player for a number of years. He's not going to wilt because a few yanks are chanting before his first tee shot.

Agreed.
 
No aftertiming here , I clearly stated Westwood shouldn't be going a long time ago. Knox is rated 19 in the world, based on grafting in the States. It was a no brainer. Westwood moved to the States to mix it with the best and it ruined him(relatively speaking).

For all that, I think we can win this now. If the US don't regroup quickly after some remarkable turn round in form, for the worse, yesterday, it could be a quiet day for the Yanks.

FWIW, I thought Pieters and Rafa were superb, Sulli got a bit unlucky with some crucial shots and Willet got F all help from Kaymer. The rookies did more than their share.

[buzzharvey22]

So you guys dont think a players Ryder Cup record means somebody deserves a pick? An absolute Ryder Cup stalwart with vast experience, a great record accross the formats, traditionally very easy to partner with rookies, and very likeable and popular with his peers.

In 2003 and 2004, Colin Montgomerie looked like he had never seen a golfclub before in his life, and had off course issues. But was still deserving of a pick, simply because of his record and experience. And that worked out pretty well for us.

Doesnt matter what form your in, a long and great ryder cup record deserves you on free pass as a wildcard pick.

[rinswun]

Hugely disagree with that Buzz. Guys shouldn't be given a shot if they've had a terrible season  just because they've performed well in previous RCs. Let them be vice captains instead. Poulter injury was a massive blessing imo. Clarke would have felt obiiged to give a pick despite him being carried at Gleneagles.

[BigAdz]

So you guys dont think a players Ryder Cup record means somebody deserves a pick? An absolute Ryder Cup stalwart with vast experience, a great record accross the formats, traditionally very easy to partner with rookies, and very likeable and popular with his peers.

In 2003 and 2004, Colin Montgomerie looked like he had never seen a golfclub before in his life, and had off course issues. But was still deserving of a pick, simply because of his record and experience. And that worked out pretty well for us.

Doesnt matter what form your in, a long and great ryder cup record deserves you on free pass as a wildcard pick.

Ah. I see you are applying The Wenger Formula.....Past achievements over ride current achievements.

[buzzharvey22]

Hugely disagree with that Buzz. Guys shouldn't be given a shot if they've had a terrible season  just because they've performed well in previous RCs. Let them be vice captains instead. Poulter injury was a massive blessing imo. Clarke would have felt obiiged to give a pick despite him being carried at Gleneagles.

I just think a strong Ryder Cup record deserves you one free pass. Pretty sure a lot of the lads in the dressing room would choose Lee than anybody else. I actually had Westwood as my first pick.

I think the Kaymer selection is possibly a bit more controversial. Since he squandered a huge lead in the last round in Dubai (i think) he hasn't really shown any form and i can't remember him being in contention much. Even though he is mainly based on the weaker European Tour.

Hard job for Clarke this year, because it's pretty clear, talentwise, it's the weakest team we've had for a long while.

[rinswun]

I actually disagree about it being weak talent wise. It think it's perceived as weak because of a lack of experience but Fitzpatrick is as talented a young player that Britain has produced since Rory, Willett won The Masters, Wood won the European Tour flagship event, Pieters is widely regarded to be a potential future world number 1. Really it's only RCB and Sullivan that could be argued to not quite be at the true top level and RCB played absolutely superbly last night.

I think the US is overhyped because of the huge publicity vehicle that is the PGA Tour.

[The Camel]

My post was a bit tongue in cheek Keith. However, I do think if Europe were to suffer a big loss and Westwood plays as badly as he did yesterday again, then Clarke will probably be pilloried for picking his out of form mate over an in form player. I really don't buy the rookie thing anyway. These guys are all professionals who have won tournaments at the highest level. Russell Knox has won a WGC and been a successful tour player for a number of years. He's not going to wilt because a few yanks are chanting before his first tee shot.

Let's be honest, if Europe lose Clarke will be pilloried whatever decisions he makes because the media are the biggest after timers around.

[The Camel]

This crowd is starting to remind me of the behaviour at the War on the Shore.

Whooping and hollering when Rose put it in the water.

[rinswun]

Is there any disagreement that Clarke has bottled it here with his foursomes? Putting Westwood. Kaymer and Willett back in when they've been the weakest players going smacks of weak leadership.

[TightEnd]

crikey don't agree with playing those three. Kaymer and Westwood in particular were dreadful yesterday

unless he thinks RCB is knackered that is, but even then sure Wood or Sullivan would do a job this afternoon. Wood very steady today.

[The Camel]

I thought he'd play the same 8 that played this morning.

Except maybe give Garcia an afternoon off and replace him with Willett.