Woosnam's warning to Cup hopefuls

Denmark’s Soren Kjeldsen equalled the course record to lead the Italian Open - but Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam grabbed the headlines in Milan.

Woosnam could only manage a 70 to Kjeldsen’s 63, but it was what he had to say before even teeing off which was the focus of attention.

The 48-year-old Welshman feels his team to defend the trophy at the K Club in Dublin in September is shaping up well, with Jose Maria Olazabal, Sergio Garcia and Colin Montgomerie already virtually assured of their places.

But the likes of Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter – and to a lesser extent Padraig Harrington – all members of the record-winning side at Oakland Hills in 2004 - are well outside the 10 automatic qualifying places after spending most of their time on the US Tour.

And Woosnam warned they needed to play more in Europe to avoid jeopardising their chances of a wild card if they fail to qualify.

“Padraig and Lee have to start making a move really,” said Woosnam, whose two wild cards will complete his 12-man team.

“They don’t want to be leaving themselves too much to do.

“I think I have to be firm about it and say that people who play more in Europe will have a better chance of getting into the team.”

Asked how he thought that message would be received, Woosnam responded: “They can think what they like. We are a European team.

“There is a lot of money to be made in America but they have to make the choice of trying to make it on World Ranking points or the Order of Merit.

“If they are playing here they get both ranking points and Order of Merit points.”

Woosnam pointedly noted that Spanish Open winner Niclas Fasth, who moved up to 12th in the standings with victory at San Roque, was “spending his time in Europe trying to get into the team,” and has previously used the example of Luke Donald.

Donald missed out on automatic qualifying in 2004 but was chosen as a wild card by captain Bernhard Langer.

“Luke Donald came and made the effort last time, although he didn’t quite make the team automatically he got a wild card,” Woosnam said at the start of the qualifying process.

“These guys have got the the opportunity and hopefully they will come back to our tour and play.”

Woosnam ill get the chance to further stress his point across when many of the tour’s top names gather at The Belfry next week for the British Masters.

Meanwhile Kjeldsen is targeting an overdue victory after his flawless 63 equalled the course record set by England’s Richard Finch last year.

The Ascot-based 30-year-old started on the 10th and opened with four consecutive birdies, and picked up further shots at the 17th, first, third, fifth and ninth to set a clubhouse target which was never seriously threatened.

Kjeldsen admitted he was disappointed not to have added to his maiden tour title, which came at the Diageo Championship at Gleneagles in 2003.

“I think I’ve been in contention once since and that is disappointing,” he said. “I’ve been playing well but just not finishing the job.

“I’ve just being getting a bit tense on Sunday’s and to play as relaxed as I played today is the key. I talk a lot more on the course now, I never used to say a word.”

At nine under Kjeldsen was two shots ahead of Kent’s Benn Barham with English trio Philip Archer, James Hepworth and Andrew Butterfield, France’s Gregory Havret – the winner in 2001 – South African Michael Kirk and Italy’s Alessandro Tadini all on six under.

Defending champion Steve Webster, who ended a 10-year wait for his maiden tour title at the Arnold Palmer-designed venue 12 months ago, made a steady start with a one-under 71.

Argentina’s Angel Cabrera, at 25th the only player in the world’s top 50 taking part, also carded a 71.