Seve’s death was tragedy but Ryder Cup must go to most suitable venue
TODAY the venue for the 2018 Ryder Cup will be announced, and following the sad passing of Seve Ballesteros, there have been renewed calls for the Spanish candidate to be awarded the event.
Seve was a dear friend a tremendous champion, yet no man is bigger than the game, and the most important factor in this decision is that the Ryder Cup is held at the right place. France look like favourites to win the race, although Spain is sure to have a stronger emotional case as a result of Seve’s death.
On a happier note, it was fantastic to see Darren Clarke winning the Iberdrola Open in Majorca, beating Chris Wood by three shots.
I’m absolutely delighted. Darren’s a true gent and it’s nice to see him back where he belongs, at the top of the leaderboard.
He played beautifully too, while Wood had a final round to forget, although at 23 he’s a great young player and I’m sure he’ll learn from the experience of losing.
Over the pond at the Players Championship, Graeme McDowell had a tough day as he went from joint leader with 13 to play to finish 33rd. He may have had to get up at 4:30am to play the rest of his third round but that is no excuse whatsoever – in life you’ve got to contend with the bumps.
McDowell just played badly, but it was a fantastic finish from KJ Choi, a beautiful player, and David Toms, who put in a great performance at his age.
Luke Donald had another very strong finish and is up to No2 in the world. He could even overtake Lee Westwood this weekend and is doing lots right.
Meanwhile I’m getting ready to return to action next week at the US Senior PGA Championship.
I am not playing at this week’s European Seniors Tour event in Spain because I have other commitments and the preparation wouldn’t be right, but I don’t feel too bad at all. It’s been two and a half months since I last competed so I’m raring to go.