Fringe golfers eye WGC
IT IS the Ryder Cup seven weeks ahead of schedule. A total 17 of the 38 two-balls at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational tomorrow feature European players against Americans.
Only 12 players from each side of the Atlantic will be included in the teams at Gleneagles in September, making the points available this week of huge value for those on the fringe of selection.
Rory McIlroy, leading those already qualified and playing his first event since winning the Open at Hoylake a fortnight ago, has been paired with Matt Kuchar.
US Open champion Martin Kaymer has the pleasure of Tiger Woods’s company, while Justin Rose walks out with Open runner-up Rickie Fowler.
Sergio Garcia is paired with Phil Mickelson.
This is only Woods’s third tournament since back surgery in April, leaving him out of the automatic selections.
When he was last in this kind of pickle four years ago needing the nod from captain Corey Pavin, Woods produced one of his most convincing displays, returning three points at Celtic Manor.
More of a problem is the four empty weeks looming should he fail to make the FedEx play-offs, which begin at the end of next month.
Contribute
“In the end it’s what you can do for your team, and whether you’re able to contribute,” Woods said. “The whole idea is that when your name is called, are you able to get a point? That’s what we’re going to try to do. Hopefully, I can get on the team and be a part of that.”
Jack Nicklaus spoke about the common sense he believes US captain Tom Watson will adopt.
“I don’t care what he does between now and then,” Nicklaus said. “If Tiger wants to play, I would certainly choose him.
“My guess is that Tom feels pretty much the same way. Tom would certainly like to have Tiger on his team, and I think anybody in their right mind, unless he just doesn’t want to play or doesn’t think he could play, would choose him.”
McIlroy’s growing stature in the game is reflected in the auction item that the ball that won the Open has become.
McIlroy launched his ball into the crowd at Hoylake, and the recipient is seeking to auction it.
Green Jacket Auctions has reported a bid of more than $3 000 (R32 000). Bidding closes next Saturday.
Only Nicklaus and Woods have done what McIlroy has in winning three of the four Majors by the age of 25.
With the final big one of the season taking place next week, the focus will remain on the Northern Irishman come what may this week.
Yesterday McIlroy tackled questions of his consistency.
“The good is great and the bad is really bad,” he said. “I’m working on it, but I think most players would take the kind of inconsistency I have shown.” – The Independent