Category: 
Fal-Dope?
Transatlantic-sniggering like two schoolboys who have just gotten away with letting off stink-bombs at assembly, Nick Faldo and Ian Poulter put on a façade that did little to convince the golfing public that Poulter’s wildcard was anything other than a long-standing arrangement they agreed upon several weeks, if not months, ago when Poulter finished strongly at the Open in Royal Birkdale.
Faldo was always likely to do this. Being popular seems to occupy rather a low rank on his list of priorities; certainly below massaging his very large ego. Given that Monty has had a frosty relationship with Faldo for several years and if the Scot was to play, he would almost certainly claim the 2 points he needs to break Faldo’s record for most points won in the Ryder Cup, it’s no surprise that the stalwart of the European team would miss out. For all the experience, cohesion and amiable wry grumpiness Monty brings to the team, his form has been poor enough to justify exclusion on playing grounds rather than the personal grounds that may have had a significant influence on his chances. Faldo’s self-interest may have been at work in this case, but there are enough questions for the decision to be passed off as logical.
Logic seems to have little to do with the inclusion of Poulter. Rightly or wrongly, Faldo rates the majors extremely highly. It’s a point he has made many times in the past - most recently questioning the European players’ desire to win them - and tour titles don’t hold anywhere near the same value. The fact that he won six of them makes it easy for him to cherish the majors and in doing so boost his own ego. To an extent that’s understandable, but it’s also important to remember that some very ordinary players have managed to put four rounds of golf together during a major week and claim that accolade. Faldo’s assessment has come at the expense of Martin Kaymer and more controversially, Darren Clarke. Both players won twice on the European Tour this season, but that, in Faldo’s mind, pales into comparison to a distant second place in a major. Surely that’s not right.
Form doesn’t explain Poulter’s inclusion, experience doesn’t justify it and most definitely some top rate ass-kissing does. Clearly Poulter is a friend of Faldo’s and the captain was willing to ignore some unspectacular results and a terrible one - missing the cut by five shots in the US at the weekend - for that friendship. The cosy arrangement has compromised the strength of the team, if not the famed team spirit that has characterised recent successes. Poulter’s delusional comments about being second in the world behind Tiger Woods will have won him few friends in the Ryder Cup team and his decision to play in the US last week wasn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser either.
The only positive is that the Americans look dreadfully weak this time around. Even if Paul Azinger could use his four wildcards to pick Jack Nicklaus, Ben Hogan, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson in their prime, they’d be hard-pressed to turn the tide that has swept the US away in recent Ryder Cups. The inclusion of Ben Curtis was seen as a big plus - for the Europeans - and it goes to show the perils of rating performances in majors too highly.
Hopefully, Faldo’s ego won’t get in the way of the team winning the fourth Ryder Cup in a row, but with some big decisions to come closer to the event, the early evidence doesn’t bode well.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
surprise, surprise, nicknack picks 2 english men, casey ok. why hes a better player and motivator than the clown poulter, in the seve trophy he omits mcginley leaving no irish on his team, result a disaster, ryder cup he omits clarke, result a disaster, usa at 6/5 is my banker bet of the year.
September 1st, 2008 at 12:38 pm
I was going to punt the Europeans, but I’m not convinced Faldo can hold the team together and galvanise them. I detest Poulter as a person, but he is a talented golfer alright, just tough on Clarke to be left out
September 1st, 2008 at 12:58 pm
Faldo is a toff.Clarke and Westwood have been the finest pairings in Ryder Cups of the last 20 years.the whole thing stinks if you ask me.I think Europe still have too much for the American team either ways.Clarke is a big time player and the Ryder Cup is big time
September 1st, 2008 at 1:03 pm
To continue the interest in the Ryder Cup i believe the Americans need to win.With no Clarke or Mcginley & Mr Personality Faldo as Captain i’m becoming more convinced.6/5 on US & enjoy Faldo squirm.D
September 1st, 2008 at 1:14 pm
clarke a big time player? that’ll explain all his big performance in majors then….
face it lads, faldo’s got it right. as dislikeable as poulter is, he’s the right choice. fair play to faldo for having the guts to make an unpopular decision. but then again that’s what winners do.
europe are a serious bet this year.
September 1st, 2008 at 1:50 pm
poulter claims he is the second best in the world behind Woods, i hope he shows it on this big stage
September 1st, 2008 at 2:07 pm
dear oh dear eamo - that’s what happens when you read the gutter press. poulter has never said he’s the 2nd best golfer in the world, he just said that if he plays to his potential he knows he can challenge him, but at the moment woods is miles ahead of everyone else. nothing wrong with that.
people just don’t like someone with confidence and self-belief - which is why everyone’s so quick to have a go at faldo - the greatest golfer these islands have ever produced, and a born winner.
when europe win the ryder cup, i hope these detractors will humbly apologise. somehow i can’t see it to be honest.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:08 pm
I’m also disappointed that Clarke missed out he’d be first to admit that he hasn’t done enough in the past few months to justify inclusion.
Very tough to call this Ryder Cup. USA new section policy will vastly improve their performance. Plus they’re on home soil. The absence of Woods will actually help them.
On the other side, Garcia and Harrington have been performing excellent in the states recently. They become key players to help the dependants .
