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Faldo ready for Ryder Cup

01/10/2007

Nick Faldo says winning the Seve Trophy with Britain and Ireland has helped him plan for Europe's Ryder Cup defence against the United States next year.

The Englishman will captain the European team at Valhalla in 2008 as they look to mount a successful defence of the famous trophy they won at the K Club a year ago.

And Faldo says last weekend's campaign, which ended in a 16.5-11.5 victory for Great Britain and Ireland, has given him a valuable insight into the disciplines involved in leading a matchplay golf team to victory.

"I'm not going to give away what I really believe will make the difference [but] I believe some things I know will make the difference to my team," he said.

"They [the United States] want to win. They want to beat us. I have some really strong opinions, but I'm going to keep my cards close to my chest right now."

When pressed by reporters about what exactly he had in mind that would set his team apart from the Americans, Faldo remained cagey.

"I'll tell you hopefully the Monday after Valhalla," he continued.

"It's just things that I really believe helped me in my career."

He added that "everybody's impressed me in some area" and backed a number of British and Irish players to make the team for next year's Ryder Cup.

The United States will host the team competition next September in Kentucky, hoping to reclaim the trophy for the first time since 1999.