 Lehman is happy with America's underdog status |
US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman says claims that America's underachieving Ryder Cup players are spoiled and lack toughness "just drives me nuts". He said: "It's so far from the truth - it's a total misconception. I see a lot of very unspoiled guys on the US Tour."
Lehman also urged Chris Di Marco to start climbing the US Ryder rankings, warning: "I would say form is way more important than reputation.
"My message to Chris is 'get yourself in the top 10. You've got two months'."
DiMarco is earmarked as Phil Mickelson's partner after the success they enjoyed together in last season's Presidents Cup.
But he has fallen to 19th in the Cup standings since injuring himself skiing in March and may need a wild card to get into the 2006 US team.
"What he brings to the team is invaluable, but if he is not playing well, how do you pick him?" said Lehman, at this year's Cup venue - the K Club near Dublin - to play in the European Open.
His team will be looking to reverse a slump in September which has seen Europe win three of the last four Ryder Cups.
"I'd say we're the underdogs, without question. But I think being the underdog is good - I have no problem with that," Lehman added.
The 36th Ryder Cup takes place at the K Club, Straffan, Co. Kildare, Ireland, from 22-24 September.
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Interview: Tom Lehman