My money would be on a tight US victory.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
Tonton you have a history of praising failures, didn’t you once argue that Timmy Henman was not a bottler? Poulter has never been, and is unlikely to ever be, in a position whereby he can claim to be anywhere near Tiger Woods.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:25 pm
i think i said henman was a decent enough tennis player with limited talent, who did well to achieve what he did.
nothing wrong with poulter setting his sights on one day trying to challenge woods. just like darts players have to aim to challenge taylor, or liverpool are aiming to challenge united and chelsea. it’s called ambition.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:35 pm
You spout some nonesense TonTon
September 1st, 2008 at 2:42 pm
The worrying thing for me is that Faldo will now pick Poulter/Casey in the 4balls/4somes, in order to prove himself right. My picks would be:
Harrington/Rose
Westwood/Garcia
Stenson/Karlsson
Jimenez/McDowell
maybe replace McDowell with Casey.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:45 pm
There is no way of justifiying Poulter’s selection, 2nd and 9th his 2 best finishes this year, 2 missed cuts in a row showing no form since his 2nd place, hasn’t shot better than 67 in a round since January.
Clarke, showing good form, even dougherty u could justify because of form d last 2 weeks, fisher would be good team player.
America have been given a lifeline by this selection and if azinger uses his picks right by selecting, stricker, mahan, mediate and ohair/streelman then i’d back usa to win. Ben Curtis is currently one of the inform players on d pga tour and i don’t think he will be a week link, much the opposite. This is not a weak usa team, leonard, kim, cink, furyk, mickelson, perry if on form, giving them home advantage they have the edge for me.
Sergio, westwood, stenson and harrington wil do well, but the rest will struggle on u.s. soil!
As much as i hate to say it 6/5 get on d USA. Bet with ur Head.
September 1st, 2008 at 2:53 pm
faldo said he wants winners and players in good form please tell me what Poulter has done lately its a joke …….
September 1st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Faldo has proved again he is anti Irish, Poulter is a clown!
September 1st, 2008 at 3:00 pm
Big time Disappointed for Clarke,But as an avid golf fan,and a big Clarke fan,i cant help feel that the biggest loser in this debacle is Carl Petterson.A winner on The PGA tour already this year and a projected top 15 in the FEDEX standings thus far.70 places above poulter.Faldo is too disingenuos a person to believe his assertion that he didnt give poulter the heads up before he decided to swerve Gleneagles.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:01 pm
this poulter-bashing has been drummed up by the faldo-hating media. he could have chosen tiger woods and jack nicklaus, and thrown bagger vance in as a caddy, and the media wouldn’t have been happy.
5/6 europe - ALL IN JOB.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:24 pm
“faldo-hating media”
What are you? Nuts?
Where do you get the time to dream up this stuff? It is hilarious.
I was pissed that the Berb appears to be heading towards the desert, but parity has been restored. …you nutcase.
September 1st, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Last anti irish manager was graeme souness, went to liverpool cleared out all the irish ended up as disater, now works as tv pundit maybe faldo should stick to his tv work.
He’ll prob have poulter designin the team outfits too! He’s a jumped up muppet, if u look at it if he hadn’t dressed like a twat no-one would even know who he is, he’d b a journey man on d european tour, ala paul broadhurst, damien mcgrane(prob an insult to him seeing as he’s actually won this year).
September 1st, 2008 at 4:12 pm
i think that usa will play better without woods ,they seem to depend on him ,as he is not a team player ,as for europeans ,harri wil be our top player , usa will win it comfortable , maybe faldo likes playing with english players on his team but i cant see why he left out darren for poulter , darren is a big motivater for the team ,maybe faldo should bring back his fanny as a sub replacement for an injured player because he will not pick darren over any english player
September 1st, 2008 at 4:14 pm
By the way lads it is the last day of the transfer window so what ye make of Berbatov been linked with Man City who have been taken over by Abu Dabhi United Group.Im sure Sir Alex has other strikers as back up but surely if Man City want to pay 37 million for a guy who could sulk his way to Madrid in two years time let em.I know i might sound bitter that we may have lost out on him but outside of Torres and Villa what strikers in Europe are good enough to play for United.Dont mention Owen please.As a stop gap till January I think somebody like Ashton or Doyle or even Henrik Larsson would do.Ronaldo is back soon Tevez has been outstanding so far and Rooney just needs games to get back to peak fitness
September 1st, 2008 at 4:20 pm
We should have got Pavlyuchenko.
He was a bargain at 13mil
September 1st, 2008 at 5:34 pm
There is no way that Poulter did not know he was in the team prior to Gleneagles as his decision to stay in USA would have been ludicrous otherwise. That Faldo would not confirm this fact is the only fault in his selection as Poulter is a far more consistant golfer on present form than Darren or Monty and will play his heart out for the team. I have great admiration for Darren, but I do believe his game is in decline, if you listen carefully to Euan Murray’s comments on their coaching sessions there is some serious flaws in his swing. Monty was never in the running if you seriously follow golf, his performance last week was poor for someone who thought he was still in contention for a place in the team.
All this dissension could be avoided in my view if we simply took the top 6 in the World lists and the top 6 in the European lists over the 2 years between Ryder Cups. You either qualify or you don’t.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Faldo has made the blunder of all time.Poulter is the only man I know that comes close to matching Faldo’s arrogance.I fear for the European team as team spirit will be low after the deal with Poulter and Faldo.Jump on the USA to win,unfortunatley.Clarke must be pulling his hair out.
September 1st, 2008 at 5:46 pm
spot on ronnie!
September 1st, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Typical Faldo….i knew he would pick poulter and so did poulter…Clakes form has been class with two wins in four months,he has been in every ryder cup since 1995,he has proved he’s a great matchplay golfer and he’s proved himself against all the top americans before…….WHY NOT PICK HIM FALDO?……….
