The Ryder Cup / October 1-3, 2010

[Yoda]

The Ryder Cup and its matches are on the way. Go here for the latest:

http://www.rydercup.com/2010

Click on your entry point of choice and enjoy.

Meanwhile, let's get something going here, starting with the respective Captain's Picks. I'll begin the bombast with Captain Monty -- always a favorite! -- and ask . . .

How could you possibly pass over 2010 two-time and RECENT PGA TOUR winner Justin Rose? Two wins, four top-10s, 10 top 25s; $3.36 million official money; 69.84 Scoring Average; and 10th in FedEx Cup points. Luke's had a good run in Europe this year; the Molinari brothers are hot (on and off); and Padraig has had his Major Moments in recent years and still has his experience. But, still . . .

No Justin?

IMHO, No Justice!

[bambam]

No Justin?

IMHO, No Justice!

I couldn't agree with you more on this one. Casey had to have been hard to leave off the team, as well.

Donald has done well this year and has a good Ryder Cup record to boot; that may prove to be a very smart pick. His 2010 PGA Tour stats are solid, also. Two seconds, two thirds, six top 10's, and nine top 25's, plus he's closing strong.

It'll be interesting to see if the Molinari brothers get paired together and how they do. Could be a tough team given how comfortable they must be with one another and how well they know each other's game.

How about the US side?

From my armchair quarterback perspective, I don't like the Stuart Cink pick. I think our youth and confidence is a key strength of this team, and JB Holmes would've been a better personality fit while still bringing some Ryder Cup experience to the table. Had to pick Tiger for a number of reasons. Zach is gritty, experienced and a solid pick. The Fowler pick is risky but plays to the team strength, so I like it.

[BerntR]

Monty said that he would prioritise players who were loyal to the european tour. Justin Rose has only played 2 et tournaments this year. His two wins on the PGA tour may be better than Eduardo Molinari's 2 wins & 5 top 10 finishes in Europe, but it is a close call. And after all, Eduardo played on the Ryder Cup qualifying tour. And Eduardo and Francesco makes up for a very strong partnership in foursome and best ball so Eduardo looks like the right pick to me.

Luke Donald's world standings and 2010 track record is too strong to ignore. I'd say he looks clearly stronger than Justin Rose on paper.

But I don't understand why Monty picked Harrington. He hasn't been much of a factor this year. His Ryder Cup CV doesn't stand out either. Justin and Paul Casey looks better. But I think Paul looks like the strongest player of the two. Justin Rose seems to have lost his form since his two wins earlier this season.

On the US side I guess it would be hard to not pick Tiger. He doesn't look like a good team player at the moment. He looks like a big risk factor. Tiger is a dominant player. Will he be as supportive and enthusiastic and bring the fighting spirit that Seve did when he couldn't find a fairway? Or will Tiger's dissatisfaction with his own game have a negative impact on the team spirit?

But the bottom line is: Making the Ryder Cup team is 70% justice and 30% captain's pick. Everyone has had their chance to make the team outright. Monty probably has put some good thinking behind his pick of Harrington even though I don't see it. And it sure will be interesting to see how Tiger handles himself and how that affects the US team. Tiger could swing the tournament both ways.

[GPStyles]

If Westy pulls out due to injury, Rose will get his spot so its not 100% all over for Justin.

I think harrington is a good pick, yes the others mentioned are great players but outside Faldo and Seve, Harrington is the BEST european player of the modern age. olazabal never won 3 majors, nor did Langer or Woosnam. he really is that good and the amount of flak he has received is totally unjustified IMO.

On the plus side, NO-ONE works harder on their game and given the fact that he has 3 weeks off before the Cup, I reckon it will be a very good Harrington that tees it up a Celtic Manor.

[BerntR]

outside Faldo and Seve, Harrington is the BEST european player of the modern age.

He is good, but not that good. His majors record is excellent, but there are a lot of european players who have done better outside the majors than Harrington.

[bambam]

On the US side I guess it would be hard to not pick Tiger. He doesn't look like a good team player at the moment. He looks like a big risk factor. Tiger is a dominant player. Will he be as supportive and enthusiastic and bring the fighting spirit that Seve did when he couldn't find a fairway? Or will Tiger's dissatisfaction with his own game have a negative impact on the team spirit?

This will be interesting as it plays out. I agree that Tiger's attitude isn't great for a team, but if he hadn't been picked, could you imagine the media circus and distraction those guys would be facing? It's going to be bad with him there, but all the team would hear if he wasn't would be questions about how his absence will affect / is affecting / and did affect the team. Had to pick him. Partner him with Stricker and hope for a president's cup repeat.

[BerntR]

With Tiger's current form he can probably swing the cup both ways. It will be extra interesting to see him in action this time around.

[EdZ]

I like Pavin's pick of Fowler. He's got the game, and a nice match play record in the Walker Cup and could help fire up the team in a way I don't think many others would.

[Florida Lefty]

October in Wales is far different than the USA. It could all be determined by which team plays best in cold or rainy weather. Our guys in layers and layers of clothing will struggle.

[Burner]

Its not Florida, but its not Alaska either!

"Temperature

Throughout the month of October daytime temperatures will generally reach highs of around 15°C that's about 59°F. At night the average minimum temperature drops down to around 9°C, that's 49°F.

In recent times the highest recorded temperature in October has been 22°C that's 72°F, with the lowest recorded temperature 1°C, about 33°F.

Relative Humidity

The average daily relative humidity for October is around 78%.
Heat Index

The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it feels when relatively humidity is added to actual air temperature. From this a comfort level is calculated providing categories on how heat conditions might adversely affect someone.

Comfort Levels: Given average maximum temperatures and humidity levels generally you should not anticipate any discomfort from heat (see heat index for more information).

Precipitation

The average monthly amount of precipitation has been recorded at around 98 mm, that's 4 inches. Throughout the month you can expect to see rain or drizzle falling on 16 days of the month.

Wind

The average daily wind speed in October has been around 16 kph, that’s the equivalent to about 10 mph, or 9 knots. In recent years the maximum sustained wind speed has reached 69 kph, that’s the equivalent of around 43 mph, or 37 knots.

Fog

On average the month of October is affected by foggy conditions on less than 1 day."

No need for Snow Shoes and Parkas.