News that Nick Faldo has given his two wild card selections for the Ryder Cup to Paul Casey and Ian Poulter has not gone down well in some quarters with many concerned that he has overlooked the likes of Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie. But has he got it right?
While the news that ‘Monty’ will not be there to take on the Yanks has dismayed his army of fans there is no escaping the truth that he has seen better days. He has not banked a recognised tournament win for some time, has fallen down the pecking order of the Ryder Cup team and seems to be something of a spent force. For all that he has to offer off the course there is no space for sentiment in the Ryder Cup – a do or die tournament for those involved in UK and US golf.
The exclusion of Darren Clarke is a more controversial decision with the likeable Irishman inform at the moment and knocking at the door for automatic inclusion. The fact that Poulter chose not to attend some of the more recent qualifying tournaments suggests that he was confident of a wild card but does nothing to dispel the air of arrogance. However, once the tournament gets under way we shall see if Nick Faldo has chosen the right balance or blown his chances of ever being captain again.
