Faldo puts his case again

Nick Faldo has made his most passionate plea yet for a place in next month's Ryder Cup. And he admitted his enthusiasm is burning so fiercely that he wants to be playing in golf's most prestigious event well into the next millennium.

Faldo has played in the last 10 Ryder Cups, and he is banking on captain Seve Ballesteros being unable to jettison such a valuable source of experience.

"I've played more Ryder Cups than eight or nine of the automatic places put together," said Faldo after jetting in from America to support his Junior Classic Series at the Forest of Arden.

"They are green, and that's why it's important the seasoned players do well. Right from the pre-event dinner to the opening ceremony you can tell the youngsters what is going to happen.

"You can make sure they are ready to play, not too relaxed but keyed up to play their best. It can help elevate their games to a level they've never been before.

"The little things you do and say can make a big difference. We are underdogs again, the American team on paper are hot, and that is why we must draw on our experience. I very much want to be there."

Faldo has still had no contact with Ballesteros and at times there seems to be an almost discernible tick at the mention of the Spaniard's name, rather like the fraught police chief at the mention of Inspector Clouseau.

It is clear the two men are not bosom companions, but Faldo clearly has the highest respect for Ballesteros the motivator.

"He's just full of enthusiasm and passion, a bit like Tony Jacklin," said Faldo.

"I've seen him in tears just talking about the event and that's very special."

And he admits that if there is no call from Seve he will be devastated. "It is a very important part of my career," he said. "I've played 10 in a row and I don't think this should be my last. I want to keep playing Ryder Cup until . . . who knows?"

Faldo expects to hear his fate "through the grapevine" as he will be travelling most of Sunday, and you sense he is tempted at times to give Ballesteros a call.

"I'd call Seve collect - but he'd probably just say `Who'," joked Faldo. The smart money, however, suggests Seve's response would be more on the lines of "Si senor".