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Faldo joins critics of Ryder Cup selections

Nick Faldo today added his voice to the growing criticism of the way Europe select their Ryder Cup team, claiming captain Sam Torrance could come to regret leaving out Jose Maria Olazabal.

Despite a late push to make the team, the Spaniard fell short of a place in Europe's top 10. He was then ignored as Torrance chose Jesper Parnevic and Sergio Garcia as his wildcards when finalising the team.

But six-times major champion Faldo, who will also miss this month's clash with the United States at the Belfry, believes Torrance made a mistake.

Speaking at the launch of Sky TV's Ryder Cup coverage, which will feature him as a commentator, Faldo said: "There's been a lot of talk about team selection and it's come to a head this time.

"You had to pick Garcia on world rankings, he is the third best player in the world, but that's a real waste of a pick. Then you have Olly (Olazabal) making his great charge at the end but not quite making it. He is a great competitor and, who knows, it could be very damaging."

Asked whether Olazabal should have been picked, Faldo, who made a record 11 Ryder Cup appearances for Europe, replied: "On his record, yes. He is so enthusiastic and the sort of guy who knows how to win you a point. It's a great shame he is not there."

Olazabal missed out because 21-year-old fellow Spaniard Garcia plays his golf on the US Tour. The team selection system, which is set to be reformed next month, meant he had to be given a wildcard because he has not made enough money in European competitions to earn an automatic place.

With Faldo lined up to replace Torrance as team captain for the 2003 clash at Oakland Hills, Detroit, he added: "Whatever happens, win or lose at the Belfry, the system for picking the team will have to change."

Faldo hoped the rivalry between the two teams at the Belfry would be as intense as in previous years but he did not want to see a repeat of the scenes at Brookline two years ago when the Americans were criticised for their wild celebrations.

"We want that little bit of needle, that's fine," he said. "But we can't let it go over into the scenes that we saw in America last time. There is going to be a lot of pressure and 24 guys going for it hard. But we don't want the below-the-belt stuff."

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