Garcia backs Woosnam

Sergio Garcia has backed Ian Woosnam to do “a good job” following the furore over Thomas Bjorn’s criticism of the Ryder Cup captain.

Bjorn reacted furiously to being overlooked for a wild card for the European team, labelling Woosnam’s captaincy “the most pathetic that I have ever seen in my life”.

The Dane apologised for those comments on Tuesday and was fined a “substantial sum” by the European Tour – believed to be a record £10,000 (€15,000) - while Garcia offered his support to Woosnam ahead of the K Club contest in just over a fortnight’s time.

“I think he’s going to do a good job,” said Garcia, the only member of the team playing in this week’s Omega European Masters.

“He made two good picks. I know there were a couple of other players with a chance but unfortunately you can’t pick all of them and I think he chose well, who he felt was best for the team.”

Bjorn’s apology was not enough to prevent him being fined after a strongly-worded statement from European Tour executive director George Grady.

“Thomas Bjorn is a passionate and outstanding supporter of the European Tour,” Grady said.

“Nevertheless, the European Tour will not tolerate comments such as the personal and unacceptable remarks made by Thomas on Ian Woosnam, the 2006 Ryder Cup captain.

“We are aware that he has apologised to Ian Woosnam, and he has also apologised to the Tour. Thomas’ commitment to the Tour has never been in doubt. On this occasion he accepts his immense disappointment caused him to make spontaneous but inappropriate comments.

“We take this matter extremely seriously and have fined Thomas a substantial sum. He has accepted this fine. This very unfortunate episode is now closed.”

Earlier in the day, Bjorn had said: “Having had a day to reflect on my comments I would like to apologise for the hurtful and personal nature of my remarks to European captain Ian Woosnam.

“I realise I have made a mistake and, as such, have unreservedly apologised to Ian for my comments, which were made in the heat of the moment following the disappointment of not making it onto the European team.

“I am a passionate guy who believes that the Ryder Cup is one of the world’s greatest sporting events and I was desperately disappointed not to make it into the team.”

Having failed to earn an automatic place Bjorn, a member of two winning sides and an assistant to Bernhard Langer last time, was hoping for one of the two wild cards.

Woosnam, however, had decided on Darren Clarke for one of them and after long deliberation almost up to the point of the televised announcement, went for Lee Westwood as his other pick.

“I realise that it is 100% the captain’s choice and in Lee and Darren I believe he has picked two great players,” added Bjorn.

“All I want now is for all the media, players and golf fans to get behind the team for the matches in Ireland and for my comments to be forgotten.”

There is little chance of that, of course, but the row did distract some attention from Michelle Wie’s appearance in Switzerland, her 10th in a men’s event.

The 16-year-old from Hawaii has made the cut just once previously but stands a good chance of playing all four rounds on a course which plays considerably shorter than its 6,857 yards due to the high altitude.

“Of course there are going to be some people that aren’t happy with me playing,” admitted Wie.

“I am not expecting 100% support every week, but that is the way the world works. There are going to be people that support me and others that don’t but I feel people here have been very supportive and welcoming.

“I am doing it for myself and my own self happiness. I love playing men’s events and the challenge. I feel an adrenalin rush when I play these events and it is a lot of fun.

“I love playing men’s events. This is not going to be a short-term thing for me, it is long-term and I intend to do it all the way.”