Pricking a Golfing Conscience? No Chance This Time!

Another Ryder Cup is almost upon us and, so far, the US captain has not referred to his European counterpart as a "prick."

That's what Paul Azinger did two years' ago in reference to Nick Faldo. I should know because he was being interviewed by me at the time sitting in the foyer of a plush hotel in Tampa, Florida.

Now, as everyone knew, there was little love lost between "The Zinger" and Sir Nick when they were rivals on the golf course although, with six majors to one in favour of the Brit it wasn't much of a rivalry, so it wasn't the biggest surprise to see, beneath the facade of sporting friendship, the rivalry continue now as Ryder Cup captains.

It wasn't even a throwaway comment. Azinger spent many minutes dissing Faldo knowing full well that it would be reported. When it was, however, he flatly denied saying any of it, which made him look silly when the tape was subsequently published on the internet, forcing him to apologise to the media for his initial response.

The funny thing was Faldo went on to deliver one of the worst ever captain's speeches to open the Ryder Cup, and Azinger went on to lead a winning US Ryder Cup team, so the last laugh definitely went to him. Who will laugh last this time? My money's on Monty, and whatever Pavin really thinks of the Scot he is wisely keeping his own counsel.