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When one can earn as many Ryder Cup points in the B.C. Open (opposite the British Open) as in the Player's Championship (a near major) that is still a problem. I think strength of field in non-major events such factor in points for earning a Ryder Cup berth.

Take heart, the B.C Open isn't even on the schedule for 2007.

In fact the 2007 has fewer tournaments opposite major or WGC tournaments. And the "Race For The Tour Card" section of the 2007 schedule occurs after the majors. It will be interesting to see how these tournaments factor into 2008 Ryder Cup selections.

In my mind if you are a good enough player who finishes consistently high enough in enough tournaments the Ryder Cup selection will take care of itself.

I would like to see The Player's Championship get at least half the point value of the majors. Any opposite field events should not have any points for the Ryder Cup. In 2007, it would be Milwaukee and Mexico. It would discourage people from playing those events if they are qualified for the British Open or World Golf Championship event. This would avoid a "Fred FunK" situation.

I'm looking forward to the teaming of Bart Bryant and Fred Funk!! The Euros are quaking in their boots as we speak.

I doubt either will make the US team but don't overlook them if they do. The US Ryder Cuppers have made that mistake with more than one unlikely Euro Duo over the last 10 years.

Maybe some of the less talented players who really want to work to get on the team will check their egos at the door, bond with their teammates and play their hearts out like the European team members do. Then maybe we could have a real Ryder Cup competition.

No, I really can't wait!! Funk is my favorite pro and Bryant is my brother's. Put them against a top tier Euro team and the expectations are would be on the other foot. It's just a little funny on the surface. Obviously they're obviosly both fighters. FF needs more points though. I don't imagine he'd be a Captain's Choice though.....

I like Funk's enthusiasm...he can really play off a crowd (even a pro-European crowd, I might imagine) and be a pain in the rear of a longer hitter by consistently hitting fairways and greens.

We'll see who does well enough this year to make the team. The current standings will be changed considerably with the new points rules.

It would really surprise me if Funk gets in there. Much will hinge on what he can do at the U.S. Open. I'm sure Fred will lobby for tight fairways.

As for Bryant, I have no clue whatsoever. I'm just glad to see he's out of that van down by the river.

Since when did anyone have to lobby for tight US Open fairways?

We don't talk about that "van down by the river" around here anymore.

C-B-C, you are a gentleman through and through.

As to the question I asked about the countries, and I don't think it's an "issue," I'm just curious. Oddly enough, none of the Ryder Cup web sites, articles, etc. that I can find identifies the countries the European Ryder Cup Team can draw from by name. I'm not saying that the American Ryder Cup Team is at a disadvantage by any stretch of the imagination, in approach maybe, but obviously not for a lack of golfing acumen. But back to my question, is it a European Union thing? Sorry if I'm a bit ignorant on this topic but since the break-up of the Soviet Union and their eastern European block alliance, I'm fuzzy.

There are currently 25 member states in the European Union (their dates of accession)

http://www.arthistoryclub.com/art_hi...urrent_members

Austria (1995)
Belgium (founding member: 1952/58)
Cyprus (2004)
Czech Republic (2004)
Denmark (1973)
Estonia (2004)
Finland (1995)
France (founding member: 1952/58)
Germany (founding member: 1952/58)
Greece (1981)
Hungary (2004)
Ireland (1973)
Italy (founding member: 1952/58)
Latvia (2004)
Lithuania (2004)
Luxembourg (founding member: 1952/58)
Malta (2004)
The Netherlands (founding member: 1952/58)
Poland (2004)
Portugal (1986)
Slovakia (2004)
Slovenia (2004)
Spain (1986)
Sweden (1995)
United Kingdom (1973)

The Vatican is not listed but I understand Bishop Bejesus has a torrid short game and is sneaky long off the tee.

Soon to join:

Bulgaria (2007)
Romania (2007)

Other Candidates:

Turkey
Croatia
Republic of Macedonia

Others not inclined to join at the present time:

Switzerland
Norway

jimmigan, I`m not sure as to the Ryder Cup status of the newly joined E.U. countries . I just assume their eligable to play, but a definitive list would help. It is a good question, and I`ll look into it (the list of) that is.

I don't think it stops there though. For example, Switzerland and Norway won't be part of the EU anytime soon but I think golfers from those countries could play for the European team.

Hmmm, i'm not sure of that...

Stlcard_25 is right. In Europe, we play many and many foursome and 4 balls tournaments and we used to struggle together for the team victory.

You know, there was one thing which really "shoked" us during the last Ryder Cup : that was when Chris Riley refused to play for the foursome. It was purely and simply unthinkable here. Any player, even in my golf club for the "cheeseburger challenge", who refuse to play, will be fired from the group.

It was all the more unthinkable that for us, Americans, in every sport, have a greater victory culture...

So, as we see the Tiger Woods stats, the best strokeplay player is not inevitably the best team match player. Ryder Cup '02 showed us this fact cos' US Team had the top best players in the world and what we saw ? Philip Price, who were struggling to keep his status on European Tour, defeated Lefty... Amazing but totally explainable...