Ryder Cup 2010: U.S. rookies seem ready to compete
With Ryder Cup 2010 fast approaching, the U.S. Ryder Cup rookies seem to be ready for the big competition.
The U.S. team selection process also added Rickie Fowler, Zach Johnson, Watson, Kuchar, Overton and two other contestants, with not even a single PGA tour victory under their belt, to the American Ryder Cup rookies.
The World No. 1, Tiger Woods was also selected. Woods appears to be quite relaxed after his divorce. This Ryder Cup team will be his sixth, but the foremost in which he required to be selected. Before this, he usually finished first in the standings each-time, including in 2008 when he had spent the whole second half of the year recovering from a knee surgery.
About his selection, Woods said that it’s always an honor to be part of the U.S. team and he looks forward to again have a good time there. Meanwhile, European Ryder Cup team Captain Colin Montgomerie, while expressing his views about the American side, said that they have a brilliant combination of young players instead of seasoned Ryder Cup participants. He added that Tiger’s selection has delighted him.
The U.S. team Captain, Corey Pavin selected Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink as the pair of key champs. All these golfers will be challenging each other from October 1st to 3rd at Celtic Manor in Wales. Since Woods’ appearance in the 1997 Ryder Cup, Fowler will be the youngest participant of this upcoming tournament. Another 21-year-old, Rory McIlroy has also found his way into the European squad.
The 21-year-old Fowler made history on Tuesday with his top score as the first PGA rookie in the American squad to do so. Earlier, he was a great sign of ambiguity when Pavin had announced his 4 picks at the New York Stock Exchange. Pavin had earlier also stated that Fowler needs to think deeply about his performance.
Meanwhile, Fowler, in an interview, expressed the optimism that U.S. team would be able to win the Cup as he brings young color to the team. The Americans had won the 2008 Ryder Cup that was held at Kentucky. Now, they would attempt to again prevail but this time on a foreign land.
Fowler’s last year performance was outstanding as his two times participation in the Walker Cup with 7-1 and 4-0 at Merion was terrific. Pavin said that he isn’t making a team of individuals but rather he needs a team of great players. He added that the weather conditions at Wales would also have a significant impact on the Cup results.
Surprisingly, none of the 14 short listed U.S. players stand amongst the top ten. The decision to recruit young players apparently went in favor of Fowler as well as J.B. Holmes, who at TPC Boston had tied for eleventh. Anthony Kim was among those who were dropped out of the tournament as he faces three months rest due to thumb injury.
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