As a fairly grim postscript to the USPGA Championship, figures indicate that the European Ryder Cup candidates could hardly be rated in the same league as their American counterparts. In fact, the top 10 Europeans who competed at Winged Foot were cumulatively 82 strokes worse than the home players.

With Padraig Harrington - who missed the cut - being included in the visiting top 10 in place of the absent Miguel-Angel Martin, they were a total of 90 over par. The Americans, on the other hand, were no more than eight over, helped by the sub-par contributions of the top four finishers.

But the Ryder Cup has a way of making nonsense of such figures, as was discovered at Oak Hill in 1995. That came six weeks after the USPGA Championship at Riviera, where Colin Montgomerie lost a play-off to Steve Elkington.

Of greater relevance, however, was the fact that only four European candidates - Costantino Rocca (17th), Sam Torrance (23rd), Nick Faldo (31st) and Philip Walton (39th) finished in the top 50. Last Sunday, admittedly from a larger representation, Montgomerie dropped to 13th, but he was followed by Bernhard Langer (23rd), Lee Westwood (29th), Ignacio Garrido (41st) and Thomas Bjorn, Jesper Parnevik and Torrance (tied 45th).

Among those, the performance of Garrido was especially heartening, particularly against the background of the European form that earned him a place here. The 25-year-old Spaniard has built up his Ryder Cup points at the most difficult time, by finishing runner-up in both the Scandinavian Masters and the Czech Open.

In contrast to American developments last weekend, he predicted yesterday that there would be little movement in the European table over the remaining two weeks. "Five or six players are already in and I don't think things are going to change all that much. Johansson, Rocca and I think Thomas Bjorn will make it."

But what of his compatriot Martin? "Well, he's not going to be able to play," replied Garrido. "I mean he's injured, so he won't make it. That will mean Rocca moving up a place and Harrington taking over at 10. If Olazabal doesn't make it, I think that's going to be the automatic 10 places, in which case he will get a wild card. But if he makes it, Harrington will move out, maybe."

Garrido then expressed fascinating views of Nick Faldo's situation, which could be reflective of other young Ryder Cup aspirants. "We know what a good player Faldo is, but I don't think he's at his peak now," said the Spaniard. "And we know Seve (Ballesteros) is a tough man.

"Sure, it is only a month since Faldo finished third in the Irish Open, but you have to weigh that against the great year that Jesper Parnevik is having. After all, he was second in the British Open. At the moment, I think it's 50-50 between Faldo and Parnevik and I would choose Parnevik.

"Just have a look at the rankings; have a look at the US money list; have a look at the British Open and have a look at all the other tournaments in which they have played, including here."

I then put it to the Spaniard whether in a crunch, matchplay situation, such as the World Matchplay Championship or the Alfred Dunhill Cup for instance, he would prefer to play Faldo or Parnevik. "I would prefer to play Faldo," he replied. "I say that because all of our players, including the young ones like myself, are now prepared to handle any kind of pressure."

He went on: "And Parnevik has been under a lot of pressure in a lot of tournaments, so he knows what it's about. Then there is the matter of pairings. We know that the Swedes will work well together whereas I have heard that Faldo is a tough man to have as a partner."

But would it not make more sense in a Ryder Cup context, for Ballesteros to favour a resolute battle-hardened player who won't back off, rather than a form player whose temperament may be suspect?

Garrido made the fascinating reply: "My understanding is that Seve says he prefers a young inexperienced player in form, than a good experienced player who is not playing well. So, I think that says everything. But only he knows what he will do at the last minute." Then he added with a smile: "He didn't tell me."

Meanwhile, hard-nosed scribes leaving here, were fearful of the sort of assignments they might be facing in the wake of another disappointing performance from Tiger Woods, who finished with a 75 for a share of 29th place. Is Woods capable of competing on tight difficult courses? Is he already burned out?

The fact is that Woods was hampered by a damaged ankle for the closing two rounds. And his real problems had more to do with the devilishly tricky greens than the punishing rough. Was it the toughest course he had played? "It's right up there," he replied. "It's either this or Shinnecock Hills."

Though he is competing in the World Series at Firestone this week, Woods already has his sights set on Valderrama. "It's a very interesting golf course and from what they tell me, the greens will look and feel like Augusta," he said. "So it will be tricky."

He is also conscious of having a score to settle in Europe. The 21year-old said: "Put it this way. After losing the Walker Cup in Wales, I want to get one back."