Chris Wood: I think rookie Nico will shock the American team with his distance
THE Ryder Cup is finally here. One of the best weeks in the entire sporting calendar, it's a shame it only happens once every two years. When it comes along, I think it's an event that everyone in sport appreciates.
You can tell that just by watching Sky Sports News, where lots of Premier League managers were asked about it. All of them said they can't wait for it to start.
-
Like most footballers, it seems managers are big golf fans as well.
The great thing about it being in the States this year is that I can practice all day then lie on the sofa and watch it all night. Repeating that for three days.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
I think both teams are some of the strongest we have seen, with only one rookie, Nicolas Colsaerts, pictured, on the European team. And, believe me, he's not going to play like one.
I'm not the shortest hitter on tour, but it sometimes feels like it when playing with Nico, who can, from nowhere, knock it 40 yards further than me.
In Dubai at the start of the year, we had a blind tee shot on a par-five. I thought I hit a nice one from the tee, until he crunched one over the corner and ran out of fairway – ridiculous!
Him and his caddie, 'Aussie' Brian, are two of the coolest dudes on tour and you can always have a laugh and a joke with them. I hope he plays the way he can. The Americans will definitely have a bit of a shock if he does.
Pairings wise, I think the European captain, José María Olazábal, has lots of options.
Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell are an obvious choice, as are Ian Poulter and Justin Rose.
I think Lee Westwood and Paul Lawrie, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, although he could rotate Westwood, Donald and Garcia with each other throughout the week.
That sounds a strong team, doesn't it? And I haven't even mentioned Martin Kaymer.
He has struggled a little this year, but he remains a top class player and I can imagine an event like the Ryder Cup can bring out your best form.
The US have four rookies, US Open champion Webb Simpson, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley and Brandt Snedeker – who is significantly richer than he was this time last week after winning the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup on Sunday.
Davis Love III has added a wealth of experience in the team by picking Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker. But unlike the European team, it is not obvious who will play with each other.
I think Tiger Woods has found a natural partner in Stricker. Beyond that? I'm not sure. Anyway, let's hope the opposition get it wrong and that Europe do the business.
Next for me is the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews next week. That means lots of hard practice and training for me this week. In addition to watching everything unfold at Medinah, obviously.
Comments