Colin Montgomerie Europe’s captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales, today announced his proposal for an addition to the number of wildcards he would be allowed to pick for the event. Currently, Monty is restricted to two wildcard picks, which is two less than the four that his American rival, Corey Pavin has at his disposal.
Looking at previous events, it is evident that Monty does have a case for the introduction of a couple more wildcards for his disposal. One only needs to look as far as Ian Poulter last year at Valhalla when he was selected as a wildcard, before going on to become the top scorer in the entire competition. In the same event, Monty himself missed out on a wildcard pick from team captain Nick Faldo, alongside regulars such as Darren Clarke and Martin Kaymer. Furthermore, in 2006 both the picks of captain Ian Woosnam, Darren Clarke and Lee Westwood didn’t lose a match in the event.
The evidence is there to suggest that changing the qualification method to that currently adopted by the US Ryder Cup team, and allowing four wildcard selections by Monty in 2010 could prove a decisive move in favour of the Europeans.
However, some might suggest that the introduction of another two wildcards will take away the chance to play from those that have earned the right through consistent play during the season. Those players who finish ninth and tenth in the rankings in 2010 were to miss out due to the amendment of the rules and extra wildcards, they will be left sweating over a wildcard pick from a large array of good golfers, even though in previous years they would have a concrete qualification.
In my opinion the addition of a couple more wildcard selections would be a good move, as it would allow the captain to pick those who he believes can add to his team and build a coherent team of players he knows can do the job.
