Skipper snub leaves Lyle mystified

Shropshire golfer Sandy Lyle has launched an outspoken attack on European Tour officials after being overlooked for the Ryder Cup captaincy.

Shrewsbury-born Lyle, formerly of Hawkstone Park, had hoped to be given the chance to lead Europe's attempt to defeat the Americans at Celtic Manor next September.

Instead, the European Tour committee plumped for Colin Montgomerie, leaving Lyle - normally a master of diplomacy - bewildered and disappointed.

"I was let down by the European Tour," the double major winner said.

"It's frustrating. I'm still mystified why they haven't pin-pointed any sort of qualities I'm lacking. I'd like to know.

"I've not been as far forward at self-promoting as some players we know can be.

"But I've always had it ground into me that you don't go out there blowing your own trumpet.

"You let your clubs do the talking and I think my clubs have done enough talking over the years as far as results, majors and experiences go, which is more than enough to be a Ryder Cup captain.

"I think George O'Grady (European Tour chief executive) probably could've supported me a bit more and made them realise how much I had done behind the scenes in supporting the European Tour for what they have now, which is a world tour."

Lyle's hopes of captaining Europe in one of sport's biggest global events now appear to have passed, although South African legend Gary Player has called for the 51-year-old to be given the job in 2012.