Padraig harrington, a golf fan who was worried about the COVID-19 epidemic in April 2020, had a brilliant idea to make sure the Ryder Cup would be played later that year.
Harrington, the European captain of the time, pleaded for the biennial bash, the first event, to return, and for teams to consist solely 12 captain’s choices, with no prizes at stake, and competing only for glory: “Just twelve guys from Europe and twelve from America, without prize money on the line and competing for just glory? What a great way to get sport back on track!
The PGA Tour returned in June and a year later, the Ryder Cup had been postponed to 2021. The U.S. team did not consist of captain’s choice for the event that they won 19-9 in Wisconsin at Whistlingstraits. Six Americans were chosen from a points list based on performance, while the remaining six were picked by the captain. Harrington’s team consisted of nine players selected from a list, and only three were his personal picks.
Harrington’s idea is still worth considering, whether it’s a pandemic or not. Why isn’t it the captain who selects the Ryder Cup team?
The Ryder Cup trophy is held by the team captains of England, Zach Johnson and the United States during the Ryder Cup Media Event 2023: Year to Go in Rome. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images).
John Lindert, PGA of America President said at this year’s PGA Merchandise show: “The feedback I received from the last Ryder Cup was that it had a positive impact on having the captain have six captains’ picks. There were many reasons for which I hadn’t thought of,” he added. “When there were just two, it didn’t feel like the captain was being inclusive, because the two were chosen.
With six, the field is 50-50 so you can build a more inclusive and diverse team.
Lindert referred to the years when the U.S. Captain had two choices, a change that was implemented in 1989 following decades where players were selected based on only a point list. The U.S. followed the Europeans who introduced captain’s choices in 1979. U.S. Captain Paul Azinger made the change in 2008 to four captain’s choices. This system was used until 2021, with an exception of one year when Tom Watson wanted only three captain’s selections. Over the years, European captains have also expanded their power.
Both teams will be able to choose six captains’ picks and six automatic qualifiers for the matches this year at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. Six picks are available to a staff member in order to add players. The staff can build a team with 12 picks. Imagine 12 players, each selected by the same group, competing for their respective countries, and all chosen to achieve the same goals. There’s no 50-50 split.
Donald said that the six selections gave him flexibility in ensuring we had the best line-up possible at Marco Simone, in terms of players in form, players with Ryder Cup Experience, and potential pairings.
Luke Donald, England, and Zach Johnson, United States of America pose with the Ryder Cup at the Ryder Cup Media Event 2023 Year to go held at Marco Simone Golf Club. (Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images).
What is more flexible than selecting half your team? This allows you to take advantage of players in form, experience and plan the best combinations. Selecting a whole team.
It’s easy to argue for one or two players who are left out of a team. Usually, captains choose from the top 15 points on the list that determines automatic qualifiers. If a player’s performance is good enough, then captains should not need to use a ranking system. The form and performance of the players should speak for itself.
The benefits of a points system are also obvious. The fear that the event would become more of a popularity competition is the biggest disadvantage to this idea. The best players in the world should be able to earn the right to represent their nation. This is where the captain comes into play. How can you be sure that the best players are selected? You can do this by selecting the right captains, who will choose the best teams. It’s not just about naming popular names for the sake of it.
A captain and his staff can choose who they want if it is truly their team. A selection will be made, either based on the course suitability or a match pairing. Imagine a live selection where the captain reveals his team, and then explains his reasoning. Professional golf is changing rapidly to increase its entertainment value. Why not broadcast the team selection as well?
In many ways, being a Ryder Cup Captain is still a ceremonial position. Let’s give the vice-captains more work to do, and make this classic tournament even more exciting.
