US skipper wary of Faldo tactics

We told you yesterday that the Ryder Cup mind-games had begun, but they have now gone into overdrive. Having seen off Hurricane Ike, the Valhalla course is now under a cloud of paranoia. And at the root of the troubles is a pack of pens.

US skipper Paul Azinger has heard rumours that rival Nick Faldo has requested felt-tip pens be placed on every tee during the European’s practice sessions so that they can sign autographs. “I know what they’re trying to do,” spluttered Azinger, conscious that Faldo might be trying to wrestle some of the home support away from the American team. “We’re going to treat our gallery like they’re our 13th man. We’ve got little lapel pins that we’re passing out and we’re going to do a pep rally on Thursday night in Fourth Street.”

There is, of course, nothing quite like lapel badges to whip a crowd of American spectators up into a frenzy, so Polite Applause for Azinger.

The felt pens were just the, erm, tip of the iceberg though. Faldo is also reported to have told journalists that Azinger confided in him that he was concerned about his choice of David Stockton and Raymond Floyd as vice-captains. Apparently, he told Faldo he is worried by their desire to win at all costs. “I question whether he said it – and if he did, it’s absolutely untrue,” Azinger said.

What are this pair going to be like when the golf starts? The mind boggles!