Donald delighted, but sympathetic

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August 30, 2010

Luke Donald celebrated his Ryder Cup call-up tonight – but sympathised with Paul Casey and Justin Rose.

Luke Donald celebrated his Ryder Cup call-up tonight – but sympathised with Paul Casey and Justin Rose.
After a closing 68 at The Barclays in New Jersey, where he began with six straight birdies and posted a front nine 28, Donald had five bogeys and another birdie in the last eight holes.
“I found out after I finished the 10th hole,” he said. “I’m obviously delighted – it was very up in the air.
“I t’s been one of the craziest selections for the Ryder Cup ever when guys in the top 10 in the world (himself and Casey) didn’t know they were playing.
“There were very anxious moments today and some relief and I’m very excited to be back in the team and part of the Ryder Cup again.” He missed the last game following wrist surgery.
“I feel bad for the guys that didn’t make it. I think how it went this year the European team has to look harder at the qualification system and whether it’s the correct way to do it or whether there is a better way.
“Golf is becoming a world game and I understand they want to protect the European Tour, but at the same time the top guys are going to want to play against the best players in the world no matter what and you shouldn’t be penalised for that.
“It did throw me off a little bit. I feel bad especially for Paul, being number nine in the world, third at the Open, great match play record – and with my brother on the bag I was disappointed for him as well.
“It did throw me off a little bit I was trying to get that out of my head and just play golf, but I didn’t do a very good job on the back nine.
“A lot of things happened that haven’t happened for a while – two guys winning majors threw it off a little bit.
“In a way it was a good problem for Monty, in a way I feel bad he had to leave some people out too.
“Perhaps the Tour has to look at the selection process – if they win it’s very beneficial for the European Tour both in image and financially so I think it’s in their best interests that they have the best side.
“Hats off to Molinari, winning two big events he probably deserved it. I’m not sure if Monty was even watching my front nine.
“We all have responsibilities to both tours if we play over here. You can’t fault a person for setting their schedule as best they think they can.”