News From The Ryder Cup

[fundonny]

I'm with Indio with regards to Sergio, can't stand him. I think it was his waggles that killed me. Plus he and Adidas don't know what they're doing.

[mberube]

Plus he and Adidas don't know what they're doing.

[mberube]

Unbelievable the putts and chips the Euros make. To bad they can’t play like that on the PGA especially in majors.

Mike

[jonf]

Man...Garcia is great - one of my favourite tour players. I don't think I'll ever forget that shot from behind the tree at Medinah. That was right when I was first starting to play golf and I just thought he was the coolest guy - one of the only playerswho was actually entertaining to watch.

[dH]

Predictions???

I predict to win.

Colin Montgomerie
Sergio Garcia
Jim Furyk
Tiger Woods
Luke Donald
JJ Henry -> I like this guy!
Zach Johnson
Brett Wetterich
Jose Maria Olazabal
Chris DiMarco
VerPlank

[Golfbum]

Predictions???

I predict to win.

Colin Montgomerie
Sergio Garcia
Jim Furyk
Tiger Woods
Luke Donald
JJ Henry -> I like this guy!
Zach Johnson
Brett Wetterich
Jose Maria Olazabal
Chris DiMarco
VerPlank

So you are saying the USA TEAM comes back to win? Hmmmmmmmmm
I do like JJ HENRY though, that dude just strolls along out there looking totally cool while shooting good scores. Johnson was on fire Saturday morning! -7 scorching!

[spackler]

So you are saying the USA TEAM comes back to win? Hmmmmmmmmm
I do like JJ HENRY though, that dude just strolls along out there looking totally cool while shooting good scores. Johnson was on fire Saturday morning! -7 scorching!

He's got Europe getting 4 points there, that's all they need to retain the cup. But no prediction on the Taylor-Stenson match dH? Do they win outright or just a tie?

Whichever, it'll be nice to finally watch some LIVE action tomorrow. Tape delay in the internet age is a joke, at least show the afternoon matches live.

[fireice]

Europe needs 4 1/2 to retain the Cup. They'll get that and more.

[LobWedge]

Europe needs 4 1/2 to retain the Cup. They'll get that and more.

Only 4 to retain. 4 1/2 to win it outright.

All the American comentators (except for Johnny Miller, who seems to have his head screwed on straight for once) are trying to make all these mystic connections to Brookline. The difference this time is that the Europeans are a much deeper side than 1999. They should win comfortably.

[LobWedge]

7:15AM Montgomerie (EUR) vs. Toms (US) - Monty needs to have his "A" putter going to stay close. This course sets up perfectly for Toms. Prediction - Toms

7:27AM Garcia (EUR) vs. Cink (US) - The Irish fans have granted Garcia honorary citizenship. Cink is steady and a great putter, but Sergio will be too much to handle. Prediction - Garcia

7:39AM Casey (EUR) vs. Furyk (US) - This could be the slugfest of the day. Casey's iron game has been spectacular, and Furyk's as tough as they come. Prediction - Halved

7:51AM Karlsson (EUR) vs. Woods (US) - Woods is back in his element (on his own). If Karlsson can stay close he may be able to steal it late, especially if he can keep chipping in. Prediction - Woods

8:03AM Donald (EUR) vs. Campbell (US) - Campbell is a tough customer, but his ball flight is too high, especially if the wind is up. Donald hasn't golfed his own ball yet, but he is the picture of consistency (he isn't on the top of the European RC points list for nothing). Prediction - Donald

8:15AM McGinley (EUR) vs. Henry (US) - Henry is playing some inspired golf this week, and having a lot of fun doing it. McGinley probably knows this course better than anyone, and is due to break out. Prediction - Halved

8:27AM Clarke (EUR) vs. Johnson (US) - Johnson is having an amzing tournament, but Clarke is on a mission and the hometown fans will carry him to victory. Prediction - Clarke (BTW - if my predictions hold true to here, this will be point #14 for Europe. I think this story will trump Brookline 1999 in the history books )

8:39AM Stenson (EUR) vs. Taylor (US) - Stenson has been quiet so far, not bad, just quiet. Taylor hit some great shots in his only appearance to help Campbell earn a half, but can he hold up on his own with more pressure than he's ever faced before? Prediction - Stenson (actually, Taylor will lose it.)

