Ryder Cup wildcard pick Lee Westwood refused to be drawn into the row over his controversial selection for the European team on Wednesday, following Thomas Bjorn’s furious reaction to being left out.
Captain Ian Woosnam’s decision sparked a torrent of abuse from an angry Bjorn, who was ranked 13th on the Ryder Cup list while Westwood was 21st and the other wildcard pick, Darren Clarke, was 30th.
Bjorn was later fined for the outburst and apologised. Westwood said that at the end of the day it was the captain’s decision to make.
”It doesn’t matter if I think I deserved it or not. Ian Woosnam is the captain, he picks the team, he has obviously got a plan,” said Westwood, who is in Singapore for the $3-million Singapore Open.
”Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thomas made quite clear what his is. It is the end of the matter as far as I’m concerned. I’m not getting involved.
”I got the pick and am looking forward to being in the European team.”
Westwood made his Ryder Cup debut in 1997 and Woosnam said he was persuaded to pick him because of his experience and because he has won twice before at the K Club in Ireland.
The Englishman said Europe had a formidable team but that they would not be underestimating the Americans.
”I would say that Europe has one of the strongest teams I have seen. It is a good mix of experience, rookies and people who know the K Club. We have a good chance to win,” he said.
”[But] it is naive to think the United States is not a strong team. Anyone who qualifies is a world-class player.”
Bjorn tore into Woosnam, claiming he was told about his omission from the 12-man team in ”20 seconds” at a bar.
”I feel gutted. I think he has been very poor. A friend of mine he isn’t,” Bjorn said of the Welshman.
Paul McGinley, another member of the Ryder Cup team, said he could understand Bjorn’s feelings. ”I’d be bitter and disappointed to miss out too,” he said.
”It must be absolutely gut-wrenching. It is one of the greatest sporting events in the world. Thomas is a world-class player and he will bounce back. I have no doubt about that.”
Questions have also been raised about Clarke’s inclusion given that he has not played since missing the cut at the British Open in July to look after his wife Heather, who died of cancer last month.
But McGinley, who is one of Clarke’s closest friends, insisted he would be mentally ready for the tournament later this month.
”I do think Darren will be ready. He is one of the best players in the world,” he said in Singapore, where Clarke was scheduled to play but withdrew.
”There are not many tougher situations in life than what he has had to deal with and take his kids through.
”He has come out the other side and is better and stronger for it. The Ryder Cup will be a piece of cake after that.”
Woosnam has denied Clarke is a risky selection.
”Clarke is not a risk given the circumstances. He practises every day and is going to play in the Madrid Open [on the eve of the Ryder Cup],” said Woosnam.
”He said that is what he would do. I am sure he will be up for it.” — AFP
