"Monty" picks Edoardo Molinari, Harrington and Donald.
Shortly after Edoardo Molinari had completed a thrilling finish to clinch the title at the Johnnie Walker Championship, Edoardo was given more reason to celebrate: European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie selected the Italian for his team, which is charged with winning back the Ryder Cup in Wales in October. Montgomerie also named Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Englishman Luke Donald as his remaining two wildcards. The selection of Molinari, Harrington and Donald means that England's Paul Casey and Justin Rose will not play in the 2010 Ryder Cup, at which BMW is Official Partner.
Edoardo Molinari will team up with his brother Francesco, who qualified automatically via the points lists. They will the first brothers to play in the same team since Bernhard and Geoff Hunt at the 1963 Ryder Cup. Edoardo's selection by Montgomerie is thanks in no small part to his triumph (10 under par) this weekend. He knew it would probably take victory in Gleneagles to secure the wildcard, and Molinari fulfilled his mission in style. Three birdies on the final three holes meant he beat Australian Brett Rumford (9 under par) by just one shot.
Montgomerie was impressed by the excellent way in which Molinari handled the pressure: "Edoardo Molinari, what can one say about his performance today? In my time on the European Tour, over 24 years, I have never seen a finish like that. All credit to him, having to win and doing just that."
Montgomerie made particular reference to the Ryder Cup experience and reputation of three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington, who will make his sixth appearance in the Ryder Cup. "The stature of Padraig: he is someone we feel that nobody in match play golf wants to play against. He is a great competitor".
Donald's selection as the third "Captain's Pick" is thanks to his match play qualities, as well as an excellent season on both sides of the Atlantic. Montgomerie: "Luke Donald has played seven times in Ryder Cup and has lost only once."
Sergio Garcia also boasts an excellent record at the prestigious inter-continental showdown. However, the Spaniard has suffered an untimely dip in form this season. Despite this, "Monty" was understandably reluctant to completely forgo Garcia's experience, naming him as his fourth vice captain alongside Darren Clarke, Thomas Björn and Paul McGinley.
Corey Pavin will announce his team on 7th September. The US captain has four wildcards to select.
Team Europe: Lee Westwood (ENG), Rory McIlroy (NIR), Martin Kaymer (GER), Graeme McDowell (NIR), Ian Poulter (ENG), Ross Fisher (ENG), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Miguel Ángel Jiménez (ESP), Peter Hanson (SWE), Padraig Harrington (IRL), Luke Donald (ENG), Edoardo Molinari (ITA).
Team USA: Phil Mickelson, Hunter Mahan, Jim Furyk, Steve Stricker, Jeff Overton, Matt Kuchar, Bubba Watson, Dustin Johnson and four Captain's Picks.
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