[Baggies]

The final European Ryder Cup qualifier ended today, completing the 6 automatic qualifiers for the team. On paper, the story is about the 2 official qualifiers, Englishman Matt Firzpatrick who took the final world list spot and Scotsman Robert Macintyre who pipped Yannick Paul to the final European spot. The real story however is that 23 year old Swede Ludvig Aberg won his first professional title only 3-4 months after turning pro and now looks almost certain to get a headline grabbing captain's pick tomorrow afternoon. Aberg looks a cut above, a future major winner, probably multiple major winner. Having been deliberately paired with 2 Ruder cup co captains for the first 2 dayd, today he hunted down course specialist and world number 8 Matt Fitzpatrick before over taking him and fellow Swede Alex Bjork.

The auto qualifiers are now:

John Rahm (Spain)
Rory McIlroy (N Ireland)
Viktor Hovland (Norway)
Tyrrell Hatton (England)
Matt Fitzpatrick (England)
Robert Macintyre (Scotland)

Joining them will be England's Tommy Fleetwood, with Austria's Sepp Straka also looking like he will be a lock. Most pundits expect England's Justin Rose to get a final shot under his good mate Luke Donald, while it it also expected the horribly out of form Shane Lowry (Ireland) will get a pick.

If you throw in Ludvig Aberg who it seems is now also locked in, you will have 1 space left for somebody from the European tour.

Golfers like Thomas Detry (Belgium), Seamus Power (Ireland), Alex Noren (Sweden) and Aaron Rai (England) did all play in the natch play Hero tournament in Jan but none of them came over for the last 2 events which tells that they know their chances were gone.

If you rule our Alex Bjork who suits Italy and was clearly in Luke Donald's thinking before bottling last week, that leaves 2 - Poland's Adrian Meronk who won this year's even at the host course and was for many a sure fire pick or Denmark's exciting youngster Nicolai Hojgaard, who won at the host course 2 years ago and is on fire at the moment, plus has a higher ceiling than Meronk.

Whoever gets picked makes a good 12th man given their course knowledge.

It's an exciting team, can't wait.

[Baggies]

Ryder cup picks in. Fleetwood was obvious, always going to be there, Rose was always likely as well, as was the selection of Straka. Lowry gets in despite his awful form and I've seen some frustration there give who had missed out, but we don't have many major winners to fall back on which always gives him the edge 

The "shock" pick of Aberg had been telegraphed months ago, almost as soon as he made his debut. That left the final pick and as predicted, it came down to a race between N Hojgaard and Meronk, which Hojgaard has won. It's controversial, a lot of people on social media are quite angry given his form the last 2 years and his brilliant record at this year's venue. Claims of favoritism, boys club (selecting Northern Europeans) as well as complaints of a PGA tour bias in the picks, but I always thought the pundits had it wrong and that Hojgaard wouldbget the nod. He has been in form the last few months, does have better performances when stepping up to play in higher quality fields and at 22, probably has a higher ceiling than the 30 year Meronk.

Gutted for Meronk, I liked the idea of the Ryder cup getting it's first ever Polish golfer, first ever Eastern European even, but he has missed our by the slimmest of margins. Hopefully he shows his quality over the next 2 years ready for the next one, from what I can gather he will be getting a PGA tour card for next season and that's where he might be able to prove people wrong.

[Baggies]

While they might be really bad at football nowadays, the Germans aren't bad at everything.

They managed a shock semi final win yesterday vs the USA in the Basketball world cup, setting up a final vs a very good Serbia side tomorrow. Fingers crossed they can get the win.

Also tomorrow, Pakistan v India in the Asia Cup ODI tournament. Pakistan Zindabad!

[johnny Cash]

“It's the first time in 30 years that Europe have elected to start a home Ryder Cup with foursomes rather than fourballs, with Donald hoping the switch gives them the best chance of building an early lead as they look to regain the trophy”


Mistake for me. Think our best chance to build a lead would be letting our big three get in to rhythm with their own balls.

Despite that, and despite thinking USA will beat us over all, I’m still goong predict a 2.5 to 1.5 lead to Europe after the morning foursomes though

[Baggies]

What do you think of the pairings? Rahm and Hatton is 5rowing fire and fire at it, could be fun.

McIlroy and Fleetwood unexpected, but really like that as well.

Scheffler/Burns a scary pairing though.

[hardtobeat]

Dont really get the Fleetwood and McIlroy pairing in foursomes, neither the greatest around the greens . Rahm and Hatton is interestingly one or two pundits called it as they reckon Rahm quite likes playing with an aggressive personality to match his own .Hovland and Aaberg seems logical apparently they have become good friends

[johnny Cash]

What do you think of the pairings? Rahm and Hatton is 5rowing fire and fire at it, could be fun.

McIlroy and Fleetwood unexpected, but really like that as well.

Scheffler/Burns a scary pairing though.