September 1st, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Well lets not have any knee jerk reactions to Flado (the clown) unsuprising wild cards, remember the Sevy trophy he picked that team also and no Irish please was his motto then, If Paddy had not won those two fantastic majors we be Irishless at the Ryder cup ( unless you count union jack mc Dowell, I hope for the first time in my life that the yanks win it with paddy harrington top european scorer , Paul mc Ginley was right to turn down vice captain , maybe Paul knew back then that Faldo or Waldo the clown would be picking Poulter , or Poulter the picksy,
September 1st, 2008 at 6:42 pm
If you had to have money on Poulter or Clarke to keep his bottle, I know who my money would be on, but lets no get on Poulter’s back, it was Faldo who picked him. Lets get behind him
September 1st, 2008 at 7:02 pm
i’d want poulter
September 1st, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Now I know where the word Langer came from Its Faldos middle name.
September 1st, 2008 at 8:45 pm
McGinley, great mates with Darren.
McGinley, great mates with Pod.
Lee, great mates with Darren
Darren McGin and Lee all in the ISM stable with Chubby Chandler, etc etc
There was never any way Faldo was going to let that clique run the show in Valhalla, so once McGinners resigned last year, I thought Faldo was never goin to pick Darren.
He is his own man, now has 5 Englishmen, 3 of whom look up to him hugely.
We have enough talent to just get past them this time, with Zinger making a difference
September 1st, 2008 at 8:53 pm
I couldn’t care less really.
Which golfers end up playing with each other, in probably the most corporate of all global sporting events, isn’t that high on my list of priorities.
Playing golf is just about tolerable, watching it is painful.
September 1st, 2008 at 9:59 pm
its a bad call by faldo not picking clarke, but put it this way if it was an irishman picking the team he would have both clarke & mcginley in the team so its a no win situation. in fact there should be no wildcards, top 12 qualify simple as that, if you dont make top 12 tough luck. americans will win anyway, much better team without woods. woods isnt a team player.
September 1st, 2008 at 10:29 pm
knew this would happen, egomaniac faldo picks poulter for finishing a distance 2nd in open (what else has he done?). Let’s not forget the majors ‘mr personality of a dry stone wall’ keeps harping on about is played in strokeplay format. Last time i checked the ryder cup is match play. If prat poulter had any respect he could of played gleneagles, maybe qualified in his own right and freed up another spot, but who’s 2 say nob nick would of picked clarke or monty anyway. HIS MIND WAS MADE UP REGARDLESS! Feel for u daz
September 1st, 2008 at 11:40 pm
Faldo has six Majors. Faldo best European golfer EVER.Right decision to pick Poulter.Forget the nationalistic bs.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:08 am
Absolutely disgusted by Faldopes decision to pick Poulter. Clarke has been fantastic in the Ryder Cup as has Montys (never beaten in singles)! When it comes to the crunch, will Poult be able to handle it?! It was crunch time in TPC in Boston and look what happened him?! Missed the cut by 5… Says it all!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 am
Will not be the same ryder cup without clarke simple as that lads, Monty was never a contender but that twat of a poulter running around the course like the pinkpanther….well we will defo see that tail between boring faldo’s legs tonton when he checks in at the airport with ‘NOTHING TO DECLARE’
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
I feel Faldo made his mind up after the Open, Dougherty tried his heart out the last few weeks and has proved he is a class act he’s another who should feel hard done by 6 birdies in 8 holes on sunday in Gleneagles and trying to the end watch out for him in future! Zinger will bring US team together as underdogs and maybe the wheel has turned 6/5 USA????
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:41 am
you’re all making your mind up about poulter and clarke based on personality and not golf. they’re not there to chug pints of guinness and smoke havanas, they’re there to win the ryder cup.
personally i think it makes little difference to the outcome - europe will still win this by 3 or 4 points. garcia nailed on top europe points scorer.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:18 am
Tonton, please stop spouting rubbish, If you made your mind up based on golf, Clarke would win hands down! Victories on the PGA Tour, Victories on the european tour this year and plenty victories in the Ryder cup, Poulter cannot match that.
you are clueless!
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:43 am
european tour is pretty average to be fair. poulter has been competing a lot in the US and has done ok - 7th european on money list. clarke is about 10 years past his best, but is admittedly in some very decent form. poulter showed at the open this year that he can handle the big occasion, with some very testing pressure puts at the end of his final round, almost forcing a play-off before harrington played some sublime golf to win it outright.
faldo was always going to pick poulter. he rightly rates the PGA tour well above the european tour and rewarded poulter for toiling away in america this year.
that’s all i have to say on this - you’re all entitled to your opinions, and me mine. i’m just looking forward to another incredible weekend of sporting drama, fantastic golf and another european victory.
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:57 am
tonton , come on monty deserved to be in before that plonker ,montys points won in majors is very high ,its just that faldo wouldnt like him or darren trying to upstage his team ,faldos head is up his ass ,as i said earlyer fanny had a better chance of getting in the team than monty and darren ,rider cup is a lot different than any other golf tournament ,u need team spirit , europe dont have this ,
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I am irish and have no doubt is saying poulter should be on the team ahead of clarke.
It sickens me to see how jeloused people are.
And to this BUM who wrtoe this article - get a life - you are a LOSER.
You wont be 1/50th of a man that poulter is and for sure wont have 1/50th of
his wealth….putting people down of his class - who do you think you are, a bum is
what you are - get a proper job!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:21 pm
I actually think that the bravery that Clarke showed in playing a leading part in the last ryder cup victory so soon after losing his wife two years ago is evidence enough that the guy is a big time performer.I dont think his record in Majors has any basis for omitting him.Do people disregard George Best or Paul McGrath as great footballers because they havent World Cup medals.I dont think Westwood will be too happy about been paired Ith Poulter or Casey.My foursomes Garcia/Casey Harrington/McDowell Karlsson/Stenson Westwood/Wilson
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Westwood/Jimenez rather
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:55 pm
Faldo is a plank (did you ever see Pat Kenny on the Late Late Toy Show - did you ever hear Faldo cracking a joke on commentary. Its the same awkwardness.). Very disappointed for Darren and for the Ryder Cup team. However Faldo was always going to do something like this and pick his mates and not the form golfers of which Darren is one. It will definitely make the contest closer. Faldo was a great golfer but never a team leader.
