Strange admits deferment fears

GOLF: United States captain Curtis Strange has refused to rule out another Ryder Cup postponement with the 2002 tournament less than two weeks away.

Strange admitted if his nation's increasing threats to invade Iraq become reality before the scheduled September 27th start date of the match it could once again be in jeopardy.

Last year's competition was cancelled following the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States.

Strange told BBC Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek: "I don't think we should speculate on what might happen in the next 10 days or so. Tony Blair and our president are going to do what's right and I have the utmost confidence in them. Whatever our president decides to do I think we will all be behind itS.

"I haven't spoken to the other players and it is a question which needs to be asked of the (PGA) officials of Europe and America."

Ireland's Padraig Harrington insisted he would have no qualms about lining up in such a circumstance - but said the decision to compete would have to be an individual one. "I would play," said Harrington. "I'd be there but I'd never even for a second judge anybody else for not turning up, or playing, if that was the case.

"It would certainly make it more difficult for them (the United States). As one player said, playing for the United States at this time would be like walking around with a bullseye on your back.

"The sooner the Ryder Cup comes along the better so we don't have to deal with a scenario like that," said Harrington.

Strange admitted there would be an inevitable degree of patriotism surrounding this year's tournament but insisted again it would take a much different form to that which marred the last event in Brookline in 1999.

"Leading up to the matches I think you'll see a sombre mood, more humility and respect," he said. "But once the tag goes into the ground you're going to see a hard-fought, competitive match.

"We are under a microscope but everybody feels it's more important when you start waving your flag and representing your country."