US regain Ryder Cup

Faldo and Azinger embrace after Europe got, well....stuffed

Ah well. We suppose they had to win it sometime. The US took the Ryder Cup in emphatic fashion over the weekend, seeing off the Europe team 16.5 – 11.5.

At one point it was all looking quite good for Europe, as they clawed back to 10-9. However, captain Nick Faldo took the decision to field his strongest players in the final matches rather than put the pressure on the US team – and it backfired.

Defending his decision, Faldo pointed out that ‘we are talking about fractions between these two teams.

‘If we could get it to the last four guys then maybe, but that was the risk I guess we took. You can’t point fingers. I’ve no regrets. One of my goals was to leave knowing I did my best, and I’m more than happy.’

Sadly, the competition was all over before Faldo’s big four – Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter, Lee Westood and Padraig Harrington – had a chance to shine.

Although, admittedly, Westwood and Harrington lost their matches anyway.

‘I’m very proud of the guys,’ added Faldo, ‘but congratulations to the Americans - their shots and putting were fantastic.’

Yes Nick. But just think how much better their shots and putting would have had to be if you’d paired their best off with our best.

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