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:47 pm
so tonton a best finish of T15th in d US is good toiling away in your opinion! Further proof that he’s not performing in the US and given that its being played over there where’s d logic?
All these players clarke, casey, and monty should be good enough to have qualified automatically. The system must be flawed if clarke can win twice, and have 5 other top ten this season and not qualify.
Poulter has played 30 touraments worldwide so far this year and couldn’t make it. The only logic to his selection is his a close friend of Faldos, u’d have to wonder if they’ll be rooming together too they’re so close!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
I think everyone respects what Faldo achieved in golf but everyone knows team spirit means a lot at this level, its sometimes the only difference between teams. How many times have you heard ” they wanted it more” been said, Faldo has taken that away and i think if thinfs get tight, which im sure the will the team will not react as the did before. Also i feel Faldo may have destoyed Poulter, he has to play him and when he loses its going to be very hard for him to play golf again…. Poulter to retire after Ryder Cup.. Ill have a bit of that PADDY!!!!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I wouldn’t worry about Poulter. I think that his confidence will stand to him and hopefully he will show some form. However I dont understand if he wanted to be part of the Ryder Cup so badly why didn’t he play in Gleneagles. Had he missed the cut there I might at least understand Faldo picking him as he’d have shown some commitment towards the team…
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:36 pm
Hi Tonton or should I say Ian,
It is you - is’nt it ? - Ian Poulter or maybe I’m wrong - Are you Nick Faldo? You are spouting such drivel you must be one or the other. Faldo is a fool for picking Poulter. Ask any of the 10 players who automatically qualified who there 1st choice as a pick would be - Answer: Clarke. Ask them who there 1st pick would be (A) on natural ability, (B) on current form, (C) on Ryder Cup experience, (D) on personality and positive influence; Answer for all questions from all those players : Clarke. Faldo is a clown, he was always a clown and will always be a clown. He has the personality of a snail. The Ryder Cup has been devalued and Clarke will be sadly missed by all players and spectators on both sides of the Atlantic.
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Riemann, you are entitled to your opionion on Darren Clarke, which I completely disagree with however personality alone is no use to the European Ryder Cup team what we need is golfers in form and in this case a golfer in form has not been selected….
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hi Riemann,
It’s no problem - I can understand why you would disagree with me. Your obviously afflicted with the same unfortunate condition that both Ian & Nick have. Your English. And there is no cure!
September 3rd, 2008 at 10:58 am
Well said Gooch i agree with you 100%
September 4th, 2008 at 12:39 am
my GOD my Fal-done! Picking Ian Poulter? good golfer he may be but he is not in form at the moment. Westwood or Clarke would be a better choice anytime. Perhaps Mr Faldo cannot accept he is getting old and wringkly so he is not willing to see Clarky or Monty (oops) on the team!
This game is about winning and Europe is not going to this year. A resounding WIN for the US team for me at 6/5. Go on guys, where can you get that price for an outstanding bet this year. All thanks to the grumpy “old” man of Mr Fal-dope!!!
Cherio!
September 4th, 2008 at 5:19 am
Some years ago at a European tour event I witnessed Monty telling another Pro that the courtesy car was waiting. To the amusement of the bystanders the Pro asked him to delay the car as he had to go to the loo to have a Faldo. Things hav’ent changed. To omit an inform Clarke, a good matchplayer and a much experienced Ryder cup competitor from his pick is stupid. To pick Poulter is stupid and reckless. He remains a Big S….
September 4th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Leaving Clarke off was the worst decision in Ryder Cup history. I suppose I should have known with Faldo that he would pick his 2 English colleagues, he is arrogant and you can be sure that morale amoungst the players will be nowhere near as high as recent Ryder Cups.
I fancied the US to win this time as Azinger is a very astute guy who will have the respect of all the players but Clarkes ommission makes them banker material. Another plus for the US is the absence of Tiger clearly the best player thats ever lived but not a team player. The US players can now relax and express themselves without any burden.
Lump onto the US and clean Paddy out!!!!
September 4th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
agree paddy will not be able to keep the 6/5 for long ,especially when poulter puts those gay trousers on , if the usa start well it could be over before the singles start , i pradict ?a rout
September 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
listen…..opinionated ppl…how about just getting behind europe,yeah poults asks
for ridicule most of the time,but the picks have been made an will just have to deal with it
clark is a legend,but he is not there,faldo will have to awnswer to all if we,an poults dont retain the cup until then good luck europe…
golf rules.
September 4th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
who cares about nick faldo and who he picks our boys will give the yanks two girders of cold steel
September 5th, 2008 at 3:42 am
Someone said there are no Irish on the team. Surely Graeme McDowell and Padraig Harrington are Irish, even in the eyes of those born in the Republic. I’m sure those two players consider themselves Irish. Just ’cause we nicked that northern bit doesn’t make it any less Irish, surely. It’s the same scenario in Gibraltar, people born and raised there may like to think they are British, but everyone knows they are Southern Spaniards (BTW I say things just to annoy others - the easiest people to offend (in a strangely ironic/non-ironic way) are US redneck males, just try calling them Homo-sapiens.)
