And Who Said There Isn't Nepotism in Golf?
by Ryan Ballengee on Sep 1, 2008 11:57 PM EDT
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PrintHow in the world did Ian Poulter get into the Ryder Cup team? Yes, he posted a great final round at the Open Championship. I get it. But, at that point, he had fallen out of the lead. Then, so self-assured that he would make the Ryder Cup team as a Captain's Pick, Poulter went ahead and played in the United States at the Deutsche Bank.
Poulter seems to be a great and clutch putter and no one would argue that is not absolutely critical to the Ryder Cup. But, he has only made the team once before and is 1-1. Worse still is that he had two top 10s all year - Abu Dhabi and the aforementioned Open Championship. His last two events have resulted in MCs.
Meanwhile, Darren Clarke - having won twice this year and just two weeks ago - didn't get on the team.
There is a case for Clarke. He's a veteran and has a 10-7-3 Ryder Cup record. It's a good record. The man is considered a great teammate. How could that be discarded?
I am not really peeved at all about the pick of Casey. But if the best defense of Poulter's pick is that he was the highest ranked player not to get into the team by qualifying, what kind of case is that? Is that more of a condemnation of the points system, the World Golf Ranking, or Nick Faldo?
Meanwhile, I think this reaction from Jim Furyk says it all for me:
"I think everyone kind of felt like Darren was going to get the nod," Furyk told reporters after shooting a two-under-par 69 in the third round of the Deutsche Bank Championship.
"All of his team mates and actually our guys respect him. He's a good friend of a bunch of guys over here and I know the guys on their team love him.
"He's great behind the scenes, a good team guy, so I think I'm a little surprised Darren wasn't a pick.
"From a personal perspective, Darren is a friend and I feel badly for him that he's not there," added Furyk, who like the Northern Irishman has played in the last five Ryder Cups.
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wow...
I am also surprised that Clarke was not chosen as a Captain’s pick – his record this year, along with this past performances, made it seem like a slam dunk decision. I like Poulter but would have thought the decision would have been between him and Casey and not opting out of picking Clarke – maybe a break for the US squad???
nepotism ?
Ian Poulter is Faldo’s son ?? Or Casey ? Or BOTH ?? (J/K)
It does seem a little odd not having Clarke on the Euro team. Especially since he has two wins this year. You’d think that two wins would give him enough points to make the team on merit. Remember, though, that in ‘06 he was a sentimental choice because of his wife. He hasn’t had his usual big seasons since then.
The Euro team has plenty of experienced players – maybe Faldo thought he needed to bring in some of the higher ranked players who haven’t had the Ryder Cup experience as much as Clarke.
Dollars to doughnuts – Clarke shows up in Kentucky as an assistant.
"this ball will fit in that fairway"
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