Monday, August 21, 2006

Ryder Cup 2006

US Captain Tom Lehman has chosen Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank as the 11th and 12th additions to the US Ryder Cup squad.

Truthfully, the choices are solid, not great, and will be met with mixed emotions, but allow for numerous subplots.

The picks don't really drive at greater team chemistry (Pavin, Funk), and don't try to capture the best players (Love III, easily open for debate).

What comes to mind when viewing the picks? Consistency, putting, boring (in the sense of watching the Champion's Tour, not golf-ball trajectory)

I don't necessarily see boring golfers as being a terrible thing. The Love IIIs of the world could easily have their cages rattled at the K Club by a raucous crowd and exuberant opponents, which won't be the case with SC/SV. Additionally, the picks are your "normal guy" kind of pros (much in the same fashion as Lehman) and will go a long way to bridge the gap in the team between the superstars and the rookies. If I were Brett Wetterich, I would be at greater ease in the Ryder Cup if paired with Scott Verplank over Love/Couples.

European captain Woosnam has sworn to negate the supposed US length factor, which is balanced by the picks. I give CAPT Lehman a B+ for the choices.

1 comment:

RRD said...

What blows my mind is watching the Golf Channel and suggestions that DLIII is a team player.

Looking ahead, I like the AAA guys who didn't make the team, but should be on the team in 2008 (Lucas Glover, Ryan Moore, John Rollins).

Tim Herron would disappear at the K Club like his Thanksgiving dinner.