Ryder cup team

Ian Poulter and Nicolas Colsaerts have, as expected, been selected as Jose Maria Olazabal's wildcard picks for the Ryder Cup.

European team:

Rory McIlroy
Justin Rose
Paul Lawrie
Graeme McDowell
Francesco Molinari
Luke Donald
Lee Westwood
Sergio Garcia
Peter Hanson
Martin Kaymer
Ian Poulter
Nicolas Colsaerts
Click here for facts and figures

USA
Tiger Woods
Bubba Watson
Jason Dufner
Keegan Bradley
Webb Simpson
Zach Johnson
Matt Kuchar
Phil Mickelson
+ 4 wildcard picks
The pair complete the 12-man line-up for the European team, who defend the trophy against the United States at Medinah, Chicago starting on September 28.

For Englishman Poulter it will be a fourth Ryder Cup appearance after finishing as the highest points scorer for either side in the 2008 defeat at Valhalla, when he also made the team as one of Nick Faldo's wildcards.

He scored three points out of four at Celtic Manor two years ago and after finishing 11th in the table as well as top-10 finishes in three of this year's four Majors, the 36-year-old was an easy choice for Olazabal.

Colsaerts, who won the World Match Play Championship in May, could have sealed an automatic place with a top-two finish at Gleneagles at the weekend.

Olazabal announces wild cards
A tie for 19th meant he ended up just outside automatic qualification in 12th, but his recent run of form made him difficult to overlook and he becomes the first Belgian to compete in the Ryder Cup, and only rookie on this year's team.

"Everyone of you guessed Ian was going to be there. He has a great Ryder Cup record and he's playing well," Olazabal said.

"Nicolas is going to be the only rookie in the team but his match play record is very good - he won the World Match Play Championship in Spain this year."

The announcement means disappointment for Padraig Harringtonwho has been part of every Ryder Cup since his debut in 1999.

However, his omission came as no real surprise after Olazabal said last Thursday that not even a win at The Barclays - the first of the FedEx Cup play-off events in America - would guarantee Harrington a spot.

The Dubliner led at the time, but could only finish tied 19th on Sunday.

US skipper Davis Love has four wildcard picks and will reveal them on September 4.

 

Think i will cheer for Team U.S.A in this tournament.

 

Seriously?

* the USA we're going there to win on their soil.

 

* Europe! This is our house! USA baby!!

...little Weird getting that competitive over pro golf haha.

 

Form goes out the window when the Ryder cup comes to town ..I think it will be close ..Hoping for a Europe win but it will be tough ..

 

Yes Seriously.

I like Bubba Watson and Tiger Woods.

 

I love watching the Ryder cup cmon Europe:icon_mrgreen:

 

I feel the same mate....doesnt sit well with me.I liked the game better when there was more decorum involved.

Would you have said the same if Padraig had been picked?

 

Maybe,maybe not.

He has not been picked,so not point guessing.

 

Based on last few Ryder Cups it should be very close.

 

No need to guess...all 3 players played in the last Ryder Cup....did you support the USA then?

Myself i grudgingly want Europe to win.I dont particularly like nationalistic pride and all that on a golf course.....and i cant stand Tiger Woods.(like Watson though)

 

Your house is going to be knocked down my friend

 

It will be tough over there. I would rather have Harrington instead of colsaerts though.

 

Harrington does'nt deserve to be on the team. He was fortunate to get a wild card 2 years ago and played poorly.

 

I did not know golf existed then.


Almost time for this "rivalry" to tee off.

 

Yip.

I will probably watch it in snatches, but i cant claim to be a fan of the Ryder Cup.
Im sure come Sunday, i'll get caught up in it, but at this safe distance,(Wednesday) i feel it has become too full of bullshit!I just dont like golfers acting aggressive when they play.I dont mind a punch in the air or two....with a smile, but all this nationalism and grunting......its OTT for me!

Also...those * "get in the hole" tossers are ruining my enjoyment of golf on TV they really are!!!

I remember the hullabaloo when England won the Ashes in 2005 was it?They had won a 2 horse race for the first time in 20 years....and there was a bus parade and a meeting with Blair etc!!!!What a joke!Well i feel a wee bit like that about the Ryder Cup.All the speeches before and after....it really is ridiculous.All the pairings and tactics!!!What a load of crap.The Captains strategy!
I might not play at a high level, but you either play well on the day or you dont....no team meeting or inspirational speech will make a ball lip out or hit the back of the cup!

 

Been waiting all week for this! Europe are gonna retain it!

 

I think so too.....but i wouldnt put a lot of money on it!

 

:smiley-laughing002:

Some of the American fans go way over the top with that, I must admit. Rednecks out for a day trip I think.

As for the Ryder Cup, I have a feeling Europe are going to retain it. Neither Mickelson or Woods have been at their best this year and they are the USA's two biggest stars. That might just give Europe the edge they need.

 

The Americans are worse now they shout mashed potato after a shot . I think Europe will have to much mcilroy is on fire just now. Woods is playing solid but nothing special. Snedeker may be the one to watch out for he has a great swing and playing very well just now.