Faldo plans democratic approach for Cup pairings

By Norman Dabell

SOUTHPORT (Reuters) - European Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo says he will rely on input from his players to select his pairings for the matches against the U.S. in September.

The six-times major champion was regarded as a loner during his illustrious playing career but is eager to adopt a democratic strategy for his first stint in charge of the European team.

"When you get down to it, it's not so much about a 12-a-side match but all about how you get two guys to perform best against another two guys," Faldo told BBC television on Saturday during the British Open third round.

"So I will listen to the guys. I've got to understand what they want. It's no good me just putting 12 guys out the way I want it. I don't want to give the guys any surprises.

"Characters are important, equipment is important. There have been a few off-the-wall pairings that have worked in the past that came about on the week -- like Seve (Ballesteros) and Paul Way."

Ballesteros and Way won twice and halved once in their four matches together at PGA National Golf Club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida in 1983.

CUP INKLING

"I got an inkling of this at the Seve Trophy," Faldo added, referring to the biennial competition where a Britain and Ireland team takes on Continental Europe. "I thought I could just mix them up as I liked but the guys didn't want that.