This week marks the start of the Ryder Cup in Scotland. It could have been the People’s Republic of Scotland or whatever….not to be.
Outside of the four major championships, this is the greatest golf event staged. The players are fired up, the fans are fired up and the media go on a hype fest. It may be better than the four majors!!!
12 dudes from the USA and 12 dudes from Europe along with 407,000 hangers-on play for bragging rights and the tiny-wee cup adorned with a statuette of Abe Mitchell and named for Samuel Ryder.
The Europeans of late have had the upper hand, and I think this year will be no different. Let me throw some ideas at you for reasons why I think that:
1. The Europeans are better all round golfers. Current number one Rory McIlroy has proved he can play anywhere. Serial ball smasher, Henrik Stenson can flat-out play. We saw Martin Kaymer smash the strongest field at The Players and the destroy the US Open.
2. The Europeans play a variety of golf. Every week they playing a different course in a different country with different conditions and different shots. Great practice for the pressure of The Ryder Cup on a links.
3. The Europeans have momentum. That great advantage that can’t be measured yet is prevalent in all sports. I think the Americans are suffering from a sort of quicksand type panic, where the harder they try, the more pressure and sinking happens.
4. The Europeans are a team. I have no basis for this argument but, it seems to me like the Europeans have a better team atmosphere because they are together so often and travelling and practicing and playing. From an outsiders point of view, the Americans seem to have their own individual teams around them (coaches, psychs, physios, agents……..) along with some impressive INDIVIDUAL performances. There seems to be very little camaraderie with the yanks. Hopefully Tom Watson will bring them together.
I am hoping for a close battle and will be glued to the screen no matter what. I don’t mind who wins – I will be hoping for some great golf and some fantastic sporting moments. MySky will take a beating this week for sure!!
Good luck fullas!!!
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