Smurfit European Open - Potential U.S. inexperience gives Europe the Ryder Cup edge, says European Captain Woosnam
The American team could have as many as four or five players who've never played in Europe, said European Captain Ian Woosnam, who also is very pleased that some of his veterans such as Padraig Harrington are rounding into form. Woosnam's team will defend the Ryder Cup here Sept. 22-24, although on a different course than the one that will host the European Open starting Thursday. Along with Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk, the U.S. top 10 includes Zack Johnson, Brett Wetterich, Lucas Glover, Vaughan Taylor and J.J. Henry. Aside from the big names, only Johnson has played in Europe, missing cut at the last two British Opens. "It can be windy in Ireland in September. Are they going to be used to those conditions?" Woosnam said. "As things stand at the moment, I think we have a big advantage."
In 2004, the last time the US and EU team played Europe won by a record-tying 18-1/2 points to 9-1/2 at Oakland Hills near Detroit and Woosnam said he was pleased with the way his team was shaping up again.But he was not writing off the Americans completely. "Over here, we don't know a lot about those guys. They are up and coming," he said. "They are obviously very good or they would not be where they are in America at the moment."
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