Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
He’s a Bjorn leader
I WONDER how many ‘Doubting Thomas’ headlines were jettisoned after Europe’s emphatic win over Team USA at Le Golf National.
Captain Bjorn was sensational and a key driver behind one of the all-time memorable Ryder Cup conquests. If Paul Mcginley earned Messiah status at Gleneagles, this year’s seven point margin of victory places Bjorn alongside the great European captains.
The Dane was composed throughout, got all the big calls right – before and during the tournament – and was nerveless in the heat of battle.
He didn’t crave the spotlight and just focused on providing the perfect platform and locker room dynamic for Europe to upset the odds.
He viewed himself as a captain in name only and handed the power to his players; a selfless approach that reaped huge dividends.
In terms of decision making, he showed his mettle with a huge call on Friday when he selected Rory Mcilroy alongside Ian Poulter for the foursomes.
It would have been easy to blink after Rory’s birdie-free round in the morning fourballs as the USA carved out an early 3-1 lead. But Thomas knew resting his star man would send shockwaves through the team, fuel uncertainty and dent Mcilroy’s confidence for the weekend.
He kept faith and was rewarded as Rory delivered two crucial wins, with Poulter on Friday and then Sergio in the Saturday fourballs.
The circus surrounding Mourinho, Pogba and Manchester United these days show how important man management can be at the top end of sport.
Bjorn was meticulous in everything he did. He had a well constructed plan, but his ability to man manage star individuals and cultivate a sense of collectivism was key. His wildcard picks of Garcia, Stenson, Poulter and Casey all delivered, scoring 9.5 points compared to only two from the American selections.
He went with players he knew would deliver on and off the course and while Garcia was the biggest gamble after a poor season, the Spaniard left Paris as Europe’s all-time highest scorer with 25.5 points. Crucially, Bjorn had the wisdom to treat the Ryder Cup as an entirely different animal to any other golfing event.
He was an unselfish yet confident leader and helped 12 become one. He got all of his stars united under a single banner.
I really fancied the USA to win in France, but for all their star quality, Jim Furyk’s men didn’t look – or play – like a team.
Transferring individual greatness to a team environment is vital and that’s what Bjorn did.
He created and delivered the perfect template for Europe to win in such memorable fashion in Paris.