Ryder Cup Round Up Thursday

The brass band is practising the National Anthems. The players are ironing their suits in their suites. The TV crews are getting into position for the opening ceremony. The 2010 Ryder Cup is up and running, and we’re here to bring you all the news and insight as it happens.

Notes from the Manor

Phil Mickelson has played down a spat between Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The young Irishman has said he wants to face Woods head-to-head here, and when asked for his thoughts Woods said: “Me, too.” But Mickelson said: “That’s the type of charisma that Rory McIlroy has,” Mickelson said. “He’s just like any other top player that wants to take on the best. That’s not any type of controversy or saga.”

A study based on previous Ryder Cups estimates that the economic impact of this week’s event at Celtic Manor in Wales could reach about £85 million. The same study by Ryder Cup Wales projects that as many as 240,000 people may attend the matches over the course of the week.

Padraig Harrington “cleaned out” Ian Poulter after finding some form at Celtic Manor. Poulter confessed that he and Ross Fisher were “cleaned out” by Harrington and Luke Donald to the tune of nearly £400 when the Dubliner hit two eagles and a handful of birdies in a practice fourball clash, according to Brian Keogh of the Irish Golf Desk. Poulter said: “Paddy played exceptionally well this morning, which is great for the team but bad for my pocket. He drove it straight and long and put it in position for 18 holes today and that’s great. I’ve got nothing left thanks to Luke and Padraig. They cleaned me out, cleaned Ross and myself out.”

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie had Seve Ballesteros speak to his team, but both sides are going for any edge they can get before the start of play Friday.  U.S. captain Corey Pavin brought in Maj. Dan Rooney, an F-16 fighter pilot and a PGA of America golf professional, to speak with the American team on Tuesday. Monty said: “I think it was only right to get Seve on the phone. Seve is our Ryder Cup and always will be. It’s always nice to not ever feel that Seve is forgotten by us or by European golf in any way, shape or form.”

The speech had an effect on US player Bubba Watson, who’s father was a fighter pilot and is battling cancer. Apparently the big-hitting American was in tears afterwards, and revved up to go to “battle” with Europe.

Workmen are dismantling a giant Paddy Power sign after the betting company lost a court battle to keep it. Only the framework remains of the huge Hollywood-style sign, which was put up on a hillside opposite the course. Paddy Power isn’t one of the official Ryder Cup sponsors.

The ping-pong table in the US team room has been getting plenty of action this week. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson are locked in a best-of-five match, in which Mickelson claims to have the upper hand. About the table tennis he was more forthcoming. “We have had a lot of fun. Our [v Tiger] big match usually takes place Sunday night. We have hit it back and forth but nothing fierce yet. So far, just like the US team is holding the Ryder Cup, so am I in our little match.”

Europe’s top player, Lee Westwood, put to rest any doubts about his preparedness for this week’s Ryder Cup, even if it means playing less than a full slate. The No. 3 player in the world said on Thursday he is sufficiently rehabilitated after being sidelined since August with a calf injury. “I don’t have too many concerns.  I don’t have concern with the competitive edge,” Westwood said. “I’ve played well in the practice rounds, and I don’t see how that’s going to change in the competitive rounds. And when the match itself starts, I think I’ll be up for it even more. It’s a very difficult golf course to come back to. It’s very heavy underfoot, and it’s quite hilly in places, and there’s quite a lot of slopes, steep slopes to walk up to; 36 holes a day, ideally I would have liked to have broke myself in gently in a tournament with 18 holes a day, but that wasn’t possible. … But I wouldn’t be here if I don’t think I could play five matches.”