More calls for Ryder Cup selection change

Former European Ryder cup player and possible heir to Sam Torrance's throne for the 2004 match in the United States, Ian Woosnam, has voiced his backing for calls to change the way the European Team is selected.

The Welshman, who acted as vice-captain at the Belfry, feels it unfair that players who choose to compete on tours other than the European Tour should lose their opportunity to win a place in the team.

Having reviewed the system with scrutiny, European Tour officials have devised a plan whereby the top five world-ranked Europeans would be given automatic qualification, with five from the Order of Merit and two wild cards making up the twelve.

"I think you could keep a table of points won from the start of qualifying next September through to the following August," he told BBC Online.

"You can't blame guys going to play in America now and with this system somebody doing well in Japan or wherever would still gain points as well."

Players such as Sergio Garcia, Jesper Parnevik and Bernhard Langer are among those who are disadvantaged by the current system, spending most of their time on the US circuit.

The proposal will be considered at next Tuesday's meeting of the European Tour's tournament committee.

Woosnam, meanwhile, is not expected to find out whether he has won the captaincy until at least spring next year, despite the US's snappy election of their captain for the Oakland Hills clash.

US PGA officials chose Hal Sutton to succeed losing captain Curtis Strange shortly after the 34th matches in England.

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