September 5th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
how about a bit of cold sheffeild steel….lol
September 5th, 2008 at 5:02 pm
when was last time poulter challenged or won on American soil??? Casey is right choice but Poulter, I mean Clarke has proven that he can win on American soil under the most extreme pressure i.e. against woods in Mathchplay. He is also a man on form as seen with win in a very strong field couple of weeks ago and is his partnership with Westwood is possibly one of the best ryder cup partnerships of all time, Faldo could also do with a good character as Clarke is instead of an arrogant English prat, suppose he sees a lot of himself in him, lets not be too disappointed though, lets just sit back and watch Faldo struggle with the best European team in amn many years…. Zola , not a clue my boy
September 5th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Faldo has ruined it for any one who follows golf outside of england, maybe even in england too. theres no way his players can respect a captain who clearly doesn’t follow through on his statements, ‘form players’, ‘Winners’ my ‘Whole’.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:45 am
it could be a mistake picking poulter but then again he may well end up top points scorer,either way it makes no difference europe are certanties………lump on !
September 6th, 2008 at 12:46 am
There is no doubt about it… Faldo is an asshole and more than likely Europe will lose this Ryder cup against the odds, mostly because of Faldo. Clarke did deserve a place on the team even if he is a dip stick. Drinking 4 pints of guiness before a 10.30am tee off in donegal recently shows up Clarke in all his glory. However, Poulter also deserves a place on this team as he is higher up the world order of merit than any of the other contenders. Dont blame Poulter for getting picked blame Falso and Clarke…….2 assholes fully deserving of their fate. Chubby Chandler’s camp of golfers is a camp of under acheivers. They deserve everything they do not get.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:07 am
to call them assholes is a bit much dont you think. Europe have too much talent, Faldo or not they will win.
September 6th, 2008 at 1:18 pm
for the first time ever i am backing the yanks faldo has given them the biggest incentive to win and there team morale will be boosted by the ommitence of clarke who is liked by all the european golfers well done nick the xxxxx
September 6th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
Europe : Evens , USA 11/10; Its coming up to decision time. I love the Ryder Cup with every fibre of my being. I have sat in front of the TV for a feast of sport for the 3 days every 2 years for the last 20+ years; I have cheered for every good European shot, match win, match half; cried or thrown my glass at the TV for every European loss; cried,laughed and cheered at some of the best sporting moments - ‘winning in USA for 1st time’, ‘winning in Spain with Seve as Captain’, ‘Torrance sending out the Cavalry first on the last day and stealing victory’, ‘the brilliance of Captain Langer (Surely the finest perfomance of any Captain in any sport), ‘the cheer that greeted Clarke and Westwood on the first tee in the K Club as they are about to to play Mickelson & Di Marco - then Clarke hits a three wood about 350 yards off the the 1st tee to the centre of the fairway’; ‘ The tears from Darren Clarke after he win his singles match and completes 3 wins from 3 games’; these are jut a few of the fabulous moments. For the ‘Ryder Cup Weekend’ I transfer my Irish pride anfd patriotism and I become a true European swapping green flag for blue and gold. However this time around its different. I look at Captain Faldope and the decision in picking Poulter and Casey instead of Clarke is dumbfounding. It has been nearly a week and the anger is still raw. I cannot believe that I am asking the question - who do I want to win? A: USA (What?) , B: Europe - with D-head Faldo giving his celebration speech and how telling us how he did it it his way. I have come to the certain conclusion, with Faldo Captain Europe do not have a chance - Lump on USA 11/10 - Paddy Power Pay Out.
September 7th, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Poulter is a nob jockey…he is more interested in colour co-ordinating his pantyhoes than learning how to become a top or even consistant golfer….Poulter is a choker, suffers badly from recurring bouts of the shanks and (did it twice in a row at the masters with a mis-hit added in) will be shown up for the average player that he is when the chips are down. Darren should have been picked no matter what stat sheet you look at!! How anyone as ugly as Poulter can love themselves so much is beyond me too. Also, the absolute fantasy talk that comes out of his mouth when he opens it is mind boggling (said he would win 2 majors in the 2007 season!_……….WHAT A TOSSER!!
September 7th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
Faldo is nothing more than an arrogant english prick, just like a lot of his fellow sportsmen.
Faldo had his 2 picks made more than 3 months ago and no matter if clarke had won back to back tourneys and even shot a 59, he still would not have been picked.
The way faldo conducted himself whilst doing his commentry work in america the past month or so has been disgraceful. If you watch golf you will know what I mean, if not then please dont comment about my comment.
Even after all is said and done I still hope europe win but then again maybe not. Which is better…. europe losing, faldo shrugging his shoulders and that being that or europe winning and faldo having a head the size of the goodyear blimp and listening to him talk up himself and his english counterparts and never hearing the end of it…ALA 1966
September 8th, 2008 at 10:51 am
the fact that people would rather USA won the ryder cup than europe with faldo as captain is a pretty sad state of affairs. get off the darren clarke bandwagon. he didn’t qualify, he wasn’t good enough to qualify and poulter came closer to qualifying than he did.
faldo’s made his picks so you’re just going to have to cheer him on. why try to ruin one of the best sporting events of the year for yourself? faldo doesn’t care what people think - he’s a winner and has the guts to make unpopular decisions - and he’ll care even less when he’s coming home with the ryder cup. i expect all his knockers won’t have the good grace to retract their comments though!
evens for europe is a gift - LUMP ON! come on nick and the boys!
IN FALDO WE TRUST!
September 8th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Faldo.. ever since fanny left, i think he needs another women to stroke his ego….hence Poulter….