I like them actually. I’ve said for a while I thought it could be the biggest US win for a while in Europe and I still think they win but tomorrow morning we line up really well and I think im rethinking how much I think US will win by. Especially as Hovland is easily the best player in the world right now.

I think Europe may lead in to Sunday.  I *think* teams often have a player who doesn’t play until Sunday, and we might have two or even three players who haven’t if tomorrow goes well and player feel fresh. Mcilroy will be influencing selection Im sure so although I’d have played Fitzpatrick I bet he’s signed off on it.

I’ll be setting an alarm.

I’ve got £10 on draw, win, loss, win at 50/1 for my 2.5 to 1.5 morning

I would have still have played fourball first though even though foursomes is easier to win holes.

[Albionic]

“It's the first time in 30 years that Europe have elected to start a home Ryder Cup with foursomes rather than fourballs, with Donald hoping the switch gives them the best chance of building an early lead as they look to regain the trophy”


Mistake for me. Think our best chance to build a lead would be letting our big three get in to rhythm with their own balls.

Despite that, and despite thinking USA will beat us over all, I’m still goong predict a 2.5 to 1.5 lead to Europe after the morning foursomes though

May I respectfully suggest that is an unfortunate turn of phrase, made me cough me coffee that did

[LiamTheBaggie]

What a morning!

[johnny Cash]

Ball and foursomes was always going to cause problems!

Europe off to an incredible start. 2 up and looking good for thier first ever 4-0 morning.

Expect all 4 benched Americans out in the afternoon based on this showing. Harder to predict what Europe will do

[hardtobeat]

Couldn’t have gone any better this morning. All players being used today on both sides .USA look much stronger this afternoon , seemed to be some dodgy selections this morning, Fowlers been ill , Cantlay and Schaufelee didn’t come over and practice apparently . Easy to be wise after the event though !

[hardtobeat]

A few get out of jail free cards played this afternoon. USA haven’t won a game all day couldn’t have gone much better for Europe today lead 6 1/2- 1 1/2 overnight !

[Baggies]

That was fun. Did not expect that big a gap at the end of day 1.

You can tell the Americans have played barely any competitive golf in a month. From memory, only Justin Thomas played Silverado a few weeks ago and I can’t remember any Ryder cup yanks coming over to the DP world tour. The Europeans on the other hand played in Ireland, Switzerland and at Wentworth. No surprise that Thomas was probably their best golfer today.

If we can just get another point lead going in to Sunday then it’s game over.

[hardtobeat]

Think they said three had played in the previous 4 weeks Thomas , Koepka ( played in a LIV tournament ) not sure who the other was. Coltart reckons Johnson was getting pelters over that from US media although the players are in charge of their own schedules so don’t see how he cops the blame . It seems as though there were opportunities for them to play and play in Europe in the BMW at Wentworth amongst others

[beechyboy90]

Without wanting to jynx it. It might not make sunday. The yanks don't look anywhere near the European team

[johnny Cash]

10.5 to 5.5, Like most, I think the US have left themselves too much to do but virtually every game could go either way to (although I think the Europe rookies may all get beat besides Hovland).

If the US look like they are going to beat Rahm and Hovland it could get interesting though. Psychologically I think there is a lot on those matches for the rest of the field.

Tactically, I might have put Macintyre out first but that may have been cruel and looked like it was hanging him out to dry.

[LiamTheBaggie]

What a fantastic weekend of Golf. A thoroughly enjoyable three days viewing.

[Baggies]

World Club Champions St Helens finally had their 4 year Super League run ended last night, losing to Catalan Dragons who make the final at Old Trafford. The game was special as it was a WWF style "lose and retire game" between modern day legends James Roby and Sam Tomkins.

As it happened, Sam Tomkins scored a great try at the death to prolong his career to the grand final. A brilliant back, Tomkins turned down the chance to play Union like his England international brother, playing only the one game for the Ba Baas where he scored a try vs Australia 12 years ago.

For Roby, a brilliant career ends without a 5th straight Super League. He does however leave a World Club Champion following their defeat of Aussie side Penrith who won the NRL again last week. Farewell to a legend.

[Baggies]

I'm always going to try to promote it in vain, but it's a huge weekend for Rugby League coming up.

Domestically, it's Grand Final weekend - Wigan v Catalan Dragons at Old Trafford. Wigan are one of only 4 teams to win the Grand Final in the Super league era but haven't won the last 4 editions. Catalan Dragons have never won, they will be in their second grand final and will look to take the title away from England for the first time. I'd love Catalans to win it and add to their Challenge cup and league title, but history suggests Wigan will win (Warrington have played 4, lost 4 at Old Trafford vs the big 3, which shows the test for Catalans).

