2008 European Ryder Cup Team Leaves Out Heart

Watching golf with my dad was fun. It was also informative. But most of all it was an emotional affair. An unabashed fan of American golf and its superstars he cringed at the idea of a non-American winning the Masters, never mind the U.S. Open. So naturally I grew up rooting for first the British and then the Europeans in the Ryder Cup. Nothing like a little friendly family competition.

My support for the Europeans matured over the years from a family rivalry to a real admiration for their passion, emotion and willingness to put aside their egos for the good of the team. In recent times I have faired very well betting on their abilities with friends for drinks and golf acumen bragging rights.

The 2006 Ryder Cup rewarded loyal fans of the Europeans with more talent, drama and emotion than any golf event in recent memory including the majors. That's why Nick Faldo's captains picks for his 2008 team baffles me.

The numbers dictate and rightfully so, the top members of the European team. Padraig Harrington is the golfer of the year on both sides of the pond and Sergio provided an exiting and emotional win at the Players and besides their Ryder Cup points don't lie. But what happened to Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomery?

On an emotional level even if Monty didn't hold at least the 5th best or better all time European Ryder Cup records in 5 different categories including most points won and most matches won, wouldn't he be a captains pick for his congeniality, sportsmanship and senior member status? And what about Darren Clarke, who lost his beloved wife Heather to cancer before the last Ryder Cup and chose to play despite his emotional pain to honor her memory, shouldn't a man who went 3-0-0 in 2006 and 3-1-1 in 2004 be chosen for his abilities in addition to the emotions involved?

Maybe Nick Faldo has spent too much time over here in the U.S. and has lost some of his European 'passion' or maybe he's afraid of the fact that Monty is closing in on his all time European Ryder Cup most points won record. One Faldo record that Colin Montgomery won't catch up to is Nick's European Ryder Cup most matches lost record. If this sounds a bit cold, it's no colder than the exclusion of these two exceptional players from the European team.

Maybe this is America's year to win the Ryder Cup on shear talent and will or maybe the Europeans will win again this year on teamwork and talent. Nick Faldo has exercised one of his most important captain's duties and has passed over the heart and soul of his team. If Europe loses this year, I believe the blame will lie squarely with Faldo and his heartless omission.