Mad to omit Matt
IN FORM: But Wallace has been left out of the European team European Tour events this season, including last Sunday in Denmark. The 28-year-old was overlooked by Bjorn on Wednesday when he announced Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Paul Casey and Ian Poulter as his wild-card selections for the competition against the US holders in Paris from September 28-30.
“Obviously Thomas and all his vice-captains are happy with what they’ve got,” said Jacklin. “They’ve gone with experience but it’s a bit of a bummer for Wallace not to be picked.
“He could have done very well if he was paired with an experienced player like Justin Rose because he makes a lot of birdies. But it’s down to Thomas. The buck stops with him when all is said and done. He has been the one who has been observing all the players. He’s the closest to the guys and he clearly thinks he can get some form out of Sergio that can benefit the team.”
Jacklin said if he were in charge, Wallace would have played in both sessions on the opening day at Le Golf National.
“I remember putting the young Paul Way with Seve Ballesteros when we beat the Americans for the first time in 28 years at the Belfry in 1985,” he said. “It relaxed Paul and allowed him to do his own thing. I think Wallace, with the form he’s showing, should have been down to play the foursomes on the first day.”
TONY JACKLIN is one of golf’s most acclaimed afterdinner speakers. He will be hosting the Tony Jacklin Charity Golf Invitational event at the Belfry on September 24 in partnership with Champions (UK) plc. THE SCOUT