Richie backs fellow Scot for Ryder Cup lead role

Carbon ambassador, Richie Ramsay, has watched fellow Scot Bob MacIntyre develop from DP World Tour and Ryder Cup rookie into a formidable competitor on the international stage.

The Oban man nailed down his place in captain Luke Donald’s Team Europe line-up for the clash with the Americans with a string of impressive performances on the PGA Tour, including second places to JJ Spaun, at the US Open, and world number one Scottie Scheffler at the recent BMW Championship.

Both players feature in Keegan Bradley’s US team for Bethpage, New York, from September 26-28 as the Americans seek redemption after losing three of the last four Ryder Cups.

But Richie believes MacIntyre is the type of character to thrive in the gladiatorial environment within sight of the Big Apple skyline.

“Bob did very well in Rome as a rookie but he is an even better player two years down the line.

“I would argue that his floor, that level of consistency, is much higher these days.

“You could argue he is one of Europe's strongest players given his track record this season.

“Ok he fell away a wee bit in the last round, but he’d have won the BMW Fed-Ex play-off but for Scottie Scheffler, who is by far and away the best in the world right now.

“He was weaned into the Ryder Cup two years ago but now he’s ready to play a lead role.

“Bob’s impressive performance at Caves Valley will be in the back of the opposition's minds.

“He has shown what he is capable of on the biggest stage. That won't have gone unnoticed.

“I haven't played Bethpage Black but I spoke recently to European vice-captain Eduardo Molinari and he says it is a big, big golf course. Length is going to be a factor and players who have done well there have had a solid tee to green game.

“I suspect the Americans will go for an open course with thick rough around the greens, which will be as slick as they can get them.

“But that’s not unfamiliar to this European team. They have been playing in the States and are used to the way the courses are set up.

“There is also a familiarity now because so many are on the PGA Tour. There is no fear factor.

“Ryder Cups are won and lost on fractions, and garnering momentum at crucial periods.

“The Europeans will be aiming to replicate the hot start they enjoyed last time in Rome. That would quieten the crowd and pile the pressure further on the home team.

“The Ryder Cup is massive now compared with just 10 years ago. It transcends golf and attracts interest from people who generally don't follow the sport week by week.

“Luke has gone for experience, with only Rasmus Hojgaard in for his brother Nicolai, and he was in Rome to sample the atmosphere. That removes some of the shock and awe element.

“If Marco Penge had been picked, I think he would have been a real asset. I played with him in South Africa and he is one of the best and straightest drivers of the ball in world golf, and he has been tidying up aspects of the rest of his game.

“But I can understand why Luke has opted for players who have been over the course before.

“Keegan not picking himself was an interesting call. With him being the non-playing captain, they don't have their strongest team. It will be intriguing to see how that pans out.

“I genuinely believe all the pressure is on the Americans because of the expectations of home supporters. That's a great place for the Europeans to be.

“Don’t get me wrong, it is going to be as hostile an environment as you’ll get in golf. We must be prepared for that.

“The north-east fans are notoriously passionate about their sports teams anyway and are incredibly patriotic. They’ll be as loud as possible.

“I would be shocked if there wasn’t security with each match green to tee. Those bottlenecks allow opportunities for people to say stuff that they shouldn't. But our guys will be reminded of that and avoid being caught up in it.

“I believe there’s a confidence and strength in the European team from that last outing in Rome which should stand them in good stead in New York.

“Team spirit and unity have been a huge factor in our wins and hopefully they help pave the way to another win.”

By Gordon Bannerman