Let's Hear it For the Americans
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The Ryder Cup has been a bit of a one-way affair in recent years, with Europe playing far better as a team, and the Americans showing that a team can be less than the sum of the parts.
Over the past few years, the Americans have always had more players in the top twenty in the world than any other nation and, in Tiger Woods, Phil Mickleson and Jim Furyk, have had players showing consistent excellence.
However, European team spirit, motivation and sheer guts always seemed to trump the Americans in recent competitions. Consequently, the Europeans have won five of the last six before this last weekend.
The two teams went into the 2008 competition seemingly very similar in terms of ability, but with more 'rookie' players representing the US. This led many to believe that the Europeans would be stronger, especially if they managed to build their customary lead during the first two days when they play in pairs.
This year has been very different. Yes, it was a close affair, but the typical European dominance of the foursomes and fourballs did not materialize. Instead, the Americans were ahead with just the Sunday singles to play and the Europeans simply could not quite do it. American team spirit seemed to be far better than in previous competitions. Perhaps more importantly, the Americans simply putted superbly. No excuses, the better team won the Cup. When Jim Furyk hit the winning putt, only the most partisan of European supporters could begrudge their success.
Hopefully the media will not be too hard on the European team and its captain, Nick Faldo. Faldo has been one of Europe's best ever golfers, having won the US Masters and the Open Championship three times each and scored more Ryder Cup points than anybody else in history. He faced a truly difficult choice in his wildcard picks and was courageous enough to choose Ian Poulter and Paul Casey over Darren Clarke and one of the other most successful European golfers in Ryder Cup history - Colin Montgomery.
Congratulations to the American team and to its captain, Paul Azinger. Next it's on to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010, with the Europeans intent on revenge on their own soil. I am sure that a huge number of golf fans - and fans of other sports who become golf fans for three compelling days every two years - can scarcely wait.
However, European team spirit, motivation and sheer guts always seemed to trump the Americans in recent competitions. Consequently, the Europeans have won five of the last six before this last weekend.
The two teams went into the 2008 competition seemingly very similar in terms of ability, but with more 'rookie' players representing the US. This led many to believe that the Europeans would be stronger, especially if they managed to build their customary lead during the first two days when they play in pairs.
This year has been very different. Yes, it was a close affair, but the typical European dominance of the foursomes and fourballs did not materialize. Instead, the Americans were ahead with just the Sunday singles to play and the Europeans simply could not quite do it. American team spirit seemed to be far better than in previous competitions. Perhaps more importantly, the Americans simply putted superbly. No excuses, the better team won the Cup. When Jim Furyk hit the winning putt, only the most partisan of European supporters could begrudge their success.
Hopefully the media will not be too hard on the European team and its captain, Nick Faldo. Faldo has been one of Europe's best ever golfers, having won the US Masters and the Open Championship three times each and scored more Ryder Cup points than anybody else in history. He faced a truly difficult choice in his wildcard picks and was courageous enough to choose Ian Poulter and Paul Casey over Darren Clarke and one of the other most successful European golfers in Ryder Cup history - Colin Montgomery.
Congratulations to the American team and to its captain, Paul Azinger. Next it's on to the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales in 2010, with the Europeans intent on revenge on their own soil. I am sure that a huge number of golf fans - and fans of other sports who become golf fans for three compelling days every two years - can scarcely wait.
Here Is The Writer : Peter Haines
Peter Haines has more than 20 years of experience in regulation and compliance, which he now offers through his consultancy firm. Peter has the misfortune to support Tottenham Hotspur, Kent CCC and England or Great Britain in most competitive sports. Fortunately, he enjoys a full and happy family life with his wife and two children in Suffolk, which compensates for the sporting trauma associated with supporting Spurs and England. Anybody who knows Peter well will confirm that he has the ideal physical profile of an armchair supporter.
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