Ryder Cup skipper Nick Faldo was my inspiration, reveals rookie Soren Hansen

Aug 31 2008 By Euan Mclean

RYDER CUP rookie-in-waiting Soren Hansen has revealed he was inspired by Nick Faldo's skills as a captain even when he was playing AGAINST him.

Now the Dane can't wait to feed off Faldo's leadership for real next month as part of the European side gunning for a fourth consecutive triumph over America at Valhalla.

Hansen got a sneak preview last year when he competed in the Seve Trophy in Ireland and Faldo led Great Britain and Ireland to a 16.5 to 11.5 win over Ballesteros' Continental Europe team.

Despite Hansen going all out to beat Faldo's men he admits the Englishman was as big an inspiration to him as his own players.

The 34-year-old said: "I was on the wrong side but Nick still made a big impression on me as captain.

"He gave a little pep talk the night before the tournament and introduced himself to all the young guys who'd never played with him.

"Faldo was the main man we watched on TV growing up so it was nice we could see his human side and he really helped us relax.

"I'm sure that will be a valuable quality for the rookies at Valhalla and he will be an excellent leader at the Ryder Cup. He has all the ingredients and a bit of humour.

"He was superb with tactics in terms of putting out pairings and also with the inspiration and support he offers."

The biennial Seve Trophy is considered a preparation ground for potential Ryder Cup players and Faldo appeared to be looking ahead to Valhalla even then.

On the eve of the tournament he urged his team to focus not just on the year-long Ryder Cup qualifying dogfight ahead - but also on being ready to succeed if they made his 12-man team.

It's advice Hansen has taken to heart. As well as raising his game in an excellent season that brings him to the verge of sealing his spot this week at Gleneagles, he has tapped into the knowledge of fellow Dane Thomas Bjorn, veteran of Euro triumphs in 1997 and 2002.

Hansen said: "Nick told us it's so important not to think about just getting on the team, you have to also believe once you get there you can actually lift that trophy.

"I kept that in mind and wanted advice from guys who have been there so I spoke a lot to Thomas.

"He is the only Dane who has made the team in recent times and his words have helped me get to the brink of qualifying. I'm sure his advice will also be important once I am there.

"He's told me about what it is like being at the Ryder Cup but at this stage we mainly talk about the challenges of qualifying."

Hansen is almost certain to be confirmed today as one of at least four rookies in Faldo's line-up but reckons his inexperience will be countered by his Scots caddie John Graham. Scotch, as he is known on tour, is taking part in his fifth Ryder Cup after working with Lee Westwood and Mark James.

Hansen said: "Scotchy's been there a few times and that has helped me in the build-up. He'll be a good man to have on the bag but I can't take my place for granted.

"Regardless of the Ryder Cup the Johnnie Walker Championship is important and I want to do well."