feedback | low graphics version| feedback | low graphics version |
 |
 |
 | | You are in: You are in: Golf |
 | | Sunday, 16 September, 2001, 17:26 GMT 18:26 UK Golfers back Ryder delay  Ryder Cup rookie Pierre Fulke backs the postponement Golfers give their reaction to the news that the 2001 Ryder Cup will be postponed until next year. Pierre Fulke - European Ryder Cup rookie: "I think under the circumstances it's the only decision that could have been made. "Everybody's gut feeling after Tuesday was that the Ryder Cup would be in danger and you have to understand the American players who did not want to travel. "From a personal point of view if they had cancelled, it would have been a disappointment but it has only been postponed and so we will still be Ryder Cup players next year." "All the European team agreed that we wanted to go ahead but the decision has basically been made by the US team. "We don't know what's going to happen - it could be World War III or something - so I think it's a very good decision." Scott Hoch - American Ryder Cup team member: "As far as travelling abroad and being on the golf course is concerned, that might not be the safest place." Bernard Gallagher - former European Ryder Cup captain: "It certainly is not going to be a victory for the terrorists. This is the sensible way. "We were always going to do what the Americans wanted to do. If they wanted to play, we'd play. If they chose not to, we wouldn't.
"It might give us some breathing space - a chance to get back to what Sam Ryder wanted the competition to be, promoting good will between the two tours." Mark James - former European Ryder Cup captain: "I can understand the point of view as to why it can't go ahead." Christy O'Connor Jr - former European Ryder Cup player: "The main thinking would be that the Americans wouldn't have the Ryder Cup on their minds so that's why they didn't go ahead with it. "My feelings are of great sadness of course with the Ryder Cup being what it is, but I can see where it [the decision] is coming from. "I know all the players are thinking of the survivors. I think it's a mark of respect to the people who died. "I think the Americans would not feel they were giving 100% to play and with the Ryder Cup you need to give 100%. "I'm delighted that they're going to play it next year," he added. Howard Clark - former European Ryder Cup player: "I fully expected it, there's nothing that can be done, it was the only option. "This isn't about golf, it's about showing respect for the thousands who died." "To show disregard for safety is a bit difficult. "Tiger's withdrawal from the Lancome Trophy was just enough to suggest that the American team did not want to travel." "I think it is fair for the same 12 to play next year. "The European team have been looking forward since they made the qualification and they have the right to play. "The players have got the chance now to get their game into shape, to really get themselves into full shape for the contest." | |
 Ryder Cup offWas it right to cancel the match?
Other top Golf stories:  Links to more Golf stories are at the foot of the page. | ||||||||||||||||
 | | | | |
|
Links to more Golf stories |
| ||
 | ^^ Back to top | |
| Front Page | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Other Sports | Sports Talk | In Depth | Photo Galleries | Audio/Video | TV & Radio | BBC Pundits | Question of Sport | Funny Old Game ------------------------------------------------------------ BBC News >> | BBC Weather >> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- © MMII|News Sources|Privacy | ||
SPORTS TALK
E-mail this story to a friend