Richie: I’m aiming high
Tyrr in eye after video EUAN McLEAN
TYRRELL HATTON has revealed the European team were moved to tears by skipper Thomas Bjorn’s motivational video on the eve of the Ryder Cup.
The film, featuring former European captains Brian Huggett, Sam Torrance and Jose Maria Olazabal, was designed to fire the players up before stepping out at Le Golf National the next morning.
And English ace Hatton, who helped Europe claim victory, said: “Everyone had a lump in their throat.
“There were a few tears and it is hard not to well up a bit watching something like that.
“There was a quote in there which said, ‘Wear them down with excellence’ and I guess you can say by the end of the week we did.” RICHIE RAMSAY reckons he can do more than just save his Tour card with a big week on three of his favourite courses.
He also believes this Dunhill Links could be the launchpad to rocket up the rankings and join the elite at the season-ending World Tour Championships in Dubai.
The Scot arrived in St Andrews this week seeing a bigger picture than just hauling himself inside the all-important top 110 in the rankings.
At the moment Ramsay is 127th after a frustrating summer but he said: “I’ve not played as well as I should have.
“If I aim high, get in the mix here and even aim for a win then hopefully a good result can suddenly flip my situation.” TOMMY FLEETWOOD admits he’s missing Ryder Cup mate Francesco Molinari this week after joking that the viral video of them in bed together was genuine.
The Southport swinger became an internet sensation when the European Tour put out a hilarious video of the team-mates supposedly waking up in bed together with the Ryder Cup between them.
But while the laughs will linger long with the happy memories he’ll always cherish, Fleetwood admits that one darker incident last week plays to some of his darkest fears.
Brooks Koepka remains haunted by the moment his stray tee shot blinded a spectator in one eye at Le Golf National – and Fleetwood admits it’s a constant fear that lurks at the back of his mind.
So much so that he hates his family coming to watch him play because he fears that one day they might be among the unlucky few among the thousands of golf fans behind the ropes.
Fleetwood, in St Andrews for this week’s Dunhill Links, said: “I hate when my stepkids come and watch.
“I feel it every time I see them standing where the ball is going to land. “It can happen to anyone. Honestly, it is surprising it happens less often than it does.
“Brooks’ shot wasn’t that wide, it went 10 yards left of the green and it is really unlucky. You feel for the lady it happened to and for Brooks. It’s a complete accident and not his fault by any means.”
Yet that accident was the only dark moment of an incredible week for Fleetwood, scoring four points out of five on his rookie appearance for Europe.
With his long hair, he already had the rock star look. Now he’s being treated like one too as the Fleetwood basks in the limelight of the key role he played in an undefeated partnership with Molinari. The bromance they shared earned them the nickname Moliwood and they played it for laughs when they record that video of them in bed together giving each other ratings for their performance – Tommy a four out of four and Francesco a five out of five.
He said: “It was real, we just got caught and I don’t know how it happened. Separation anxiety is high right now.
“I sent Frankie a text last night to say I missed him and I haven’t spoken to him this morning so it’s a struggle.
“We’re two such outgoing characters s o w e w e r e always going to hit it off ! “We’ve been close for a long time and we wanted to play together in the Ryder Cup. We got the chance and played very well. “It was nice to make that contribution to the team but we didn’t lead by any means. “It’s nice to keep reliving that winning moment of such a special week in my career and it is the best moment I’ve experienced in my career as a golfer.
“The last couple of days I’ve sat there with my wife Clare or someone looking at the pictures going, ‘How amazing was that week?’ I haven’t had a chance to watch it back on TV yet but it is nice to have that rerun.
“The ultimate goal was to win the Ryder Cup and we all played with so much heart and desire for each other. To get it done in that style as well is the best feeling ever.
“I haven’t really come out the bubble of the Ryder Cup team yet so it’s back to reality a bit here. It’s nice to hit balls again and we spoke last night with the guys I work with about resetting.
“There is still plenty of golf to be played and there are six or seven tournaments on the schedule.
“There are certain goals and I’d love to win again this year before December when I switch off for a while.
“I’ve still got a chance in the Race to Dubai. I’ve got tournaments I can win and there are things I’d like to do and like to achieve.
“There is still plenty to look forward to and try to enjoy this year.
“For now it’s about just keep working. You don’t quite know what happens after it and how you feel but I feel this is the perfect week. St Andrews is my favourite course and the Pro-Am format will be light-hearted but still in tournament mode.”