Golf news - Rookies in the Ryder Cup
Talking about a fresh new start, Captain Colin Montgomerie’s half team has never played in the Ryder cup. Montgomerie reported saying that he will try to play everybody as soon as possible. Before the Ryder cup tees off at Celtic Manor, six Ryder cup rookies will get an opportunity to test their skills and warm up their swings. Something of this sort also happened when seven new-comers teed off in Brookline in 1999. Back then, Captain Mark James didn’t let Andrew Coltart, Jean Van de Velde and Jarmo Sandelin in the game till the last day. Unfortunately all three did not win as Europe gave into a 10-6 lead and then entered into the final day of the competition. When reminded of the Brookline event and something similar that could happen, Montgomerie firmly denied any possibility.
According to Montgomerie they are not really rookies. In 1991, when Monty himself had to play with great golf personalities like Nick Faldo, Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer and Woosie Ian Woosnam, he quoted them as ‘God’s of the game.’ Lucky for Montgomerie, he already has two big time winners of this season on his team. Edoardo Molinari, who beat the Australian golfer Brett Rumford by one stroke, won the Johnnie Walker Championship. In addition, Martin Kaymer in his first-ever major defeated Bubba Watson and won the 2010 PGA Championship.
“Rory Mcilroy proved that he is no typical rookie by winning the PGA Tour's Quail Hollow Championship earlier this year,” says Colin Montgomerie. Yes they are rookies at the Ryder cup; however winning big titles like these, no one in their right mind would call them inexperienced. The other new players are Ross Fisher, Swedish Peter Hanson, and Francesco Molinari. The Molinari brothers will be the first brothers to play side by side after the famous Hunt brothers; Bernard and Geoff hunt in 1963.
Francesco has been especially consistent with his amazing golf record. This led to him to earn his first cap being the seventh to qualify for the team. Edoardo and Hanson have both won two times this season, which includes the final two counting events. Edoardo is not the first player to make his debut. Six years ago, Luke Donald was picked by Langer and David Coltart by James. In 1997, when Miguel Angel Martin had to stand down due to an injury, Ballesteros picked Jesper Parnevik.
Two years ago, American’s faced the same situation when they had to play with six rookies on their team. They were Anthony Kim, Hunter Mahan, Boo Weekley, JB Holmes, Steve Stricker and Ben Curtis. The team managed to win the 2008 Ryder cup.
Rookies are really dominating the Ryder cup this year, as four players who have now qualified for the US Ryder team are new caps as well. This includes Bubba Watson, Matt Kuchar, Dustin Johnson, and Jeff Overton. These players similar to the European team have really shined through this year and have earned their way to qualify for the event. Watson and Johnson weren’t even in the top ten before. Prior to his second place finish in the PGA championship, Watson was ranked number eighteen. And Dustin Johnson elevated three spots above due to his tie for fifth at the PGA championship. One new comer Matt Kuchar has truly impressed Pavin and hoisted his hopes even more by winning the Barclays tournament yesterday. He sank a birdie on the first playoff hole to beat Martin Laird.
Pavin is still hopeful to pick four more picks, which he will on September seventh. Also still waiting to be chosen in, is the golf master Tiger Woods who is really getting back on his game after his split with Elin Nordegren. Many people had contrasting opinions on whether Woods should be chosen or not, but now finishing at a tie in 12th place at Barclays, things are looking good for Wood. Although not a rookie, people still have their eyes on Tiger. They maybe new to Ryder cup but they most certainly have mastered golf. Now we just have to wait till October to see whether the rookies can rock Ryder as well.
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