I certainly did not envy Captain Colin Montgomerie's job last Sunday. In announcing his three picks for this year's Ryder Cup, he was so spoiled for choices that there was no way he could have kept everyone happy.

In the end, Monty chose Padraig Harrington, Luke Donald and Edoardo Molinari, and surprisingly, it was the rookie Molinari who appealed to everyone's taste. But after the way he won the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last week and the Scottish Open at Loch Lomond earlier this year, there is no denying he is the form player and will be the one to watch at Celtic Manor.

However, more than form, he also makes a perfect pairing with his brother Francesco. Both won the World Cup of Golf last year in impressive fashion and there is no reason why they cannot replicate that success during the Ryder Cup.

Options

The other two picks would have surely given Monty and his vice-captains sleepless nights. You have Padraig, who is a three-time Major champion and one of the most experienced players in Europe. But he hasn't won anything in the last two years, and his Ryder Cup record is nothing to crow about. World No 11 Luke is a formidable player who is running into form at the right time.

On the other hand, you had players like world No 8 Paul Casey, who has a proven track record in matchplay and Ryder Cup, and Justin Rose, who has been extremely impressive in winning twice on the PGA Tour. I am sure Irish Open champion Ross Fisher would have also figured in the discussions as he is a superb matchplay player as well.

Tough decisions

I can say with certainty that Monty would have taken some flak even if he went with Casey and dropped Padraig. But that's the reason why you have captains. Somebody had to stick his neck out and make a decision. It can make him look like a genius, or a complete idiot, on Sunday evening of October 3.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods showed some signs of return to form in the Barclays Championship, the first event of the FedEx Cup Playoffs, and that would be music to Corey Pavin's ears. I have a feeling that he is going to go for Tiger and Stewart Cink, and then it will be a toss-up between Anthony Kim, Lucas Glover, Zach Johnson, Sean O'Hair and Rickie Fowler.

There is sure to be some debate when Pavin picks his men. But that's part and parcel of a Ryder Cup. And to think this is just the appetiser before the main course.

 

Jeev Milkha Singh is a three-time champion on the European Tour.