Who is the best European Ryder Cup captain with Colin Montgomerie ready to try his luck at the helm in Wales next year.
Just look at these European Ryder Cup skippers - Jacklin, Gallacher, Ballesteros, James, Torrance, Langer, Woosnam, Faldo - who was the best in this list?
A lot can be said for several of the above names, as they stick out for different reasons in different aspects of what is now their legacy.
I can only give some of my views to you.
Tony Jacklin: Tony gave the Europeans belief and toughness, in my opinion, he was the catalyst behind the success that followed for 20 years.
Bernard Gallacher: Bernard had a tough act to follow, and only compiled a 1-2 record in his matches as captain. But Bernard brought a lot to the table, mainly sportsmanship, class, and being a gentleman that has sometimes been lost.
Severiano Ballesteros: Seve was NEVER going to allow his team to lose, some of the players did not care for his hands on approach, but he was never one to care what others thought, as the ends justified the means.
Mark James: Mark was on American soil, and had a wonderful team, but many felt his team lacked the depth of the Americans. Through two days, he held a commanding lead, and only a record-setting comeback in singles by the home team spoiled James’ captaincy.
I felt he did a great job, went against conventional wisdom in leaving out three of his players until the Sunday singles. But, having had long talks with a couple of those three, it was the right thing to do, why break up a winning formula was the line of thinking that week. I feel James nearly pulled off a near miracle.
Sam Torrance: Sam did one thing in my mind that qualifies him for possibly being the smartest of all. He totally outfoxed his American counterpart, Curtis Strange. Faced with a tight match heading into the Sunday singles, he front loaded his order, seizing control and momentum which led to a great victory. Sam is the type of leader that inspires players to great things. Phillip Price’s victory over Phil Mickelson is a perfect example of this.
Bernhard Langer: When I think of Bernhard’s captaincy, the phrase “leave no stone unturned” comes to mind. He understood the challenges of playing on American soil, and set the tone early, having his team interact with the spectators all week. He was also, like Ballesteros, very hands on, giving course management advice during play. Bernhard did such a good job in his preparations, he was often an overlooked part the team’s victory.
Ian Woosnam: Many questioned his ability to lead, but those doubters were left in the wake of one of the greatest victory celebrations in sports history. It was a resounding victory. He was not the best Guinness guzzler on his team!
Nick Faldo: Nick is not a warm and fuzzy fellow, his demeanor might not have been the best to inspire his players. He has taken a beating in the press, but that is not unexpected. His captain’s choice of Ian Poulter raised some eyebrows, but as the top point earner, Poulter to some extent, saved Faldo from a possible tar and feathering.
Many of the captains brought a lot to the table, but in my mind, Sam Torrance’s front loading of the singles order sets him apart from the rest.