Colsaerts gives his Ryder Cup hopes a boost
BELGIAN Nicolas Colsaerts enjoyed a fantastic win and put himself right into Ryder Cup contention at the World Match Play Championship in Spain on Sunday.
Colsaerts started slowly in the group stage but once he had come through the play-off to reach the last eight he was brilliant, playing beautifully and showing real class.
In the final he had to see off a gritty Graeme McDowell, who played well all week, and offered Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal a good indication of his matchplay pedigree and Ryder Cup potential.
Olazabal, meanwhile, has wisely decided on naming four vice-captains for this year’s competition.
With four matches taking place simultaneously on the first two days it’s very important to have a pair of eyes on each contest as you need to know how your players are coping.
Until the team is known it’s difficult to have a good idea of who the vice-captains will be, although Miguel Angel Jimenez would be a candidate. You work closely with these guys so it’s important to pick people you get on well with.
Lastly this week, I was delighted to see Jason Dufner win his second PGA Tour title in the space of three weeks at the Byron Nelson Championship in Texas.
I felt a little sorry for runner-up Dickie Pride, whom he pipped with a 25-foot birdie at the last hole, but I really like Dufner’s swing and love the way he plays.
The American’s sudden breakthrough – he hadn’t won a single PGA Tour title until three weeks ago – underlines how confidence breeds confidence. After his biggest win yet, perhaps the same thing will happen for Colsaerts.
Sam Torrance OBE is a multiple Ryder Cup-winning golfer and media commentator. He captained Europe to victory in 2002.