There's no question Ryder Cup qualifying is at the forefront of a lot of players' minds now. Martin Kaymer's not given captain Paul McGinley a chance of leaving him out. Back in 1999, in the “Bear Pit” of Brookline's Country Club, Bernhard Langer was overlooked as an obvious captain's pick by Mark James. He just didn't like him. Arguably his personal predilections cost Europe the cup. He was great value as a captain though, especially for the media. His dry, laconic humour whizzed straight over the heads of many American journalists, and the European Team would often sit and watch the live press conferences on television, just to see what wickedness he would come up with. In the end, "Gentle Ben" Crenshaw (James’ American counterpart) got the victory he craved, but his reputation for gentlemanly conduct was seriously tarnished.
The tragedy of 9/11 ensured that the competition was changed from odd years to even, so Europe’s next skipper, Sam Torrance, had an extra 12 months to prepare for the 2002 edition at The Belfry. His wife Suzanne planned a meticulous week of entertainment for the wives, whilst Sam left no stone unturned to make his players feel like superstars. Every player got a beautiful silver canteen of cutlery, expensive engraved Rolex's and plenty more besides. He was a popular captain who hardly put a foot wrong. Langer gave him a scare though with a late night call to tell Sam that his neck had gone and he wouldn't be able to play the next day. After some gentle ego massaging, he did. Perhaps Mark James hadn't fancied being a wet-nurse!
Famously it was McGinley who provided the coup de grâce. He'll have to rely on someone else to do that in September. Kaymer again maybe? Or a rampaging McIlroy perhaps, a wiser sailor by then?
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