Should Bernhard Langer Get Picked for the Ryder Cup?

[mvmac]

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2014/7/28/poll-why-not-bernhard-langer-for-a-ryder-cup-pick.html

On Morning Drive today we had a lively chat inspired by Bernhard Langer's record 13-stroke victory in the Senior British Open. I'm of the view that he should be considered for a Captain's pick by Europe's Paul McGinley, Gary Williams scoffed at the notion because of Champions Tour field strength. Bill Fields, a huge admirer of Langer who put the win in perspective here, also thinks it's a reach . (Monty also continued to make a case, Martin Dempster reports here .)

Yet consider the options the Captain has for his three selections among those currently on the outside looking in:

Graeme McDowell - with his French Open win, probably a lock

Thomas Bjorn - playing very well, currently in but could be bumped

Stephen Gallacher - Scotland's hope having a steady year

Miguel Angel Jimenez - great run this spring, has cooled off since

Ian Poulter - Ryder Cup master hasn't had a top 10 since April

Lee Westwood - since Malaysia win, form hasn't been there

Francesco Molinari - T15 at The Open first sign of life in a while

Jonas Blixt - second at the Masters, quiet since

Bernhard Langer - tons of experience, top 10 at Masters, just won a tournament by 13

[MEfree]

Definitely having a really good year on the SR Tour and his Masters t-8 gives the notion some credibility, BUT he has still only won 4 times on the Champions Tour.  Put another way he was beaten by at least one 50+ golfer in 10 of 14 starts.  His play there has been quite consistent with top 10s in 13 of 14 starts and 9 of 14 in the top 3, but before last week, Monty was leading the Schwab Cup having taken 2 majors.

Had he posted good results in 1 or 2 more non-Sr events, I might have voted yes.

[Grndslmhttr3]

Every time I see a Champions Tour event on TV, Langer always seems to be at or near the top of the leaderboard.

[jbishop15]

No, I don't think so. There's a reason he's playing nearly exclusively on the Champions Tour.

[Golfingdad]

I voted yes for ... the halibut.

I think it would make an awesome story, and he is playing pretty great lately, and if he does happen to suck, well, better for the Americans.

[ChrisP]

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2014/7/28/poll-why-not-bernhard-langer-for-a-ryder-cup-pick.html

On Morning Drive today we had a lively chat inspired by Bernhard Langer's record 13-stroke victory in the Senior British Open. I'm of the view that he should be considered for a Captain's pick by Europe's Paul McGinley, Gary Williams scoffed at the notion because of Champions Tour field strength. Bill Fields, a huge admirer of Langer who put the win in perspective here, also thinks it's a reach. (Monty also continued to make a case, Martin Dempster reports here.)

Yet consider the options the Captain has for his three selections among those currently on the outside looking in:

Graeme McDowell - with his French Open win, probably a lock

Thomas Bjorn - playing very well, currently in but could be bumped

Stephen Gallacher - Scotland's hope having a steady year

Miguel Angel Jimenez - great run this spring, has cooled off since

Ian Poulter - Ryder Cup master hasn't had a top 10 since April

Lee Westwood - since Malaysia win, form hasn't been there

Francesco Molinari - T15 at The Open first sign of life in a while

Jonas Blixt - second at the Masters, quiet since

Bernhard Langer - tons of experience, top 10 at Masters, just won a tournament by 13

While Poulter hasn't played well lately, given his Ryder Cup success, he is probably going to get picked. He wasn't playing well going in 2 years ago, either, yet you can argue his play on Saturday was the turning point of the Cup. He's a great Match Play player and that means a lot.

I think McDowell and Poulter are in....the third pick goes to either Molinari, Westwood, Bjorn or Jiminez. I don't think Langer is an option. If he was, I think you'd see him playing more Euro Tour events.

[jamo]

Every time I see a Champions Tour event on TV, Langer always seems to be at or near the top of the leaderboard.

I was just about to say that. FWIW, no, i wouldn't pick him. I would probably go with McDowell, Poulter, and Westwood, but I'll admit those are largely on reputation.

[Golfingdad]

While Poulter hasn't played well lately, given his Ryder Cup success, he is probably going to get picked. He wasn't playing well going in 2 years ago, either, yet you can argue his play on Saturday was the turning point of the Cup. He's a great Match Play player and that means a lot.

I agree that he should probably get picked on reputation and Ryder Cup experience, but you made me curious about 2012.  He wasn't spectacular leading up to the Ryder Cup, but he did have a T9 at the Open Championship and a T3 at the PGA Championship.  Nothing else good, but showings that good in the last two majors are certainly worth something.  (Also solo 7th at the Masters that year)

By Comparison, this year, T20 at Masters, T17 at US Open, and MC at British.  If he MC's at the PGA, then what?

Oh, when do these guys have to make their picks??

[MEfree]

For what its worth, it looks like Langer and Jimenez have played in the same tournament 3 times this year with Jiminez beating Langer the first two and Langer crushing him this past week.

[jamo]

Oh, when do these guys have to make their picks??

It's not for a while, IIRC. Like the Wyndham or something?