I think europe will do it again, but they would have had a stronger team if they had Clarke or even Monty there, all responsbility will be with garcia and Harrington to hold the team together,
Hopefully Poulter will have a bad hair day and will have to cry off…. maybe faldo then will pick a good sub….. has to be clarke,
Monty will never play under faldo as he might beat his record……
September 8th, 2008 at 11:17 am
Lets all get behind them lads
September 8th, 2008 at 11:39 am
We were doomed the day Faldo was appointed Ryder Cup Captain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 8th, 2008 at 4:47 pm
Faldo is a complete joke, its no wonder he never had any friends on tour.
To pick poulter over the in form darren clarke has only proven to the world that this man should stick to commentating on golf programs as he is such an expert on golfing matters.
Darren is a two time winner this year so far and poulter has done nothing.
For the first time in my life i hope europe lose so faldo will not be considered for a return to being the captian.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
what a dickhead
September 10th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
ne predictions for top player?
September 11th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I read that Azinger has set up Valhalla to play long, wide and open, with little rough to speak of, in order to cash in on their big hitters (e.g. JB Holmes, Perry, Campbell & co). Hence, this could easily turn into a straight putting contest, which makes it more of a lottery.
I also think the USA feel their rookies are stronger than Europe’s - I disagree, McDowell played all his collegiate golf in the US (quite successfully to) and is highly regarded over there. Soren Hansen has reached a new level within his game (Top 10’s for fun this season), Justin Rose’s pedigree and record speaks for himself, which just leaves Oliver Wilson, who may only end up playing the singles anyhow.
With Harrington, Garcia, Westwood, Jimenez and Karlsson they’re all experienced campaigners and will step up to the leadership void left by Clarke & Monty. I also don’t buy into this criticism of Faldo only having one v-captain. Too many cooks spoil the broth, he’s his own man, will already have his pairings pretty much sorted, can make clear, decisive decisions on his feet (he won 6 Majors for goodness sake). Basically he doesn’t need a whole bunch of people clouding his judgement because he’s clearly focused enough.
Sure he should have picked Clarke instead of Poulter but at the end of the day will make little difference, Europe have the superior squad by far, love the challenge of playing away from home, are 4-time reigning champions, and simply have been performing much better this year in the Four Majors.
Europe will win comfortably and for the bookies to be extending their odds out past Evens is simply a massive overreaction, surely it can’t be sheer weight of money for the USA ? If so, those fools and their money will soon part.
Get on early before these odds tumble back in next week, will helppay for Christmas !
September 11th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
As for Top Points Scorers here are my plays:
EUR…L Westwood (6/1)…won this market in 2006 and set to repeat. Loves this format, which is essentially matchplay, playing awesome tee to green, if he gets the putter going then he’ll go through unbeaten like last time. Nice odds as will play all 5 matches I suspect.
USA…K Perry (9/1)…set up his whole season to be on the team, made it, lives nearby, been playing exceptional, has a wise ole head on his shoulders, and will simply play his heart out. Massive odds, enjoy.
TOP DEBUTANT….JB Holmes (9/1)…Course set up to suit, good putting stats, will play an integral part in Azinger’s plans for sure, so am picking he’ll play at least 4 out of the 5 matches.
TOP WILDCARD….Ian Poulter (9/2)…Faldo’s picked him, so he has to play him to vindicate his decision. Loves the pressure and attention, will have his game razor sharp for sure. I expect him to play at least 4 out of the 5 matches as well.
September 11th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
agree 100% stirlo cannot believe europe are now outsiders at 11/10, GB & ireland on their own would thrash this american team which on paper is their worst in the last 20 years,i will be having my largest ever bet at this price, heres to a fantasic christmas thanks to pp
September 12th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
Bitter irish sports fans. I love it
September 13th, 2008 at 9:30 am
clarke should of been selected.pouter like mr faldo is a clown,i mean faldo had to get a pr company to try to get the public to like him,with that stupid dance.i have had the painfull experience of meeting mr poulter and yes he is a total arse.but same old, same old, birds of a feather flock together.poulter will show us all next week that he is a burke,but europe will still win…………..11/10 is massive…….
September 14th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
If he gets away with it well and goo but its rotten to the core i linve in london and most over here think its right well they also think aiden o brien is doping his horses well dope does spring to mind and if you think our CELTIC cousins are any better then think again!!!!!
Is not our fault Ireland are good with their limited pool of golf players……well as they say an ounce of breeding beats a ton of feeding and brits are bred of inferior stock case in point NICK FALDO=dummy
September 14th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Pettersson shoud have got picked on all know form …has played some good stuff on the Pga tour this year..Clarkes form is in europe..I would have loved to have seen Clarke picked but its Pettersson who should be feeling worse..
Poulter is an ok golfer but never should have gotpicked based purely on a 2nd place in d the open were conditions are completely different to wat will be presented in the US…Its typical faldo..always the clown …and he so tld Poulter before the last tourney…very bad form
September 14th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
nick faldo had ledendary status on the euro tour his biased decision to leave d clarke out
of the team is further testament of his 1 distance from modern pro golfers and 2 his failure to allow senior pros on his team . 3 ian polter do i need anything else . when the usa win faldo hang your head in shame . shame. shame. shame
September 14th, 2008 at 8:40 pm
Stirlo i was looking at your comments i agree with a lot but you talk of big hitters j.b holmes yes, kenny perry no. Hes totally the opposite actually but all year his game revolved around making the ryder cup and expect a good showing. To all the people who think Darren should have been picked ye are wrong. U have to look at performances on American soil and faldos picks are spot on . Im Irish and would love to see 2 or 3 paddys playn but not possible. People forget about Martin Kaymer and only for his Mams illness and death i think he might have been picked . I give the Yanks a better chance than most on this page and get on Anthony “Ace King” Kim to go undefeated. He is that good . Unless he meets Sergio, lol .