On the subject of the South of France, Tolouse will host London Broncos on Sunday with promotion to Super league at stake. Featherstone rovers won the league proper and looked on course for a first promotion of the Super League era, but IMG who are running the game for the next 10 years will be much happier with the potential of Tolouse or London getting promotion rather than a small, heartlands club, so they will have cheered the upset victory of London on Sunday night.

It is also the start of the end of season internationals for the Men, Women and Wheelchair sides. In the Men's game  Sky will broadcast a replay of last year's world cup final when Australia face Samoa, while they will also have coverage of PNG v Cook Islands. The Southern Hemisphere mens and womens internationals will continue for the next few weekends on Sky, while BBC will cover England v Tonga and the Wheelchair internationals.

[Baggies]

Two sporting highlights for the weekend.

Rugby league internationals are into full swing.

Samoa v New Zealand 6am Saturday morning (mens)
Fiji v Cook Islands 6 am Sunday morning (mens)
2 womens internationals at silly o'clock clock

Then the big one Sunday, 2:30 pm, live on BBC, England v Tonga test number 1. Fancy our chances to get off to a quick start, highlight should be the exciting Dom Young on the wing or the brilliant Jack Welsby across the back line.

Also on Saturday, the weird unique Shinty-Hurling international between Scotland and Ireland, the first in 4 years. Game may end up on BBC website, but if not it will be in YouTube. It's a bit more of an exhibition than the genuinely violent Ireland - Australia football crossovers (taking place December), but still enough for me to keep an eye on while at the Albion this Saturday.

[Baggies]

Disappointing to see the injury list for today's Tonga game. The best try scorer in World Rugby in 2023, Dom Young, is out injured. Herbie Farnworth has also not travelled over due to injury, while Lomax, Thompson, Wardle and Walmsley also join them on the sidelines. Captain George Williams, one of England's very few decent half backs is out suspended for the first 2 games. All in all, it leaves us with an uphill battle.

Jack Welsby will be our youngest ever captain, surprised he hasn't gone to NRL this off season. Harry Smith will also get a chance to show what he can do. Clark at full back doesn't tive me a lot of faith given he was at one stage behind Roby, Hodgson and McIlorum. Glad to see Tom Johnstone back though.

BBC at 2:30pm

[Adder]

Bombshell for Welsh rugby in particular with Louis Rees-Zammit leaving rugby union with immediate effect to pursue an opportunity in NFL.
It's a pretty grim scene generally in Welsh rugby with the regions unable to compete financially to retain the services of other players.

LRZ is undoubtedly the high profile star of the current international team as far as ability, interest and bums on seats goes.

[KYA]

Bombshell for Welsh rugby in particular with Louis Rees-Zammit leaving rugby union with immediate effect to pursue an opportunity in NFL.
It's a pretty grim scene generally in Welsh rugby with the regions unable to compete financially to retain the services of other players.

LRZ is undoubtedly the high profile star of the current international team as far as ability, interest and bums on seats goes.

I like rugby Union but mainly concentrate on England, I  didn't recognize the name but take your word he was the key Welsh player.
Money is ruining all sports to a degree look at golf with the LIV , Rahm has just signed up for them on a reputed  600 Million dollars and that's just is signing on fee!

[Baggies]

Six nations starts this weekend. France vs Ireland in Paris tomorrow may decide the eventual winner, I'm going for France due to them having home advantage in the key game.

I don't see much difference between this tournament and the last few, I expect it will be France and Ireland at the top, Scotland stranded in 3rd and then England, Wales and Italy struggling at the bottom. England in particular look vulnerable to a bad tournament. The 3rd place finish at last autumn's World Cup came following a very easy route and was shadowed by a first ever loss to a 2nd tier nation and some close run affairs against lesser lights. Owen Farrell has all but retired from international rugby and gone to France, joining exciting players from the autumn like Marchant, Arundel, Ribbons and Willis who, due to English rugby's domestic financial issues have gone abroad. Throw in retirements of big names like Courtney Lawes, Mako Vunipola and Johnny May and injuries to Smith, Lawrence and Curry. I predicted a first loss to Italy under Borthwick and with us travelling to Rome on opening weekend, I'm probably going to have a few quid on an Azzurri win.

Other sporting mentions, the PGA tour has it's Pebble Beach event, one of its elevated/signature events, with one of the first truly strong fields of the year, kicking off the march towards the masters. No Tyrell Hatton, Adrian Meronk or John Rahm - they will all make their LIV debut instead this weekend having left the tour.

Finally, it's the start of Ireland's National Hurling Season. If you aren't going to the Hawthorns and fancy something different, Warwickshire GAA in Solihull will be hosting one of their few annual home games against an Irish county, facing County Louth in a winnable game.

[hardtobeat]

The Rugby is an interesting one with many changes to most squads. No Sexton for Ireland , nor DuPont for France being amongst the most significant absentees. England & Wales going to be missing several that have formed the nucleus of their squads over the years to . Could this be Scotlands year as others look to rebuild , who knows .