Leading the question on Ryder Cup

Pro golfers are used to pressure when they step on to the first tee.

But as Richard Gillis asks in The Captain Myth, when playing in the Ryder Cup do they benefit from the presence of an experienced captain, a man well versed in strategy and man-management?

Or are they capable of dealing with the stresses and strains of one of golf ’s biggest competitions unaccompanied?

Gillis’ assessment makes for a fascinating read, even if you’re not a golf enthusiast.

Modern sport is graced by individuals capable of getting the best out of their charges.

Sir Dave Brailsford, when it comes to Great Britain’s track cycling fortunes, and Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson are two such characters.

Both are renowned for their ability to motivate as well as employ strategies and tactics in a timely and effective manner.

In his most recent book, Leading, Sir Alex defines his leadership style as “having control without dissent”, not an approach universally welcomed by those under him although it undoubtedly worked.

Gi l lis wonders whether pro golfers require the same type off leadership by suggest ing that while a captain can make a call and his team wins, it doesn’t necessarily follow that t he team iiss successful because of his decision.

After all, Ryder Cup captains can occasionally look foolish.

American Hal Sutton has never lived down pairing Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods, striding around the golf course wearing a cowboy hat and ending the opening day five points adrift of Europe.

On the other hand Paul McGinley’s appointment to lead Europe at Gleneagles two years ago led to some eyebrows being raised only for his team to trounce a USA group led by Tom Watson by an impressive five-point margin.

The next Ryder Cup starts at Hazeltine at the end of the month with Darren Clarke and Davis Love III at the helm of Team Europe and Team USA respectively.

Reading The Captain Myth before their teams take to the first tee is highly recommended.

We’ve teamed up with www. sportsbookofthemonth.com to give away a copy of The Captain Myth.

For a chance of winning, visit the www.sportsbookofthemonth.com website and tell us: In which year did the USA last win the Ryder Cup?