Not that anyone really cares what Tom Lehman thinks now that’s he got smoked by tiny Ian Woosman and his European squad, but apparently Tom doesn’t think there’s any need to change the Ryder Cup format to include Canadians like Stephen Ames and Mike Weir, as well as South American players.
The American captain said: “That sounds a little insulting in some ways. We have extremely talented players on our tour and I go right down the line here. I’m continually impressed by the calibre of play and the heart and courage these guys have.
“These things go in cycles, and there will be a time when we’ll be sitting here saying to the Europeans that this is in danger of getting into trouble because the Americans are on top. That will happen. Our guys are great guys and great players.”
There has been some comment following Europe’s third victory in a row that the US could call on Canada and South America for some much-needed assistance to make it a more competitive Europe v the Americas, but that is rather mischievous.Tom Lehman yesterday described as “insulting” a suggestion that the United States, after two heavy defeats, should consider calling on assistance from Canada and South America in a bid to make the Ryder Cup more competitive.
It might be insulting, but the U.S. squad looks awfully mismatched this year, for the second straight event. The article goes on to make a good point:
The Ryder Cup team on this side of the Atlantic were changed from Great Britain & Ireland to all of Europe in 1979 to make the biennial match more of a contest. Fast forward 27 years and the boot is on the other foot.
Mayhe Lehman is right — and God knows no one wants Stephen “9 and 8” Ames on their matchplay team. The full Herald story is here.
