Man Bites Dog: U.S. Wins Ryder Cup in Rout
Two years ago, I had some pretty harsh things to say about the U.S. performance in the Ryder Cup. After accusing the U.S. side of not preparing sufficiently, I went on: “It’s time for these guys to take this seriously and play. They all say it’s major championship pressure, and it should be – you’re playing representing your country on a huge international stage. But they don’t prepare like a major. They just flat out don’t. As a golf fan, I expect better in two years. A lot better.”
This year, they gave it to us. Kenny Perry played like Jack Nicklaus, holing every pressure putt he looked at. Boo Weekly looked like the second coming of Byron Nelson, if only for a few holes at a time. Only Phil Mickelson caved under pressure as usual. The rest of the team performed superbly.
Two thumbs up to Captain Paul Azinger who motivated, coached, cajoled and kidded his way to a win. As importantly, he had a plan for the course set-up, executed to perfection, that played to his team’s strengths: Fairways that even J.B. Holmes couldn’t miss. Pin placements that were birdie friendly. And fans that were primed for the home side.
One final question must be asked: Was the U.S. team better without Tiger? It seemed so. They played as a group. In the usually-fatal foursomes, they dusted the Euros. And in fourball, the U.S. team members looked as though they actually got along.
All in all, an amazing performance, and one I hope we see repeated on European soil in two years.
Tags: boo weekly, kenny perry, paul azinger, ryder cup, Tiger Woods