Nick Faldo's 'sour grapes' leave a bad taste in Ian Poulter's mouth

Faldo called Sergio Garcia 'useless' for his performance in Europe’s 2008 Ryder Cup

Nick Faldo (GETTY IMAGES)

Nick Faldo has lost the respect of Europe’s leading golfers for calling Sergio Garcia “useless” for his performance in Europe’s 2008 Ryder Cup defeat at Valhalla, says team member Ian Poulter.

Faldo, who was Europe captain that year, made the comment about the Spaniard while working for American television during Europe’s recent Ryder Cup victory over the United States at Gleneagles.

Poulter said in his new autobiography: “Sergio puts a brave face on it but the rest of the guys are fuming. I’m shocked that he has said it. It’s highly disrespectful. It’s a cheap shot and it’s the worst possible timing.

“It makes me laugh. Faldo is talking about someone being useless at the 2008 Ryder Cup. That’s the Ryder Cup where he was captain. That’s the Ryder Cup where the Europe team suffered a heavy defeat.

“So who’s useless? Faldo might need to have a little look in the mirror. I have always got on great with Faldo in the past and I have a great deal of respect for everything he has achieved, but this feels like sour grapes. It feels like a guy who is still bitter that he lost in 2008. Faldo has lost a lot of respect from players because of what he said.

“There were plenty of things a lot of the players were unhappy with at Valhalla but none of us criticised him. He may find that begins to change now.”

Poulter also shared the surprise of many observers at some of the decisions made by US captain Tom Watson in the recent European victory at Gleneagles.

“By the end of the second day we have a 10-6 lead,” writes Poulter. “Ecstatic as we are, quite a few of us are surprised by Watson’s decision-making during Saturday’s play. Most of all I’m astonished he does not play Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.

“He leaves them out of both sessions. It completely baffles me. It gives us a double boost because it tells us there are problems in the US team room. Watson’s choices mean seven of his players play 36 holes on Saturday. I find it hard to see the sense in that.”

Meanwhile, Mikko Ilonen became the first Finn to win the Volvo World Match Play Championship on Sunday after beating top seed Henrik Stenson 3&1 at The London Club in Kent. He scooped the first prize of £515,000.