Ryder Cup men sign up for big ‘Matchplay’
TWO former Ryder Cup stars are now confirmed starters for the 2018 Ravenscroft Open matchplay.
Paul Way, the second youngest ever Great Britain and Europe debutant after Nick Faldo, joins another former Ryder Cup man in Steve Richardson among the strongest field yet for the annual event, which is now into its sixth year.
In his time Way, now 55, collected three European Tour wins, including the PGA Championship.
His career Ryder Cup points tally terminated at a very worthy six and his matchplay pedigree is enhanced by appearances at the Walker Cup, Dunhill Cup and World Cup.
But back in 1983, when he made his Ryder Cup debut in partnership with Seve Ballesteros, he was said to be so nervous that his legendary partner leant over and muttered: ‘Don’t worry Paul. Wherever you hit it I will knock it on the green.’
Having won the Brabazon Trophy in 1981, a major amateur competition also won by Bobby Eggo, Way turned professional in 1982 and quickly found success on the European Tour, winning that year’s KLM Dutch Open.
For a few years, he was one of Europe’s most promising young golfers and he was part of the Europe team again at the 1985 Ryder Cup when the Europeans famously captured the trophy at the Belfry after a 28-year drought.
He had an outstanding Ryder Cup record of six wins, two losses and one halved match, but his last top 100 finish on the Order of Merit was in 1993 and after 1997 he played little tournament golf.
Four years ago he began playing on the European Senior Tour after turning 50.
Way’s presence and also that of Richardson, Darren Leng and Chris Guy will make it highly difficult for four-times ‘Ravenscroft’ winner Bobby Eggo.
All five will go into the 16-man draw for the event being staged between 25-29 June and Richardson is particularly well known to Eggo, the two having clashed in the 1989 English Amateur matchplay final.
More in Wednesday's Guernsey Press.
