Captains predict down-to-the-wire Ryder Cup

September 28, 2010

Golfom The U.S. and Europe Ryder Cup captains predicted Monday the trophy could be won by a single putt on the final day.

The U.S team arrived in Wales for the three-day match, which starts on Friday at Celtic Manor. The Americans are defending the trophy following their home win in Valhalla in 2008. The U.S., though, hasnt won the Ryder Cup on foreign soil since 1993.

“Its going to be very competitive. Its going to come down to who makes the putts,” U.S. captain Corey Pavin said. “Its hard to win over here.”

European captain Colin Montgomerie agreed with Pavin, saying: “These matches will be very closely contested. On this occasion, I think it will come down to a Sunday putt. But thats the beauty of the Ryder Cup, the closeness of it over the last few ye Tiger Wo who are in the worlds top 5, but Europe is considered the favorite.

The No. 1-ranked Woods has a mediocre Ryder Cup record, winning 11 points from a possible 25, and only made the U.S. team as one of Pavins four captains picks.

“I have always said that Tiger is the best player in the world and the best player to have ever played the game,” Montgomerie said. “Of course he would be in my team. Its the first time Tiger will have played in Wales as a professional. Were delighted hes here.”

There has some debate whether Woods, who hasnt won a tournament in 2010, will play a maximum of five matches this week but Pavin did not give much away about his team selection.

“I have thought about it a lot … I have a pretty good idea of the direction Id like to go,” Pavin said. “Every time Tiger plays in the Ryder Cup, he wants to win. All the guys want to come out and play their best golf and retain the trophy. There isnt one player different to the other.”

Pavin held the Ryder Cup trophy aloft as he posed for pictures at the foot of the aircraft steps after the teams charter plane landed in Cardiff. He was soon joined by his players, who stood in six pairs behind him wearing beige jackets.

Woods, one of four players wearing dark sunglasses, stood alongside Steve Stricker as Montgomerie waited to offer an official welcome.

Overcast conditions greeted the U.S. team and rain is forecast for Friday and over the weekend.

“Everyone has to play in the rain. We have a lot of guys on the team who actually enjoy playing in the rain, believe it or not,” said Pavin, who played in three Ryder Cups.

“I think our guys can embrace any kind of weather. I played Ryder Cup in poor weather. You dont really notice it so much, youre just focused on winning your matches.”

Pavin said he and his players would rest Monday following their overnight flight, with a first practice session scheduled for Tuesday.