If you thought Tiger Woods was the biggest name missing out on the Ryder Cup this year, you're wrong.Englishman Luke Donald went under the knife to repair his wrist and will be out for the remainder of 2008 which is good news for any and all people hoping for a U.S. upset.
"While there is never a good time for an injury, the timing of this injury was especially disappointing for me considering that it forced me to miss the Open Championship and it comes in a Ryder Cup year," said Donald. "But taking proper care of it is my highest priority and I'm encouraged by Dr. Weiland's experience with this type of injury and his outlook towards my recovery and rehabilitation. I am appreciative of his guidance, as well as his staff's, and look forward to working diligently at my rehabilitation and returning to action next season."It really isn't good for the European team looking for a solid captain's pick. Donald was 11th on the Ryder Cup World Point List and has been an absolute BEAST in Ryder Cup play in 2004 and '06.
His record of 5-1-1 is impressive in itself but becomes even shinier when you look at the teams and individuals he's taken out. Teams of Woods and Jim Furyk, Phil Mickelson and David Toms and a singles victory over Chad Campbell two years ago after Campbell slaughtered Donald in '04 are just some of the highlights.The other negative for the European team is Donald's success with Sergio Garcia, who were 4-0 in their career together. With Jose Maria Olazabal looking to miss out on the team this year, not having Donald in the lineup with shrink the successful team Garcia has been on.
I guess concerning records, the Euros losing Donald is a bigger hit than the Americans going at it Tiger-less. Who knew they might be scrapping to find an equally important replacements as well?
