Sam Torrance tears into Faldo

• Torrance blasts Faldo over Garcia criticism
• Faldo had described Spaniard as ‘useless’
• “He only opens his mouth to change feet” says Sam
• Interview appears in issue 136 of bunkered

In an exclusive interview with bunkered, Sam Torrance has launched a stinging attack on his former Ryder Cup teammate Sir Nick Faldo for comments the Englishman aimed at Sergio Garcia during this year’s match at Gleneagles.

During commentary of the contest, Faldo described Spanish ace Garcia as having been ‘useless’ during the 2008 contest where Faldo was captain.

The remarks drew the six-time major winner widespread criticism and, speaking in the latest edition of bunkered (issue 136), Torrance, an assistant of Paul McGinley this year, broke his silence on the subject.

“To say that right in the middle of the Ryder Cup, what was the a***hole thinking about?” said Torrance. “The reaction in the team room was magnificent. The guys rallied round Garcia.

“ really, it was pathetic from Faldo. I’ve no idea where he was coming from with that stuff. You can even quote me on that, I don’t care. He’s an a***hole. It was beyond belief that one of our greatest-ever players would come out with a comment like that. Garcia’s not a team player? Have a look in the mirror, pal.

“He just opens his mouth to change feet.” – Sam Torrance on Sir Nick Faldo

“Garcia’s one of the best team players we have. He’s an incredible kid, with the heart of a lion and he’s incredible in the team room. Really, I’ve just no idea where those comments came from.”

Torrance went on to speculate that Faldo was perhaps ‘just trying to be controversial’, adding: “Remember the ‘I’d like to thank the press from the heart of my bottom’ speech? He just opens his mouth to change feet.”

Asked if he had confronted Faldo about his ill-judged remarks, Torrance said: “No, because the opportunity has come up to tell him what I thought about him before and it’s not something I want to do.”

Torrance and Faldo played on eight consecutive Ryder Cup teams together between 1981 and 1995. Torrance also captained the side to victory in 2002 at The Belfry, whilst Faldo’s stint at the helm ended in defeat at Valhalla six years later.

Sam Torrance :: Interview in full

To read all of Sam Torrance‘s interview with bunkered, pick up issue 136, out this week.

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor