Faldo takes gamble on Poulter

SO Nick Faldo has gone for Ian Poulter as his wild card Ryder Cup pick over Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie.

Poulter’s inclusion in the Ryder Cup has been seen as a gamble in many quarters because Montgomerie had played in eight successive matches, never losing a Ryder Cup singles.

And Clarke had experienced a successful partnership with Lee Westwood that had won six points from a possible eight in Ryder Cup matches.

In the last month Clarke has seen a return to form and he picked up his 19th professional title recently.

Many believed Poulter had already been given the nod by Faldo, because Poulter didn’t try and qualify outright for a Ryder Cup place at Gleneagles. However Poulter and Faldo had been quick to deny this accusation.

Poulter is also above Montgomerie and Clarke on the world rankings and had impressed last month at The Open at Birkdale.

It is said he will be paired with Justin Rose and only time will tell if this partnership will gel.

Europe, who have won the last three encounters, will start as favourites for this year’s cup, even thought the competition is being played in America.

But maybe the Americans will come together more as a team without Tiger Woods, who is injured. Woods is one of the greatest golfers of all time, although he never seems to excel in a team.

If Europe are to retain the Cup, they will be looking to Padraig Harrington (The Open and USPGA winner) and Sergio Garcia to play lead roles.