Perhaps the United States best chance in the Ryder Cup will be the polarizing abilities of European Captain Nick Faldo. He surprised the entire golfing world by going for Ian Poulter over a back-in-form Darren Clarke. My personal choices would have been Clarke and Carl Pettersson. Clarke just whipped all the Europeans two weeks ago and has a locker room presence that cannot be understated. Pettersson recently did a number on most of the Americans and has played very well all year long on America’s toughest courses.

Certainly the European press is showing its collective disdain for the Captain. But then, as far back as you’d care to look, they have never been what you’d call on friendly terms, Captain Faldo and the press. As far as I can tell, these two selections were Captain’s choices. Whoever he wants on the side is who gets the picks. So then, why all this Euro venom? What I find interesting is the reader’s comments on some of these current, scathing articles. Well aware of the history of his spat with the press, they seem to be running about 90% in favor of the Captain. It seems to me as though some of that press may be grinding some old, rusty axes.

Known as the pre-eminent strategist in the game while accumulating six major championships and more Ryder Cup points than any other European, Faldo must be shaking his head at those who dare to question his wisdom. Or perhaps he’s thumbing his nose at them. But so what? He’s earned the right, which is more than you can say for most of those crazy columnists.

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