Europe rookies could decide Ryder outcome

THE destiny of the Ryder Cup may rest on how Europe’s six rookies perform this week, according to Tony Jacklin, described by ESPN this week as the man who saved the biennial team event in the 1980s.

Jacklin Europe’s most decorated captain after winning twice and tying once in four Ryder Cups, says no one knows how Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Rafa Cabrera-Bello, Andy Sullivan, Matt Fitzpatrick and Thomas Pieters will fare under the microscope.

“Everyone’s pontificating about this and that... but the bottom line is that we don’t know how these six rookies are going to perform,” Jacklin, 72, said on Wednesday.

“Some people rise to it and some don’t respond quite so well so for me, someone who has been in the captain’s seat, that would be somewhat of a concern.”

Interest in the competition was waning 31 years ago but that changed from the moment Jacklin led Europe to victory at The Belfry in 1985.

It was the first time the United States had been beaten for 28 years and, since then, Europe have taken a grip to such an extent that they have won 10 of the last 15 editions.

Twice major champion Jacklin believes the Americans are now close to reaching the point of no return.

“It’s desperate measures if they don’t get it done this week on home turf,” he said.

“One thing for certain over the last 30 years is that Europe have had better team unity than America no matter what characters have come and gone... and I think that’s been a great advantage.

“Egos have to be left outside the door for this deal. The 12 guys, the captains and vice-captains need to run a steady ship, not panic and try and get off to a flying start.” – Reuters