Europe Gears Up For Ryder Cup
The most prestigious rivalry in team golf is set to be renewed with the 2010 edition of the Ryder Cup a tournament contested by teams from the United States and Europe in what is known as the ultimate battle of supremacy between the two hubs of golf.
This season Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke is set to help Colin Montgomerie in a bid to win back the title for the Europeans.
He has been named one of the three vice-captains who would form the think tank for the Europeans, and the announcement was made on Tuesday.
Besides Clarke, Paul McGinley and Thomas Bjorn form the support team that Montgomerie would have for the tie that is set to be played at Celtic Manor, Wales from the first of October.
On the other hand the team from the United States includes seasoned campaigners like Corey Pavin who is leading the team with the likes of Tom Lehman, Jeff Sluman, Davis Love and Paul Goydos acting as his vice-captains.
"This is the strongest team we've ever assembled on and off the course in Europe," Montgomerie told reporters expressing his confidence in them, and hoping that they topple the United States team.
"It's a great time for European golf, a fabulous time for European golf. We've just had great success in America, at the US Open, and we're very close to having great success in our own Open, and who knows what's going to happen at the PGA next month."
The Irishman Clark has experienced the pressures of the biggest golf team championship having featured in no less than five Ryder Cups.
He also remains one of the most popular and sought after players in the sport he helped Europe to a hat-trick of wins in 2002, 2004 and 2006.
His most memorable triumph was being part of the champion team in 2006, just weeks after the death of his wife Heather.
"We want a relaxed atmosphere in the team room and we want to get the best out of our players, we want to help Monty get the best out of his players," the Northern Irishman said.
"Because we've all been there and done it before, I think we're a very, very strong team. I don't know if there's been a stronger back room team assembled as this before in any previous Ryder Cup”.
"So hopefully we can bring that experience and team spirit and bonding together in the team room and get the best out of the team," Clarke added.
The Europeans are hoping that they taste success once again this year after the trophy was won by the United States two years ago in Valhalla Golf Club in Kentucky.
The title was their first victory since 1999, and if they are to repeat their success they would have to put up a combined effort against their formidable opposition, and more importantly chose a team that has the capability to bounce back from a poor start and withstand the pressure of top flight golf.
The captain is expected to select three wildcards, in a team that is going to comprise of twelve players and the selection is expected to be finalized shortly.
Montgomerie remains hopeful of picking the best European talent, as most players are eager to feature in the tournament.
"I think those picks right now are the biggest headache we have but a very positive headache at the same time," Montgomerie said.
The selection from the continent is through nine automatic qualifiers, which comprise of four from the world points list and five from the continental points list.
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