September 14th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
would personally have picked casey and clarke. i would of picked clarke not through sympathy but the main reason being is that he’s in form at the right time but above everything else he’s a team player unlike ian (as long as im winning forget the others) poulter! i still think europe will sneak it but would love for poulter to be pointless. jay
September 15th, 2008 at 2:21 pm
We are all agreed, Faldo is not a popular captain ! A bit dense!
Please GO AWAY after the Ryder Cup!
Clarke should have been picked!
Hope Europe win!
September 15th, 2008 at 4:45 pm
Westwood top European Kim top American.That is all I will say on this matter
September 15th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Totally agree sully,Westwood to play all five rounds and dependant on pairings on day one and two I believe Kim to finish Top US player.
The tournamnet is going to hinge on the players ability to putt under matchplay conditions and this shall decide the overall winners.
Best of luck to th European team.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
To answer your question ‘ without a shadow of doubt YES’
I think Poulter knew well before last event, he has been playing rubbish, having missed his last 2 cuts. Faldo’s explanation of him being impressed by his back 9 in Open is a feeble effort. Obviously like every other player he was trying to ‘win’ the open. He made the last hour of open interesting but that was it. Harrington beat him by more than 1.
His own reason that he needed to play 15 events is fine, if the season was at an end, he had probably 5 more chances before US season ended.
I think if Darren had won again in Scotland it would have made no difference.
Faldo is an arrogant person, same as when he was a player.
I think his treatment of Montgomery was disgusting, not having the common decency to speak to him, prefering to say ‘ he was probably watching a game or shopping.
I think Casey was a good pick, he is a solid player with a good record in match play.
Its probably a little unfair on Poulter, but I feel that FALDO is the weak link on this team.
On paper they still have the better team & if Faldo can keep his arogance at bay I think they will win.
September 16th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Westwood - to Euro player
September 17th, 2008 at 2:44 pm
i think it is the first time ever that i would not be all that upset if europe get beaten in the ryder cup. faldo has picked his mates and not who should be there. money means more to some folk ,i still think poulter knew he was going thats why he played in america .
September 17th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
faldo is a fool , he acts like a fool , looks like a fool and this year iam cheering on the americans .. i wonder will paddy power have a price up that faldo crys when europe are beaten ???? brian from ireland [ come on europe in 2010 when there is anyone but faldo looking after the team ] .
September 18th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
poulter and casey should have not been picked, the could have easily played their way into the team at gleneagles but chose to feather their own nest in the states. they earn a good living on the euro tour and should have shown a bit of loyalty to the tour, and look as if they were interested in representing the tour that has made them millionaires. as for faldo, he was an a******e when he was on tour and hasn’t changed , all he wants to do is raise his profile in the states, watch if the europeans get beat it will be somebody elses fault, probably the press, not the man who picked the teams.
September 18th, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Poulter is a disaster as a wildcard, it seems unthinkable 2 leave Clarke at home and bring that pup along 4 the drive. To leave and play in America was a disgrace, but good auld Nicko always goes against the grain, America winning would also be against the grain, get on USA at all costs, what a bet. Also look out 4 either one of the Kentucky boys 2 hole the winning putt.
September 19th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Poulters inclusion was obviously pre arranged, based on what I dont Know.
Casey has achieved nothing this year on either side of the water, and I can only assume hes been picked for previous matchplay results. (Another Dubious Pick).
Monty was never in with a claim.
Carl Peterson is the player I feel shouldhave been considered ahead of both casey and poulter.
Martin Kaymer and Ross fisher would have been sensational picks, and that without a mention for darren Clarke.
The press seem to have hammered on about the ommission of Clarke and Monty, and not given the credit to those who should have been considered.
The 4 Possibles should have been Clarke, Fisher, Kaymer, and Peterson.
I will watch with relish if Europe are beaten narrowly, as team Casey and the Fashion designer drop Points.
September 19th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Poulter playn all right boys ! haha. Great ryder cup so far. Perry and Furyk 8/1 three holes ago, 1 up now . Betting in running is the way forward. Harrington is the man.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Poulters just dumped a wedge into water at the front of 13. YES A WEDGE!
What a Pick. or have I left Out a letter.
September 19th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Casey beaten! and wasted a good partner getting there.
September 19th, 2008 at 5:52 pm
Jackdaw thats a difficult hole. Rose just as much to blame through the round. Full point this evening. I see you think Carl Petterson should av been picked , lol . This is the ryder cup not the carling cup. Start supporting Eurpoe ! Tie by end of todays play. Good odds .
September 19th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
an absolute shambles may everyone who backed faldo hold their head in shame… but alas they wont,typical arrogant,ignorant brits!!!
September 19th, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Petersons only crime is not being English. If Faldo had his way it would still be a British Isles Team. If you dont believe me, just look at the stats Faldo was so selective with.
Peterson Out performed Both Casey And Poulter this year on the PGA tour.
P.S. Faldo Chose to recount caseys “Walker Cup” record to justify his selection.
At least the Carling cup is contested by Professionals.
September 19th, 2008 at 7:23 pm
Poulter big mistake, the ryder cup of all tournaments ! they all wear silly clothes , his game and his clothes will fade into obscurity
September 19th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
Lot’s of harshness flying about re Faldo & Poulter. Young Poulter comes across as a kn*b & agree he hasn’t really justified inclusion. Would have picked DC on recent form & pure emotion but no way could have picked CM on current form. Only real alternative on form was Fisher/Petterson if not Clarke.
Ultimately back the team & undertake the usual ‘exact science’ hindsight analysis post result that always happens on major events. Ifs, buts, woulda’s, coulda’s & maybe’s - all losers say the same cr*p!! 5 - 3 usa day 1 lead but after that all Europe.
