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Bjorn: I've lost respect for Woosnam

04/09/2006

Thomas Bjorn has launched an astonishing attack on Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam after losing out to Lee Westwood in the race for the final European place.

The Dane said he felt "gutted" by his snub and claims the way the situation has been handled was "very poor".

Bjorn, 35, would have had high hopes of making the side for the clash with the USA at Dublin's K Club later this month as he was higher in the world rankings than Westwood.

But Woosnam instead opted for the Englishman and Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke as his two wildcards for the team, leaving Bjorn fuming.

"[Woosnam's] not taken charge of the captaincy in the way I see a captain should take charge and it's disappointing," Bjorn said.

"He's put a lot of guys through misery by not talking to them."

Bjorn claimed that Woosnam had not spoken to him about opting for Westwood, bar a 20-second conversation in a hotel bar.

"He can't walk up to me, tell me in 20 seconds and expect me to be happy. I'm very disappointed. I think he's been very poor in the way he's handled the players," the Dane added.

Woosnam apparently told Bjorn, who is remembered for hitting an 11 on the 17th hole at the K Club when in the hunt for the European Open title, that Westwood's two victories at the course edged it for the Englishman.

But that reasoning has been shunned by Bjorn, who says he is "shocked and has totally lost respect for Ian Woosnam".

"My relationship with him is completely dead. It looks like he needs to learn how to be a captain," Bjorn added.

Woosnam said he felt sorry for all those left out and hoped that he and Bjorn would be able to "have a few beers" in the future.

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