I PREDICT A TIE-IT!

Faldo: Ryder Cup is too close to call

SIR NICK FALDO is predicting next week’s Ryder Cup will end in a tie.

Only twice before have Europe and the USA finished level – and both times on European soil in 1969 and 1989.

But the two teams led by Thomas Bjorn and Jim Furyk look so evenly matched at Le Golf National that the competition’s record points scorer cannot pick a winner.

Faldo said: “I’m really looking forward to the Ryder Cup. The teams are probably the two strongest ever put out.

“And hardly a weak man on either team, so that will make things very interesting. The European team is strong and that golf course may lend itself to a bit of local knowledge.

“The weather could add something to that, but bottom line, I predict a tie again. Maybe just a point either way. I think it’s going to be an incredibly tight and fantastic Ryder Cup.

“Tee-to-green they are evenly matched, but it’s who has got the nerve to hole the putt. The Ryder Cup, as we know, is having the mettle to hole the putt time after time.”

A 14-14 tie would see USA retain the trophy they won at Hazeltine in 2016 – their first victory since Faldo’s team lost in 2008.

Phil Mickelson will overtake the record of 11 Ryder Cup appearances he shares with

Faldo, while his fellow wild-card Tiger Woods (left) returns for the first time since 2012.

Faldo says

Woods will win another Major now. “Tiger didn’t think he would play again, ever,” he added.

“And he’s competed for the last two Majors – an incredible turnaround.”