[FarawayFairways]

Given that he has a better record this year on the seniors, and that he's Scottish (knows Gleneagles well), and that he's got a better Ryder Cup record, there's probably a stronger case for Montgomerie on the same logic (don't be surprised to see him drafted in some capacity, with 2 assistants still to be named)

This is the current market, and being Skybet of course, they're laying 4 picks odds-on!!! including Luke who they seem to think is going to get caught. Don't rule out Molinari as a course specialist

Captain picks three on Aug 31st

[ChrisP]

I agree that he should probably get picked on reputation and Ryder Cup experience, but you made me curious about 2012.  He wasn't spectacular leading up to the Ryder Cup, but he did have a T9 at the Open Championship and a T3 at the PGA Championship.  Nothing else good, but showings that good in the last two majors are certainly worth something.  (Also solo 7th at the Masters that year)

By Comparison, this year, T20 at Masters, T17 at US Open, and MC at British.  If he MC's at the PGA, then what?

Oh, when do these guys have to make their picks??

Yeah, the British was a surprise. But while he hasn't won a major, he tends to play his best in big events and play really shitty in ones that don't matter. Won the World Match Play a couple times (the one in the States and one in Europe) over the last 4 years. I still think if he misses the cut at the PGA, he's in good shape given how good he is in match play. I think his play the last Ryder Cup may have earned him a free ride into this one's. Guess we'll see.

[RJH999]

Absolutely not. I know he's had a wonderful year and has tons of experience, but they're a lot more deserving players this year and there is no room for a sympathy pick. I think McDowell, Poulter, and Jimenez or Westwood will get taken. Bjorn will probably be automatically chosen, as will Donald. I think Westwood is probably ahead of Jimenez right now, but I would love to see Miguel at Gleneagles being the oldest player ever. McDowell is a lock right now with the way he has been playing recently. Poulter hasn't been amazing this year, however he is an excellent Ryder Cup player and always seems to get fired up and bring his best. Then you go with a veteran like MAJ in his last chance or Westwood on an off year.

[boogielicious]

I voted no.  The Ryder cup has a lot of golf.  Langer is older and I think would wear down faster.  He is playing great, but the Champions Tour has generally three rounds in a tournament.

[Crim]

While Poulter hasn't played well lately, given his Ryder Cup success, he is probably going to get picked. He wasn't playing well going in 2 years ago, either, yet you can argue his play on Saturday was the turning point of the Cup. He's a great Match Play player and that means a lot.

I think McDowell and Poulter are in....the third pick goes to either Molinari, Westwood, Bjorn or Jiminez. I don't think Langer is an option. If he was, I think you'd see him playing more Euro Tour events.

Poulter is having a TERRIBLE year. If he gets picked I will be cheering for USA. Yes, my Ryder Cup favoritism is based not on where I'm from...but if Poulter gets picked or not.

[ronzo60]

Absolutely! The event only comes along every two years and unlike the past where the Captain was saddled with a player who came in playing in a slump, they can pick someone who is hot. Langer knows how to play in the wind and given last weeks' effort, I think he would be better than a wildcard who has never seen that kind of pressure. The majority of the Ryder Cup is Team oriented anyway, what better way to showcase a great short game and consistent driving?

Since the Ryder Cup is about sportmanship and pride, having Langer on a team with Euro/PGA regulars would also in my opinion advance the Senior Tour. Courses do not have to be a mind numbing yardage if the rough is tough and hazards are strategically placed. Ryder Cups are usually set up to produce crowd pleasing scoring, which is just exactly what Langer does, make birdies. I think that when the casual viewer watches golf, the majority of them respond to "what" the producers throw at them. Rather than just have another incredibly "BORING" diatribe by Dan Hicks et al regarding the Phil and Tiger effect, why not have the ability to discuss the diveristy angle of Langer and the younger players on his Team.

[Patch]

I would vote yes for Langer. There has to be some one on the American side he would not have any problem winning against. His captain would just have to be sure match him up well with a weaker opponent. I also hope Miguel Angel Jimenez gets picked . I just like watching him play.

[Silent]

http://www.geoffshackelford.com/homepage/2014/7/28/poll-why-not-bernhard-langer-for-a-ryder-cup-pick.html

On Morning Drive today we had a lively chat inspired by Bernhard Langer's record 13-stroke victory in the Senior British Open. I'm of the view that he should be considered for a Captain's pick by Europe's Paul McGinley, Gary Williams scoffed at the notion because of Champions Tour field strength. Bill Fields, a huge admirer of Langer who put the win in perspective here, also thinks it's a reach. (Monty also continued to make a case, Martin Dempster reports here.)

Yet consider the options the Captain has for his three selections among those currently on the outside looking in:

Graeme McDowell - with his French Open win, probably a lock

Thomas Bjorn - playing very well, currently in but could be bumped

Stephen Gallacher - Scotland's hope having a steady year

Miguel Angel Jimenez - great run this spring, has cooled off since

Ian Poulter - Ryder Cup master hasn't had a top 10 since April

Lee Westwood - since Malaysia win, form hasn't been there

Francesco Molinari - T15 at The Open first sign of life in a while

Jonas Blixt - second at the Masters, quiet since

Bernhard Langer - tons of experience, top 10 at Masters, just won a tournament by 13

In my opinion Joost Luiten is also a serious contender for one of the captain's pick, I see you didn't name him. Coming just a bit short on both the European Points List and the World Points List to be in the team directly, but higher on those lists then Blixt, Molinari and Westwood for example. Also in the last year he played for Europe in the Seve Trophy (Continental Europe vs UK) and the EurAsia Cup winning most of his matches (in the Seve Trophy the best debut player together with Bourdy).

Ofcourse I'm not completely objective since I would really want him to be the first Dutchman ever in the Ryder Cup, but he played both team matches by request of McGinley and his results are impressive this year (rarely missing a cut).