Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has revealed he will name his team a day later than usual, in order to allow those US-based Europeans to make their final cases for selection. The players that secure their place in the side through their ranking points will already be know, however, it’s the wildcard picks that are mind with the delayed decision.
The announcement traditionally takes place following the European Tour’s final counting tournament, the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles, which commences on August 26th. Those looking for golf betting tips will be keeping a close eye on things.
The later announcement will hopefully avoid any awkward moment similar to 2010 when Paul Casey and Justin Rose were left out of the team before their tournaments finished in the States and they had a chance to mount a final claim.
Europe’s captain Olazabal revealed the news, admitting the 2010 issue had been a factor in the decision. Those following the betting should bear this in mind.
“We are going to wait to see what happens in the States before deciding,” he said.
“The scenario last time was delicate for the players in the States. It was not a comfortable situation for anybody.
“I would like to have an eye on the players who are hot at that time. If the guy is on the verge of winning [in the US], it means he is on the top of his game. It would be a good idea to have thought about him.”
The Barclays Tournament in New York will be those US-based European’s final chances to prove they are worthy of a wildcard pick from the captain. Olazabal’s announcement proves those players will be very much in contention, which can only strengthen Europe’s chances of retaining the trophy in the States later this year.