Bernhard Langer stands up for Germany against Spain 2018 Ryder Cup bid
Former world number one, Bernhard Langer, believes it would not be fair, if Spain is chosen for hosting 2018 Ryder Cup, as they had their chance in 1997.
The German stood up in favour of his country, while giving an interview to Spain’s local newspaper. He said, “Absolutely unfair. There'd be no big problem if it was to return to Spain again but it would be unfair”.
Langer gave this statement as a result of pressure exerted on the selection committee by the relatives of Seve Ballesteros, who were in favour of bringing the Ryder Cup to Spain. After his death, his family has been carrying on the fight to fulfil the last
request of the player.
A week ago Ballesteros’ brother said, “It would be the greatest tribute to him. I appeal to the sensitivity of the Ryder Cup Committee of the European Tour to agree the greatest honour that could be bestowed on Seve is to award the competition to Spain.
I appeal on behalf of the family”.
On the other hand, Pascal Grizot, the head of French Ryder Cup commission, has backed his country and said that France faced negligible threat from Spain, because it was providing all the ideal conditions to host the tournament.
Grizot said, “Some other bidding countries have contributed more than France to the Ryder Cup history and the European Tour might be tempted to favour one of those countries, but we are ahead of the Netherlands and Portugal from this point of view”.
In midst of all the fighting, Padraig Harrington, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie have suggested that instead of giving Spain the honours of hosting a Ryder Cup in the memory of Ballesteros, his image should be put on the logo of European tour.
Looking at the statements coming from various professionals, bookies have started bidding on who is going to host the 2018 Ryder Cup. According to the British bookmaker, William Hill, Spain is the betting favourite with 8-11 points, while France holds the
second place with 11-8 points.
The battle of securing the tournament is about to end, as the announcement of the final decision will be made after the practice session of Volvo World Match Play Championship, which will take place in Spain today (May 17, 2011).
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