Darren Clarke’s Ryder Cup picks got everyone talking and the same has been the case for Davis Love III.
The American captain may surprise us all when he completes his team, but the chat seems to be that Bubba Watson isn’t going to be in.
Whichever way you look at it, not selecting the world number seven is a pretty bold call.
But, with the record that the Americans have in the competition, bold is exactly what Love needs to be.
The suggestion is that Watson is unpopular with his fellow pros, and if there’s one thing that can be learned from all the European victories, it’s the importance of team spirit.
On lots of occasions that seems to have been the difference when, on paper, America have been stronger.
The one year that they did win – under Paul Azinger – they looked like a really tight group for a change.
It’s a cliché but it’s true, there really is no i in team.
Pushing each other along and respecting each other are crucial in that environment.
On balance, sacrificing a world class player for the sake of team morale is a risk worth taking.
* We’re in the second week of our stay in Canada and we’ve got to be pretty satisfied with how it’s gone so far.
We had a brilliant run through to the final in Edmonton.
Although it was frustrating to lose it, it turned out to be one of those games where our opponent had nothing to lose, gambled, and it ended up working out for her.
I was gutted to not pull off the last shot that would have won the competition for us (even more gutted the following day I think!) That’s always going to be the way when you’re the skip – the responsibility sits on your shoulders.
But I’ve been in the sport long enough now to be able to box it off and move one.
Overall, like I said, it was a great start. The field was strong and as a team we were experimenting with a few different bits and bobs and taking on the tactical advice of our new coach.
At the moment we’re trying to focus more on the process than the outcome.
It’s off to Saskatoon now and hopefully we’ll get the process and the outcome that we want!
* You’ve got to feel for Andy Murray.
Having to miss his grandfather’s funeral to play in the first day of the Davis Cup will have his emotions all over the place.
He’s a heart-on-his-sleeve type of guy at the best of times so this will be really tough.
This had the look of a tight semi-final from the moment Juan Martin del Potro got back to form.
And, as usual, it looks like Saturday’s doubles could be the defining match of the three days.
To see the Murray brothers come through again in front of a home crowd at such a tough time for them would be amazing.
