Exclusive Interview: Sam Torrance
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 27 May 2009 - 15:18
Author: Nigel Brown
Ryder Cup winning Captain Sam Torrance took time out from his busy schedule to talk to Sport.co.uk about how good Paul Casey can be? Whether the 'New kids on the block,' Mcllroy and Fischer can challenge? And, where exactly Nick Faldo went wrong with his Ryder Cup captaincy? Well, on the latter, we tried...
Paul Casey won the PGA Championship at Wentworth last weekend, and moved to number three in the world. How good is the lad, and can he catch Tiger Woods?
Well, I don't know about contending with Tiger Woods for the number one spot in the world, as there are not many on the planet that can do that, but he is certainly in contention, and he can definitely win Majors.
To birdie 15th, 17th and 18th holes on the West at Wentworth is very impressive, and he will only go from strength to strength. It was a great acheivement for Casey to win the European PGA Tour's flagship event the way he did.
Is Paul Casey the best hope England has of winning a Major in the next year?
Most definitely. His all–round game marks him out from the rest of the field. He is one of the longest hitters on tour, has a wonderfully simple swing that keeps repeating every time, cracking short game, and importantly loads of bottle. He has all the attributes that make you a winner. A Major winner.
In contrast to Paul Casey, Colin Montgomerie folded at Wentworth. Can Colin ever win a major?
Well, Colin is 47 years of age, he is in the twilight of his career, and, taking on the Ryder Cup Captaincy is his main job at the moment, and then, if he plays well on top of this it is a bonus. It is just one of those things, when you take such an important job on your mind becomes filled with other things and your mind-set changes.
However, I don't think he will be thinking he cannot ever win a major. You have to remember I had my best year when I was 45 years-old. It can happen. But, I wouldn't expect it.
What will Colin bring to the Ryder Cup Captaincy?
Firstly, a wealth of knowledge. A faustidious nature in which he won't leave any stone un-turned. He will look at every aspect of the competition and how he can win it, and you can guarantee he will receive the immediate repsect of the players.
If Colin is to get it right, he will have to look at where Nick Faldo went wrong. In your opinion, what went wrong for Faldo?
I am not going there. I promise you I ain't going there. The list is too long. I just don't want to discuss Faldo's captaincy at all to be honest.
From Nick's failure Sam, lets look at your experience as a Ryder Cup Captain. In your opinion, are the days of playing Captains gone?
It is impossible. There is too much going on, having to organise your pairs and watch the golf. It is just not on. Colin will definitely go in as a non-playing captain.
Is there still a future for you in the Ryder Cup?
Oh no, definitely not. No, no, no, no, no. The criteria for the Captaincy is the right man for the job. And, the right man for the job has to be on the tour with the players, and I am not on the tour with the players. I would be the wrong man for the job, now and in the future. I am not saying I wouldn't like to, but I am saying I am the wrong man. However, I am sure Colin will be a great Ryder Cup Captain.
Two players who could feature under Colin, and have set the tour on fire are Ross Fischer and Rory Mcllroy. How good are the pair?
Well Rory is an absolute phenomenon. He came to stay with me when he was 13 for a week to play with me, and I was unbelievably impressed with the lad. And, since then, he has come on leaps and bounds. For a slight guy he is one of the longest hitters in the world. He has tremendous ability, tremendous belief in his game, and a wonderful future ahead of him. The world is his oyster.
I think he can challenge Tiger eventually. But what people must understand is Tiger is unique. People like him only come along once every 20 years. It will be tough for any golfer to challenge him. But, certainly Rory has the game and the ability to go on and challenge Woods
Fischer is similar to Mcllroy, and very long. He is extremely young as well, and full of confidence. Once you have broken through like these guys have, another door opens up. They have the freedom of being exempt and no worries about money, and all they do is go out and do the thing they love and that is play golf. And i'll tell you, it is a wonderful feeling to have that feeling of no pressure. They will both go very far.
Which player on the European Tour would you like to see win a majoy Sam?
Lee Westwood. He is a great player and has been a fantastic servant to the sport.
Sam Torrance is a brand ambassador for Pilsner Urquell, the official beer of The Open. To celebrate this partnership Pilsner Urquell is hosting 19th Hole events at Parsons Green (30th and 31st May) and Broadgate Arena (3rd – 5th June).