8:51AM Howell (EUR) vs. Wetterich (US) - Wetterich would be wise to leave his driver, and maybe the 3-wood too, back at the hotel. Plenty of length, but not enough accuracy for the Palmer course. Howell needs to remember what it's like to play his own ball all the way to the hole (he hasn't had to do that yet). Prediction - Halved

9:03AM Olazábal (EUR) vs. Mickelson (US) - I still see Ollie as the anchor of the European side. Mickelson is the lead weight for the US team. Prediction - Olazábal

9:15AM Westwood (EUR) vs. DiMarco (US) - Westwood may be the most brilliant captain's pick of all time (Thomas who?). DiMarco is great tee to green, but needs to get the wand working. Prediction - Halved

9:27AM Harrington (EUR) vs. Verplank (US) - I have never seen a man with only 1/2 a point in 4 matches smile so much. No problem, he will put the exclamation point on the day by making Verplank go ker-plunk. Prediction - Harrington


Final Score: Europe - 18, USA - 10.

[EDSGOLF]

Congrats to Europe but a boring Sunday on TV, no drama.

[spackler]

Congrats to Europe but a boring Sunday on TV, no drama.

No drama, but really wonderful golf. Cink started it off by dropping all those bombs on Sergio, and then everyone joined in the party. So many long putts and chips dropped, sometimes on top of each other, each turning inside out the supposed advantage on the hole, it was really fun to watch.

[Golfbum]

ANOTHER SPANKING ADMINISTERED BY THE
EUROPEAN TEAM.

Of course everyone is going to blame Captain Tom. But in all honesty, he never hit a damn shot in three days. He did everything he could to bring that team together. USA just doesn't get the "TEAM CONCEPT" like the Europeans do.

Back to the drawing board for the next US Captain.

[Hacker]

ANOTHER SPANKING ADMINISTERED BY THE

EUROPEAN TEAM.

Of course everyone is going to blame Captain Tom. But in all honesty, he never hit a damn shot in three days. He did everything he could to bring that team together. USA just doesn't get the "TEAM CONCEPT" like the Europeans do.

Back to the drawing board for the next US Captain.

This doesn't surprize me one little bit............golf is an individual game and the American's get that - it is very hard for them to play a team game because it is so foreign to them.

What I find amazing how you put little Choke-io with a partner and he's the second coming of Bobby Jones but he plays his own ball and he goes back to his losing ways....

[mberube]

What baffles me is how Euro’s can put an amazing display of golf during the Ryder Cup and completely disappear on the PGA. If Sergio could putt like this in majors he would have at least three under his belt. Same goes for Monty, Westwood and Clark.

Mike

[Golfbum]

Congrats to Europe but a boring Sunday on TV, no drama.

NO DRAMA? I just watched the tape and you must have watched different golf than I did. Hole outs from off the green, birdie putts going in from everywhere. Stewart Cink sunk some BOMBS. Darren Clarke from off the green, 90 feet with a putter, nothing but cup!
I found the action to be quite exciting.
Oh and the best part of it all? SUPER CADDIE STEVIE dropping Tiger's 9 iron into the depths of the pond beside 7 Did someone click a camera and cause him to drop that? Would have been nice to see him go in head first instead of the 9 iron

[Golfbum]

This doesn't surprize me one little bit............golf is an individual game and the American's get that - it is very hard for them to play a team game because it is so foreign to them.

What I find amazing how you put little Choke-io with a partner and he's the second coming of Bobby Jones but he plays his own ball and he goes back to his losing ways....

I have to assume you are referring to Garcia as Little Choke-io? If so, the way Stewart Cink played today he would have steam rolled Tiger Woods! He was sinking bombs from everywhere. Tough to beat a guy in match play when he does that. Garcia still has an awesome record in the Ryder Cup events he has played in.

[Indio]

I have to assume you are referring to Garcia as Little Choke-io? If so, the way Stewart Cink played today he would have steam rolled Tiger Woods! He was sinking bombs from everywhere. Tough to beat a guy in match play when he does that. Garcia still has an awesome record in the Ryder Cup events he has played in.

I was so happy to see the following:

1. Garcia get spanked
2. Mickelson get spanked
3. Clark win
4. Monty win

My wishes came true..... didn't care who won, although I was rootin for the yanks.

[EDSGOLF]

NO DRAMA? I just watched the tape and you must have watched different golf than I did.

At no time did I ever say "Hey, maybe the US can win this cup."

[Big Johnny69]

Euros in a romp, just like I predicted! Congrats Euros, US have a long way to go.

