Faldo deserves this honour

It's not often that sports administrators are praised for their Solomonesque wisdom, but the decision to announce the next two European Ryder Cup captains surely comes into that category.

It's not often that sports administrators are praised for their Solomonesque wisdom, but the decision to announce the next two European Ryder Cup captains surely comes into that category.

Ian Woosnam is popular and feisty and has the valuable experience of working with Sam Torrance for the 2002 victory at The Belfry. No complaints, here.

Delegating Nick Faldo so far in advance to lead the next challenge in America was even wiser.

Britain's greatest golfer has too often paid an excessive price for the cussedly independent - utterly self-obsessed, if you like - style of earlier days. Unlike Woosie, he has never been in danger of winning any locker-room popularity contests. However, in the past he has been treated with disgraceful pettiness by contemporaries who should have treated him with a lot more respect.

Now, some atonement has been made. It is entirely right.