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Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam commit to Royal Trophy
 Europe
's quest to land the inaugural Royal Trophy has been given a massive
boost with the inclusion of Ryder Cup legends Nick Faldo and Ian
Woosnam.
The battle-hardened veterans have been named as captain's picks
by Seve Ballesteros and will add a wealth of experience to the European
team for the showdown with Asia in Thailand in early January.
Six-time Major winner Faldo and 1991 Masters champion Woosnam join
recent HSBC Champions victor David Howell and Irish ace Paul McGinley,
winner of last month's Volvo Masters in Spain, in spearheading the
European challenge.
Faldo ranks as one of the greatest team players of all time –
he has 11 Ryder Cup appearances to his name and still has the honour
of being the all-time points scorer for Europe .
“I know from my Ryder Cup experiences that team golf is something
special,” said Faldo. “I'm really looking forward to being
part of the European team at the Royal Trophy, playing alongside
with Seve as our captain. We go a long way back and we have had
some great times at the Ryder Cup.
“Seve and I together in a European team definitely makes for
a very special occasion. We are certainly expecting a tough battle
because we know the Asians would love to win this first tournament
in front of their own fans."
Woosnam, who took part in eight Ryder Cup events, added: “It's
an honour to be selected to represent Europe in the first Royal
Trophy. Seve led us to win the Ryder Cup in 1997. Next year is my
turn as captain and in 2008 it will be Nick's turn. Obviously there
is something very special between us which I am sure will be very
apparent to the fans watching us at the Royal Trophy. ”
Non-playing captain Ballesteros said Faldo and Woosnam would give
his team vital team golf experience.
“The pressure in team golf is unlike anything else in the
sport, you are playing not only for yourself, but also your team,
your continent and your fans,” said Ballesteros. “In this
environment, experience is essential, and Nick and Ian are two of
the all-time greats. I am proud to have both of them on our team
for the Royal Trophy.
“We are putting together a very powerful European team for
the Royal Trophy. Nick and Ian bring tremendous experience while
David and Paul are playing excellent golf right now and are both
coming from winning big tournaments. These players will be part
of a fierce and very strong team who will make our continent proud.
We are coming to Thailand to win the Royal Trophy.”
The Royal Trophy – the first-ever team tournament between
Europe and Asia – will take place at Amata Spring Golf Club,
Bangkok , from January 5-8, 2006 .
Each team will comprise eight players, led by a non-playing captain,
competing in a series of 16 matches involving foursomes, four-ball
and singles. The event has been sanctioned by the Asian, Japan and
European Tours.
Five-time major winner Ballesteros, whose charisma and competitiveness
were critical in turning the Ryder Cup into the most compelling
viewing in world golf, has played a major role in bringing the Royal
Trophy to fruition.
Completing the Ryder Cup connection are the men who have been chosen
to captain the European team in the next two matches. Woosnam will
lead the team for the 36 th Ryder Cup at the K Club, Ireland next
September, while Faldo will fufil the prestigious role at Valhalla
Golf Club, Kentucky , in 2008.
Masahiro “Massy” Kuramoto, one of Asia's most decorated
golfers with 30 Japan Tour titles to his name, is Asia's non-playing
captain and will unveil his team in the coming weeks.
November 24, 2005
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