Ryder Cup: Picks for Poulter, Westwood and Gallacher

European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has added Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Stephen Gallacher to his team to face the USA at Gleneagles.

Former world number one Luke Donald is the man to miss out after suffering a slump in form amid attempted swing-changes.

With Ian Poulter’s Ryder Cup record and Gallacher’s recent form it was always likely to be a straight choice between Westwood and Donald.

Both have slipped down the world rankings in 2014 but Westwood produced a better showing at the majors and has a wealth of Ryder Cup experience to call upon. It will be Westwood’s ninth appearance in the event

Donald led out Team Europe in the singles at Medina in 2012 where he beat Bubba Watson and has a record of 10.5 points from a possible 15.

McGinley admitted it was a very tough phone call to make.

“His record in the Ryder Cup is absolutely outstanding. It was a very, very difficult decision to make but one I had to make.

“He was obviously very disappointed but his last two words were “go Europe” which speaks volumes.”

Westwood, who has an overall record of 18 wins and six halves from his 37 matches spanning 17 years, said: “I’m obviously delighted. The Ryder Cup has always been a massive thing for me and I was delighted to get the call from Paul. It was a long day yesterday but when Paul rang with the good news I was relieved.

“I’ve played a lot better in the last month and a half and I’ve been showing some form and giving Paul a reason to pick me. I’m delighted and honoured to be representing Europe again.”

Poulter said: “I’m absolutely thrilled. To get the call was amazing. I can’t wait for Gleneagles. It’s a fantastic feeling and I’m proud to be a pick. The Ryder Cup means a lot to me and I can’t wait. It’s always difficult to make a Ryder Cup team and this one was no different. Paul had a very difficult decision with some fantastic players to pick from.”

Gallacher said: “It’s massive for me and my family. It’s been a goal all my career to play in The Ryder Cup and I was delighted to get the call from Paul. It was a long day yesterday.

“On Sunday I had mixed emotions. I was delighted with the way I played but disappointed not to have made the team automatically. I knew there were other great players in with a shout of getting a pick, so I really didn’t know what was going to happen. I’m just glad it all turned out okay in the end.”

TEAM EUROPE

Rory McIlroy
Henrik Stenson
Victor Dubuisson
Jamie Donaldson
Justin Rose
Sergio Garcia
Martin Kaymer
Thomas Bjorn
Graeme McDowell
Ian Poulter
Lee Westwood
Stephen Gallacher