Faldo condemns USPGA course

Faldo is hoping for a wild card for the Ryder Cup

Nick Faldo has criticised the USPGA Championship, saying the course is too long.

The 44-year-old still has faint hopes of claiming a Ryder Cup place - but he needs a brilliant performance in Atlanta to impress European captain Sam Torrance.

However, after practising on the 7213-yard par-70 Athletic Club course, Faldo said: "It's too long for me.

"I think there are two birdie chances for me. I'm at a serious disadvantage here. It's a slugger's golf course."

But despite his pessimism, fellow Englishman Lee Westwood believes Faldo is still capable of producing his best.

Sam Torrance has plenty of wild card options

"You can still see that Nick's got it," said Westwood. "I don't think he missed a fairway.

"The quality's there. You don't win six Majors without being a great player."

Faldo has endured a miserable time since finishing third in the Volvo PGA championship at Wentworth in May.

He came in 72nd at the US Open and failed to make the cut in The Open at Lytham, falling outside the top 25 in the Ryder Cup points race.

He still has a remote chance of a wild card from Torrance.

But with US Tour winners Sergio Garcia and Jesper Parvnevik also vying for the two places, along with Jose Maria Olazabal, Ian Woosnam and Paul Lawrie, the prospects are not looking good for Faldo.