[Golfbum]

At no time did I ever say "Hey, maybe the US can win this cup."

And at no time did I say you said "Hey, maybe the US can win this cup"

You stated there was no drama. Depends on what you want to see in golf. I watched putts poring in from all over. Shots from the rough etc that end up tight. Chip ins from around the greens, I think that is exciting golf.
Drama? Well most of us knew on Saturday night that the Ryder Cup was staying in Europe

[jonf]

no suspense, then.

[fireice]

Nice win Europe.
The Guinness will be flowing in Ireland tonight.

[Hacker]

I have to assume you are referring to Garcia as Little Choke-io? If so, the way Stewart Cink played today he would have steam rolled Tiger Woods! He was sinking bombs from everywhere. Tough to beat a guy in match play when he does that. Garcia still has an awesome record in the Ryder Cup events he has played in.

I'm not disputing that Sergio has a great Ryder Cup record........what I'm saying is that he chokes as an individual golfer and since 99% of all competitive golf that he plays is in the individual format I find it quite amazing that he excels in the team game.

I wonder why that is? Is it because he doesn't feel as much pressure when he has a team around him? Does playing for himself not motivate him as much as playing for team and country? The opposite is true of guys like Tiger, Phil and Furyk - why do these guys play the individual game so well but stink the place up in the team competitions??

I'm intrigued by the psychology of it all

[sharkshooter]

... Does playing for himself not motivate him as much as playing for team and country? The opposite is true of guys like Tiger, Phil and Furyk - why do these guys play the individual game so well but stink the place up in the team competitions??
...

Phil chokes equally as well in team play as in individual play.

[Hacker]

Phil chokes equally as well in team play as in individual play.

I suppose you do have a point there Shark - but at least he puts himself in a position to choke on a consistent basis

[Started2k3]

.... I'm intrigued by the psychology of it all

The interesting thing about golf is that you are never playing against anyone (although you may think you are), but you are only playing against the course (and course architect).

[LobWedge]

The interesting thing about golf is that you are never playing against anyone (although you may think you are), but you are only playing against the course (and course architect).

True that you are always playing against the course, but in match play you are definitely playing against your opponent too. There are many more tactical considerations to be made in this format based on what your opponent does, or doesn't do.

I don't know if you've played any head-to-head matches, and it sounds like you haven't, but it is a much different game than regular stroke or medal play. Every golfer should experience it at least once.

[boyabouttown]

What really surprised me about the team matches was that the caddies on both teams had no input reading the putts. Watching Woods and Furyk take 5 minutes to discuss a putt and not even come close to hitting the hole was laughable! Made you wonder what they were talking about! It was strange to watch Mickelson putt and not see his caddy, Jim McKay lining up the putts for him like he always does. Anyone know why? I appreciate that it is important to involve your partner in this type of match play, but why would a player especially at that level change his routine. I was also surprised that Lehman played Mickelson in all the matches. Where was this guy after the PGA? His lack of preparation certainly showed; especially in his poor iron play.

I was glad to see the Euros win. I was especially pleased to se Paul Casey play so well at such an important event. That poor guy was crucified in the american press when things he said at the world cup were totally miscommunicated. I hope this is the start of great things for him!

To a man there was not one player you looked at and did not think how much fun it would be to have them in your foursome! Obviously, playing at the K Club was a huge advantage for them. They play the course regularly. They know the greens. Makes one wonder why the americans choose to play at courses that although may be regulars in terms of the majors, are not courses they play every year. Its curous that the matches have never been played on the Stadium course in Sawgrass.

Let's hope the americans come better prepared in two years.

[Started2k3]

True that you are always playing against the course, but in match play you are definitely playing against your opponent too. There are many more tactical considerations to be made in this format based on what your opponent does, or doesn't do.

I don't know if you've played any head-to-head matches, and it sounds like you haven't, but it is a much different game than regular stroke or medal play. Every golfer should experience it at least once.

Lets see take any par4:
Stroke or Medal play:
Tee shot, approach, putt, putt.
Match play:
Tee shot, approach, putt, putt (or conceded).

Not much difference in my mind.

The course will determine your tee and approach shots. Your putting will depend on how well you did the last two. And your actions are completely independent from the actions of the other players.

In any golf competition you cannot point to one stroke that caused the player to win. Possible response: But X player birdied the last hole to win by a stroke. But was it actually the birdie on the last hole which won it or was it the birdie on the 10th on Thursday, because both have the same impact on the total score.