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Whilst sympathy must be had with Thomas Bjorn over his omission (he is after all, as he has stated, ahead of lee in all the current rankings), i do not see why he feels the need to express his disappoint in public. To say "i have lost all respect for ian woosnam" is not the way to react to the situation, rather he should give the captain his full support. In all other respects of thomas bjorns comments, i would have found it hard to believe that woosie has had no contact with any of the team members, yet his press conference yesterday did nothing to support this view. He seemed uncomfortable and his surprising comments about how he had not "got the team together" and "didnt plan on doing so until the monday before" does nothing for supporters confidence for this ryder cup meeting, particuarly given the opposing captains determination to envoke such a strong team spirit in his camp. Choosing westwood was probably the correct decision, however, it will not be this that matters by the time 24th september comes, only by europe retaining the ryder cup will woosie be shown as a good enough captain.

What the captain has done is, picked Westwood as he's a good ol boy, yes, he's english and one of the boys. Winning at the K club in the year 2000, what a load of rubbish. That is what the team captain has said, "he's won there before"....but in 2000 Ian, thats a number of years ago.

Bjorn is not UK/english speaking and thats pretty much the way I look at it. The good ol boys club.

The press conference said it all in body language of Ian W. He's not lacking in leadership, he just doesn't have at all.

Having read both sides of the story it is clear that it is time for Bjorn and especially the Media to move on and not continually focus on the negatives. It is clear that you either qualify automatically by merit or face the subjectiveness of wild card picks, which are there to allow the captain to pick players who through experience, character and skill can compliment and enhance the structure of the team. The alternative is to pick all 12 slots entirely on form in which case Thomas would still not have qualified. As it stands we have a very exciting look to the team.
For once lets get behind our boys (I am referring to the Media here)prior to the tournament and not continue to create bad news. Good luck to Woosie and the team and I am sure that Thomas Bjorn, who is a great sportsman and a fantastic golfer will figure highly in future teams.

Its the captain's pick,period, whether he is playing a hunch, whether he bases it on records, on whispers from friends, from tips from the gaffer, it is his pick. Might as well change the selections rule to the top 12 if otherwise. This is precisely the purpose of providing for the captain's pick, to have the flexibility to include anyone who, in the captain's opinion, is the right player to round up the team, to plug the gaps.

I shall be in Greece during the Ryder Cup, but I shall take a portable radio (with short wave). Any idea what I should tune in to in order to hear the live commentary?

Captain Ian Woosnam was more than right to select Lee Westwood ahead of Thomas Bjorn as the final wildcard pick. Lee's Ryder Cup form speaks for itself (4.5 points from 5 in his last Ryder Cup outing) and has become a valued Team Europe player. Westwood is a natural partner for many of the European team and having Darren Clarke along side him will only spur him on to another great performance I'm sure. Thomas Bjorn on the other hand has proven his behaviour is not worthy of a place in the team after publicy hitting out at Captain Woosnam after his selections, nor am I confident the Dane can stand up to the pressure of the Ryder Cup if it really came down to him to sink the winning putt or set up the ideal approach down the last in a foursomes game. Being one of the 'ol boys' has nothing to do with Woosies selections, picking the team to do the job is what it's all about.

Hopefully, during the course of the week The PGA will ensure one of Ireland's greatest players is not forgotten when the Ryder Cup is played for the first time on his native soil.

Alongside the late Harry Bradshaw and Fred Daly, "himself" contributed much to the contest, yet none were even considered for the honour of captain.

Has any effort yet been made by The PGA or those responsible for the running of The Ryder Cup to ensure Christy O'Connor sen. is invited to join the celebrations at The K Club ?

as the last european major win was in the last millennium, why are europe favourites to lift the cup?

We're going to get slaughtered. The Americans have prepared as never before, the nasty weather is blowing away at just the wrong time, the course is basically an American parkland course of the kind they play on weekly (instead of a windy barren links) and their rookies will have no fear of past failures being repeated.
And they have Tiger.....

I left home at 8.15 having seen first match tee off at 8.00. Am I correct in thinking they took nearly 5 hours to play a 4BBB. There would be an uproar on a Sunday at our club if we took that long.

Great Stuff, pity I cant see it.

This is a brilliant start to what is shaping up to be another amazing Ryder Cup episode, to be 5-3 up already is great.

Unfortunately I am in a place where I can not see it just now, in a remote location in west Kazakhstan.

I have been following on the live updates and reading the reports, superb performance so far, keep it up guys.

George Sheridan

Early days and with a balanced start, this would seem to have stymied any American charge.

i do admire the magnaminous attitude of the americans in defeat but suggest that learning to smile and perhaps incorporating the rest of the world may be an answer to their demise

This entire kefuffle is concerned with the GAME of Golf. Does no-one remember Jack Nicklaus on the last green conceding a nasty little putt to Tony Jacklin to allow a tied Cup.
Has there been a real sporting gesture since then?
God give me Arnold, Jack, Gary and all the real people instead of these money-loving, pale(Sorry, Tiger) imitations

Help, surely someone can answer my question.

How are the timings and pairings determined? For example, did Lehman have to provide his list of players in order and then Woosnam select his pairing after seeing Lehman's selections? If so, what decides who selects last. Is it Europe selects last when played in Europe or did they select last (which I presume they did) because they were defending champions?

I live in Canada and am a Canadian national but my first home will always be England, (I'm a Wolves fan), so I was incredibly proud yesterday. Just so you know, Canada was cheering for Europe too.
I think one reason we won is because we are bunch of blokes who know each other and can go for a pint or two together. If we had lost, our guys would have said "Oh well, next time. Where's the beer."
The US can't do that. They are way too serious, and it shows. They are already having debriefing meetings and analizing things. They should loosen up, get over it and get pi**ed.
Stay loose Europe, be mates, don't loose the edge.
Well done Woosie and the gang, you are all awesome and we love ya. Thanks.

As an American watching the American golfers playing in the Ryder Cup was like watching beginner golfers playing real champions. The Americans seem to think team play is putting by committee rather than trusting in their own proven talents and abilities.... It would be like skippering a boat by committee... the boat would simply go round and round in circles! Congratulations to the European Ryder Cup champions .... BUT REMEMBER...we'll be back......