Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Leftover thoughts from the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup, regardless of outcome, was great theater, particularly on Sunday when the European team came back from a 10-6 deficit to retain the cup with a dominant day in singles matches.  Ordinarily, it is the American team who struggles early in team competition then makes up points in the singles.  That tradition was turned on its side this past weekend.

Here are some random, leftover thoughts from watching the contest at Medinah Country Club in suburban Chicago:

- Ian Poulter is one of those athletes you love to hate--unless he plays for your team.  Poulter led a significant comeback in the Saturday afternoon four-ball matches and was money in the singles match on Sunday.

- How in the world does Jim Furyk not have a better Ryder Cup record?  Furyk's mental approach to the game seems tailored for the Ryder Cup but this captain's pick, once again, did not not deliver at crunch time.

- Keeping with the captain's pick theme, Steve Stricker, who joined Furyk as Davis Love III's picks, failed to score a single point in the Cup.

- The outcome was virtually decided when Phil Mickelson blew a one stroke lead, going into the 17th hole, in his singles match against Paul Lawrie.  Lawrie was outstanding but it was Mickelson who needed to stop the Euro momentum, and failed to do so.

- Speaking of Mickelson, many question DLIII's choice to sit Lefty and Keegan Bradley on Saturday afternoon after the two were scorching hot in their Friday and Saturday morning matches.  Bradley was the star of the U.S. team.

- And finally, is there a better team competition in sports than the Ryder Cup?  It's so cool to see players, known for their on-course stoicism, playing for no money and national pride, plus the respect of their teammates and profession.  The emotion these players express on the course is real and I can think of few more stressful moments in sports than standing over a Ryder Cup putt to decide a match.  Let's give it up to Martin Kaymer who made one of those putts to clinch the title for the Euros.

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