Ryder Cup history changed in the late 20th century when the Europeans started to win and consistently pummelled the Americans. In 1977, Jack Nicklaus had suggested that continentals be added to the traditional British and Irish team because the competitive balance was out of whack. By the time the Euros charged back on Sunday after being down 10-6 at Medinah in 2012, it felt like America would never win again. The Americans had failed a captain they truly adored, Davis Love. Next, they would head to Scotland under a captain no one really knew. Everyone respected Tom Watson, but he was anywhere from 20-40 years older than his players and perceived as a bit old school. It didn't help that the senior member of the team, Phil Mickelson, had very strong opinions about the Cup, was certain that Watson was the wrong choice, and had not been quiet about it. The US lost convincingly and Mickelson took down Watson in the post-match press conference. Phil had suggested that more player input was necessary and the PGA listened. They formed a task force, and the task force concluded that Davis Love should repeat as captain. The stage was set for Hazeltine.
On Friday morning, on the back of the tee, was Arnie's bag from the 1975 Ryder Cup at Laurel Valley. The first group teed off at 7:35 a.m. By noon, the US was up 4-0. The Euros turned it around in the afternoon to make it 5-3 for the US. Ryder Cups are unique in the sport of golf because it is the only time a man who competes always on his own becomes part of a team. Working and playing together comes naturally to some and not so much to others. All of the players always describe it as the most difficult and stressful experiences of their careers. They literally shiver in the their shoes. Victory is inspiring; defeat totally demoralizing. The captains are under tremendous pressure because they have to prepare the team and make difficult decisions on Friday and Saturday. In each of the four sessions, only 8 of the teams 12 players actually play. Deciding who to pair with who, who to rest, who to switch and keeping everyone posted on his thinking is the hardest part of the captain's job. Winning puts you on a pedestal; losing places you in golf history's dustbin. Love and Darren Clarke were under the gun more than the players. The US was up 9 1/2-6 1/2 on Saturday night. They were half-a-point off Medinah, but felt ready to avenge their failure four years before.
Sunday opened with each side's number ones McIlroy v. Reed. Each sunk birdie putts on number eight of over 25 feet and fist bumped to the roar of the crowd. Reed's birdie on 18 won one of the greatest Ryder Cup matches ever. Mickelson and Garcia halved a 19 birdie match. The final score was 17-11. That night, the Euros joined the Americans and drank into the wee hours. Recommended to all. Thanks again, Wendell.
No comments:
Post a Comment