A marathon, not a sprint

IF the Ryder Cup were to be played tomorrow it would throw up some intriguing matches.

Currently, Europe's side contains seven rookies, including Steve Webster, Soren Kjeldsen and Phillip Archer, while the American team features the likes of Woody Austin, Joe Durant and Jerry Kelly.
Several articles in the national press have already emphasised the fact that many of Europe's leading lights have failed to light the blue touch paper during the early stages of qualifying.

For instance, the likes of Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson, Niclas Fasth, Paul Casey, Luke Donald and Colin Montgomerie would be relying on a captain's pick, should the matches be taking place in the very near future. And although it is a tad disconcerting that those mentioned above haven't put too much effort into Ryder Cup qualification thus far, it should be noted that the race for Valhalla is a marathon, not a sprint, and that most of the continent's star names will compete in next year¹s big-money events, namely the Majors and World Golf Championships, therefore ensuring they will have plenty of opportunities to press home their world rankings advantage.

Similarly, the likes of Phil Mickelson and Scott Verplank will also get the chance to grab a place in the States' side. However, it must be noted that only the eight leading American qualifiers will make it to Valhalla ­ after captain Paul Azinger insisted on four picks ahead of next year's event.

Much has already been written about Azinger doubling the number of American wild cards and more still will be said about the unlucky pair who end up occupying the States' ninth and 10th positions ­ especially if one, or both, fails to earn Azinger's approval.

Anyway, as it currently stands, here are the leading 10 players from both teams:-

Europe: Justin Rose, Lee Westwood, Nick Dougherty, Soren Hansen, Steve Webster, Soren Kjeldsen, Padraig Harrington, Phillip Archer, Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher.

America: Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Woody Austin, Stewart Cink, Joe Durant, Hunter Mahan and Jerry Kelly. Incidentally, the men occupying positions nine and 10 are David Toms and Steve Stricker and, as stated, would be relying on a captain¹s pick.

Just for fun, who do you think would come out on top if the teams above went head-to-head? At present, I think I would find it difficult to back against the States.

By James Varley