Why isn't Sandy Lyle a lock for 2014 European Captain?

[Jim Eder]

I have to say that I like Paul McGinley and Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn and I actually do like Monty as well.  Sure Monty deserves another captaincy if he desires given his outstanding record and the other guys mentioned deserve it as well but Sandy Lyle is a Scot and has had a Major (2) career and seems to deserve the opportunity at least once as well. Wouldn't it be special for him to do it in his home country?


http://www.thecourier.co.uk/Sport/Golf/article/25027/lyle-backs-monty-for-ryder-cup-2014-but-reveals-rift-remains.html

[Niall C]

Jim

Sandy was quietly or not so quietly looking to position himself for the Captaincy a few years back but got no encouragement. I think there's two reasons for that, firstly while he's likeable and had bags of talent he's got a rep for not being the brightest spark around. Now I've never met the guy but friends who have confirm this viewpoint.

The second issue is his Ryder Cup record which isn't up to much (no stats to hand) and includes one occassion where he asked not to be picked for the team when he was an automatic pick. Hardly the sort of record where the troops will go over the top for you.

I suppose the other reason is that there's a queue of others in line ahead of him such as Darren Clark etc. I might also add it could be seen as a problematic precedent if you started picking your Captain just because he was local to the venue.

Niall

[Joe Bausch]

My guess is Lyle will end up being like Larry Nelson:  reasonable, if not strong candidate, but each time someone else is deemed better.

[Jim Eder]

Niall and Joe,

Thank you.  I have heard that as well. But one never knows what one is capable of until they do it. I am sure a few people would willingly give some advice. The Ryder Cup record is also a great point as he went 7-9-2 though James and Torrance were worse I believe. I also would counter that he has won 2 majors including The Open which has gotten him into the Hall of Fame. I don't mean this to be critical of any past captains as I believe they did very good jobs but more to point out why Sandy Lyle should have a chance to be captain.

I believe he asked not to be on the team because he wasn't playing well. I personally do not hold that against him if that is truly the reason as it was for the good of the team. Kaymer seemed lilke he would not have been displeased by missing out this year (that was before last week) probably because he wasn't on top form. If it is for a lack of interest than it is a different matter.

Seve captained in Spain and that seemed pretty special so I am hoping for a Scot to lead the way in 2014. Sandy given his major record seems deserving to me. But your point is well taken. Should a Frenchman be named for Le Golf National? Right now I would say others are more deserving. I do think we will hear talk of Van de Velde in the future for that one (2018).

Larry Nelson was actually going to be captain but then allowed someone else to take his place and then things went wrong for the next Ryder Cup. I am not sure Sandy Lyle ever got the offer. It is terrrible what happened to Larry Nelson. Just terrible.

Maybe the perspective I come from that it is an honour or reward for what one has done is the wrong one and that marketing is a bit more important. I am sadly not sure Nelson or Lyle would get the fans more interested. I will say Clarke and McGinley should be captains and I have no doubt they will do a great job, I just think they both can wait 2 and 4 years.

Great points guys, very helpful in getting me to think this through more. Did I sway you a little?   

[Paul_Turner]

I remember Lyle chose not to play in '89 because of very poor form.  His record was reasonably good within that period for a Euro: 79-87.

[Jon Wiggett]

I remember Lyle chose not to play in '89 because of very poor form.  His record was reasonably good within that period for a Euro: 79-87.

Correct Paul,

it says  lot for him that he put the team success ahead of his personal. Just to be devils advocate maybe Tiger should think about it given his Ryder Cup form (just kidding or am I )

I was suprised that Wosnam was not captain in 2010 and Monty in 2014. I also think captains should do home and away.

Jon

[Joel_Stewart]

I think there's two reasons for that, firstly while he's likeable and had bags of talent he's got a rep for not being the brightest spark around. Now I've never met the guy but friends who have confirm this viewpoint.

That would rule out Fred Couples as well.  If it wasn't for Jay Haas, I doubt Fred would enjoy the success he has had in the Presidents Cup.

As for Sandy Lyle, I thought his speech this year into the Hall of Fame was brilliant. 

[Colin Macqueen]

Gentlemen,

I would be thrilled to see Van de Velde's nemesis, Paul Lawrie, attain the captaincy.  To have a dyed-in-the-wool Scot leading the charge at Gleneagles would be a wonder and a joy to behold.

Cheers Colin

[Jim Eder]

Colin,

But then he would have to be a playing Captain because Paul Lawrie is back and he'll make the 2014 team. I just am not sure it can be done in this day and age. I like your thinking though!!

Paul will be Captain and hopefully it will be on a links in Scotland.

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

I lost a lot of respect for Lyle when he walked off the course during the 2008 Open (and 1991). It sent the wrong signal to those involved in the decision making re the RC captain. I don't think it helped his captaincy bid.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/golf/7511254.stm

[Sean Leary]

I am not sure what it more surprising, that Larry Nelson only played in 3 Ryder Cups or that Tom Watson only played in 4.

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

I am not sure what it more surprising, that Larry Nelson only played in 3 Ryder Cups or that Tom Watson only played in 4.

Can anyone explain to me why Nicklaus only played in 6 RCs? He had won 5-6 majors before his debut in 1969.

[Ivan Morris]

Nicklaus wasn't eligible prior to 1969 due to a rule that stated that you had to be a full, PGA member for 5-years before you qualified for Ryder Cup consideration.

[Jim Eder]

Donal,

Thank you for the link to the story. I forgot about that. That is too bad, he is better than that to walk off at The Open. It probably does not help his cause sadly. Thank you for the link.

[Ivan Morris]

Sandy was way past his best when he quit at The Open - cut him some slack. Nothing to do with forgiving him for that incident but he still wouldn't be my choice as a future Ryder Cup captain because he doesn't have the personality for it. INMO, Paul McGinley is the man for 2014, Lee Westwood in 2016 and Barry Burn (JVDV) in 2018. USA: 2014: Phil Mickelson (His playing days are almost over); 2016: Jim Furyk or Steve Stricker (Give them the chance of redemption); 2018: Tiger ;-)))))))      

[jeffwarne]

2016: Jim Furyk or Steve Stricker (Give them the chance of redemption); 2018: Tiger ;-)))))))     

or we could just give them the trophy
no wait, they just did that

[Philip Gawith]

If Darren Clarke is made captain I will take a big short position on Europe, but I suppose if Woosie could do it then maybe he can as well?

[Niall C]

I strongly suspect McGinlay will get it as he's done his time and is popular with the other players. Can't say I'm all that happy about that, and not just because he's a Celtic fan, but rather because I've witnessed his "lack of interaction" with the punters at golf tournaments. Probably not a good enough reason not to give him the job but there you go.

Niall

[Mark Pearce]

I strongly suspect McGinlay will get it as he's done his time and is popular with the other players. Can't say I'm all that happy about that, and not just because he's a Celtic fan, but rather because I've witnessed his "lack of interaction" with the punters at golf tournaments. Probably not a good enough reason not to give him the job but there you go.

Niall

Last time I saw McGinlay in the flesh at a tournament he did plenty of interacting with the punters.  Just not in a good way.

[Brian_Ewen]

Last time I saw McGinlay in the flesh at a tournament he did plenty of interacting with the punters.  Just not in a good way.

OH .... you too ?