C’mon Europe!!!
September 19th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
faldo’s pick of poulter is not the issue. the issue is that he let poulter play in the states when he still could have qualified automatically by playing in europe. if he had qualified automatically then faldo would have been left with either clarke or monty as his other wild card. by letting poulter play in the states, he effectively ruled these two experienced ryder cup players out. the fact that wilson hasn’t had a look in on day one would further question this, not poulter’s ability. everyone knows the guys is competitive, potentially a match winner, etc. but with him and clarke/monty on the side you would have a stronger european team.
September 20th, 2008 at 12:05 am
Im supporting the USA after Faldo dropped Clarke and chose that p***k Poulter
September 20th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Cant understand how Monty could have been considered. His record is just that, a record.
Faldo said early on he was going to pick form. Monty didnt have any.
Taking a bite of humble pie as I say this, Poulter did ok today, but the spirit thats carried the Europeans through the last 3 Ryder cups, except for a few was absent today. Harrington, 3-up in both his matches, lost both. (K-Club revisited for him).
Back to my point about Form. Casey or poulter like monty, didnt have any. Yet were selected ahead of players with SOLID current form. I suspect Faldo’s dishonesty has sucked the spirit out of this team
September 20th, 2008 at 1:19 am
What a fella that Faldo is, magnifcent in his own head, but unfortunitly thats the only place where there is space. we look forward to 2010 and just hope we are not disgraced by this man who seems to think he knows it all. Fair play to Fannie she tried to lay the law down to him but he has never listened to anybody but his own ego.
September 20th, 2008 at 8:34 am
Poulter for CAPTAIN in Wales!
September 20th, 2008 at 9:00 am
Faldo is overrated - just like Poulter. To leave Clake out was his biggest mistake. For heart and motivation you will not come across a better competitor than Clarke. Him and Westwood together are a great TEAM. Someone would want to tell Faldo that there is no “I” in team!!!!!!!!! We are now about to lose the Ryder Cup all because Faldo is all talk and when the chips are down he will be proven to be a bad leader.
September 20th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Go on Padraig, have a little sit down before ye balls it up altogether!
September 20th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
Vindicated by circumstance. The words Luck and Judgement spring to mind.
Why wouldnt he pick poulter, after all there is only “HIM AND TIGER”.
September 20th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
OK Adam.
September 21st, 2008 at 1:40 am
ian poulter - you are a LEGEND!
the main reason we’re still in this ryder cup.
full steam ahead for the singles.
September 21st, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Faldo isn’t to blame for what will be USA victory very shortly, the players need to take a look at themselves. The US team have clearly felt more at ease with Woods there, but the likes of Garcia, Harrington, Jimenez and Casey have been hugely disappointing, especially the first two.
I have to say Poulter has been utterly superb and justified his wildcard pick a hundred times over. In fact it makes the original article above look rather foolish to be honest.
September 21st, 2008 at 10:21 pm
He was always going to perform, but at what cost his selection?
No spirit as in previous years. Wait for the commentaries from those who were invoved, Westwood, Garcia, Stenson etc. Yes Poulter was the best European, and as for harrington,
two 1/2 points from a possible 9 in the last two Ryder Cups. You wont hear a peep out of him. Faldo is to Blame, his dishonesty and total arrogance had a net result of a team that were not prepared to bleed for him.
September 21st, 2008 at 10:32 pm
Throughout the day today Faldo seemed to be in deep conference with a guy called DJ Spooney. Is this the additional help he said he had recruited. Spooney is a great mate of Poulters. Seems odd that a guy who runs an annual golf classic and plays off about 63, should be inside the ropes at all, let alone have the ear of the ryder cup captain on singles sunday. this was a bang up job from start to finish.
I’ll bet Poulter has photos of Faldo doing a george micheal or something, and the payoff was a place on the team for him and casey and free passes for all their mates.
September 21st, 2008 at 10:34 pm
By the way Adam, Go polish my Large Brass.
Good Night, and Good Luck. Hee Hee Hee…………………
September 22nd, 2008 at 9:14 am
haha! lads - bit of perspective here - the americans played incredible golf for for three days and thoroughly deserved to win.
i thought faldo got most of the big decision right over the three days, it was just that the big names flopped badly. poulter’s inclusion - a masterstroke. dropping garcia/westwood on 2nd morning - another good decision resulting in our best pairs performance. loading the back end of the singles, when azinger was clearly going to load the top end - worked well given that we took 2.5pts from the tough opening 4 matches, just a pity the some of the rookies in the middle and the bigger names at the bottom couldn’t perform.
and if you think top pro golfers like westwood, harrington and in particular garcia can blame their awful show on the fact their good mate clarkey wasn’t there to hand out cigars and make promises about downing pints if you put it within three foot, then that says more about their characters and arrogance than it says about faldo’s team selection.
face it lads - the US played incredible golf, holed numerous outrageous putts, and in front of such a partisan crowd it was always going to be hard to compete with.
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:29 am
I posted earlier in this thread calling Poulter a nob jockey. He is still a little hard to bare at times but I retract anything derogetery I ever said about his golfing skills, he is a fantastic golfer when the chips are down. If the likes of Garcia and (I hate to say it) Harrington had played even half as well as Poulter we would have had a chance.
Garcia is a total clown with a putter in his hand, what a waste of talent. Someone give him a putting lesson for christ sake. I thought I was having problems with the short stick!!!
Once again I would like to take back what I said about Poulter who has risen way up in my estimation and is now one of my favourite golfers. I apologise unreservedly!
McDowell also a legend this weekend!