Hero Cup gives Europe chance to assess options for Ryder Cup

By STEVE DOUGLAS
AP Sports Writer

This year’s Ryder Cup is set to mark a break from the past for European golf and this week might provide a hint as to who is part of the future. The Hero Cup match-play event takes place in Abu Dhabi from Friday to Sunday. It pits Britain and Ireland against Continental Europe in a competition that allows European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald a chance to assess his options eight months out from the contest with the United States outside Rome. New blood will be needed in Donald’s team because of the likely absence of veteran players like Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia who have long been the backbone of the Europe’s lineup.