For the second time in three years, the European Ryder Cup captain's picks are controversial. Two years ago Nick Faldo chose Ian Poulter over other players many critics felt were more deserving.
Now, two yeas later Colin Montgomerie has chosen Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald, and Edoardo Molinari, leaving out Paul Casey, a great Ryder Cup and Match Play player, and Justin Rose who won two big tournaments here in the States this season.
The Donald pick seemed solid, but the Harrington pick left many scratching their heads. Why chose Harrington, who hasn't won since the PGA Championship in 2008 and who missed 3 out of 4 cuts at the Majors this year?
All I can say is that sometimes you get a feeling about someone. Sometimes a guy is due for a big moment. Sometimes you need an upbeat, happy go lucky Irishman to bring a team composed of players from seven different countries together.
Even more important, sometimes you need a guy who has something to prove. Harrington knows he's seen as a controversial pick and will use that to help fuel his competitive spirit.
Harrington is coming off a solid week at the Vivendi Open outside Paris finishing in 8th place and a shot off of 3rd at -13. After Tuesday's practice session at Celtic Manor it was clear Harrington is playing some of his best golf of the season. He'll certainly need it if he is to be any kind of factor this week.
The 2010 course at Celtic Manor is long, narrow, and demanding. Thick rough just off the fairways makes accuracy a must. And as usual, it will all come down to who can make a putt. With slow greens rolling even slower due to wet and heavy weather in Wales, Europeans who are used to playing on these slower greens could have a real advantage over U.S. players, used to 12 and 13 on the stimpmeter.
So don't be surprised on Sunday, with the Ryder Cup on the line, Harrington stands over a crucial putt and with Irish ice water in his veins, rattles it home. I know at least one man who won't be surprised - Colin Montgomerie.
Now, two yeas later Colin Montgomerie has chosen Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald, and Edoardo Molinari, leaving out Paul Casey, a great Ryder Cup and Match Play player, and Justin Rose who won two big tournaments here in the States this season.
The Donald pick seemed solid, but the Harrington pick left many scratching their heads. Why chose Harrington, who hasn't won since the PGA Championship in 2008 and who missed 3 out of 4 cuts at the Majors this year?
All I can say is that sometimes you get a feeling about someone. Sometimes a guy is due for a big moment. Sometimes you need an upbeat, happy go lucky Irishman to bring a team composed of players from seven different countries together.
Even more important, sometimes you need a guy who has something to prove. Harrington knows he's seen as a controversial pick and will use that to help fuel his competitive spirit.
Harrington is coming off a solid week at the Vivendi Open outside Paris finishing in 8th place and a shot off of 3rd at -13. After Tuesday's practice session at Celtic Manor it was clear Harrington is playing some of his best golf of the season. He'll certainly need it if he is to be any kind of factor this week.
The 2010 course at Celtic Manor is long, narrow, and demanding. Thick rough just off the fairways makes accuracy a must. And as usual, it will all come down to who can make a putt. With slow greens rolling even slower due to wet and heavy weather in Wales, Europeans who are used to playing on these slower greens could have a real advantage over U.S. players, used to 12 and 13 on the stimpmeter.
So don't be surprised on Sunday, with the Ryder Cup on the line, Harrington stands over a crucial putt and with Irish ice water in his veins, rattles it home. I know at least one man who won't be surprised - Colin Montgomerie.
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