TNT Sports
The Goose backs Europe
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Published 10/09/2006 at 01:57 GMT+1
South African Retief Goosen says Europe have the better side going in to the Ryder Cup at K Club later this month. Goosen, a regular competitor on both European and PGA Tours, believes a vocal crowd in Ireland could knock the American rookies off their game.
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"For the first time in Ryder Cup history, I think the Europeans have the stronger side on paper," Goosen said in The Scotsman.
"And they're going to have great support in Ireland, where the crowds are fantastic. My gut feeling is Europe will have the upper hand and win it again.
"Some of the American rookies aren't used to playing outside their own country and they're going to really feel it when they tee up for the first time - that's a big advantage for Europe.
Goosen also said that although he had been surprised by Thomas Bjorn's outburst after he missed out on a wildcard, he understood the Dane's reaction and hoped the European team wouldn't be too affected by the controversy.
"It was a hard decision for Ian Woosnam to leave out Thomas and pick Lee Westwood, though I was surprised by Tommy's initial comments," added Goosen.
"I hope he hasn't hurt his reputation. What you have to remember is that he's a very passionate, outspoken person who loves the Ryder Cup so much.
"It must have hurt him a great deal not to be in it.
"It was an emotional reaction and he was quick to apologise after slating the captain. I don't think he meant it, I know he definitely regrets it and I hope Woosie and everyone on the team will realise what was behind the outburst.
"Lee and Darren Clarke have played together before, so you can understand why Woosie picked them.
"Lee has also played well at the K Club. If the match had been on a different course, he might have gone for Thomas. The truth is it was a hard decision which Tommy is going to have to live with.
"He needs to play better next time, qualify automatically, and not worry about who the captain picks."
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