St Andrews Links Blog

Ryder Cup Wildcard Picks

It’s been a long 18 months, but we finally know the 24 players who will be competing in the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this month. On Tuesday, captains McGinley and Watson announced their wildcard picks ahead of the event which gets underway in just over 3 weeks’ time.

Watson has opted for Keegan Bradley, Hunter Mahan and Webb Simpson. All three of these have played in the Ryder Cup before, and Watson singled this out as one of the keys to them being included. I was rather hoping he may have taken a gamble on someone like Chris Kirk or Ryan Moore, but I’m sure Tom knows what he is doing!

As for the blue of Europe, Paul McGinley went for Stephen Gallacher, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood. McGinley had a tough call when selecting his picks, and has had to leave out former world number 1 Luke Donald who actually possesses a really good Ryder Cup record – especially in the tricky foursome’s format. However I think captain McGinley has got his choices spot on! The European team is built nicely between fresh talent and strong experience, and his wildcards reflect this also. I’m not sure the excitement around the event could have increased, but with a Scotsman now in the team it’s going to be some atmosphere in Perthshire!

Here at The Golf Academy, we are all really happy for Stephen Gallacher. He regularly pops in to catch up Martin and the guys in customisation department of the Academy.

Stephen is a really great guy, not to mention a phenomenal golfer! I encourage everyone to see him strike an iron shot, it has to be seen to be believed #flusher. The way Gallacher was determined and focused so hard on making the team shows such a great effort and attitude, his pick is thoroughly deserved!

Talking of customisation, the importance of this cannot be overestimated. If you hope to play your best, then you must be playing with the best and most suitable equipment you have available. Professional players, such as Gallacher, have long since realised this, however amateur and club golfers still seem to be hesitant. There is no such thing as standard fit, and getting the right equipment is critical to playing your best.

Here is a test for you, and no cheating ok….

•    Can you tell me the loft and bounce angle of your wedges?

•    What is the length and loft of your putter?

If you can’t answer these questions without google, then there is no way you are playing to your full potential! Come down and see the guys at Customisation.

Words by Blair Cross, Academy Instructor

Header image credit: Getty