Re: USA vs Europe

Some very good points Ben but if the alleged shoulder charge on Poulter by Kim was correct then he needs disciplining for bringing the game into disrepute, along with Azinger that is. (IMO). I would hate to see this great game engender a loutish persona.

Re: USA vs Europe

It was awesome to see Sergio step up and take some of the heat off Faldo during the post Cup press set. Funny how when it's wins, the players win it, but when it's losses, the coach blew it.[/quote]

Faldo seems to be taking a lot of heat. Reminds me of the American captains the last few years when thier horses (Phil and tiger) had poor records. I do not think the Captain can do much about that. Harrington, Sergio and Westwood did not play bad but also did not really come through and get the points, hard to over come. Though Poultier and a few others alomost did. Faldo made a couple of good captains picks, I don't see a huge problem with the pairings he ran out and was a gentlemen at all times. Surprised he was not given better press.

Re: USA vs Europe

hi
Azinger said that no one was put out for the way they behaved so it could not of been that bad but he must no of seen when Mickelson requested the stewards to put out a spectator when he put him off his shot by taking a flash picture.
i think there is also a world of difference in cheering your team when they win a point by a missed putt and the difference in cheering the won point and cheering the misses a putt.
the best team won and played the best golf. i don't think there was the same kind of team spirit shown by the EU players this time. maybe they missed a leader like Monty or Clark to add that little bit more encouragement.
there did seem something missing in there team this time.
the USA did have that team spirit and seemed to play for each other.
i think USA winning may do more good for the Ryder cup than if the EU had won again.
i also think Faldo only taking Olazabal and a DJ did not help and i do think you need two good golfing assistants on the course to help you as all the other captains have before Faldo and taking someone that a DJ to play music instead of another golfing aid did not seem to help at all.
cheers
bill

Re: USA vs Europe

I think the American spectator has a different view of the game than the European fan. The European crowds are more involved with the history of the game. Same goes for the professional players. Our American pro golfers are more in tune with the how much money they can make, while the European pro golfer is more in tune with the playing history of the game, and probably respects the game more. The game of golf is not played the same, mentally speaking, on both sides of the pond, even though it is the same game.

Personally I think if the game of golf is to grow, then fan involvement should be a bit on the "rowdy" side, but also silent during the swinging of a club, which starts with the player's pre-shot routine. I also agree that Azinger's comments about cheering missed European putts was way out of line. I hope the media takes him to task over that remark. Of course winning has a way of covering up such idiotic remarks.

As for Tiger not being there, I think it helped. When TW is in the field, no matter how well another player might play, the media will put the spot light on TW. This year's Ryder Cup allowed more players to enjoy the lime light based on their individual play. I think the American players honored themselves by winning with out TW. Also it has been speculated that TW is not much of team player, and unless the tournament has the word "Major" in it's title, or big first place check, his play is less than stellar. Also (IMO) if Mickleson doesn't start playing better he could also stay home in 2010 to my way of thinking. GJS

Re: USA vs Europe

I saw a situation where Garcia was at bat and the crowd kept yelling at he took his stance.

Twice during his pre-shot routine, the crowd yelled at him, and even during the swing there was somebody yelling.

The shot went in the water, and the crowd cheered.

The next shot went in the water too, and more cheering followed.

A few moments later, the crowd at the same hole kept yelling "In the Water" at Justin Rose, as he had a shot over water.

Golf is a gentleman's game.
Most everybody in the crowd are golfers themselves.
Surely, they would NEVER act like that in their tuesday friendly fourball. Then why on earth do it during one of the finest events in golf?



All that said, the american team delivered some of the best golf ever seen if you ask me. Kim was outstanding. Boo was incredible. JB can drive the ball straight through a brick house.
Not having Tiger there probably made it more obvious that the rest had to stop up to the plate. None could lean back and expect Tiger to come through for them.
It was a very strong effort from the entire US side.

Congratulations TEAM USA

(Next time, in Wales, Poulter will kill you!)

Re: USA vs Europe

I thought both sides handleed the antics of the crowd in the right manner. Play golf and play golf only. I enjoyed the way the fans got into the moment. I played competitive golf in high school and junior college. It was boring very little interaction from the gallery. I really think it pumped up players from both sides. Sunday's matches until the later holes were better than anyone could ask for, tight and undetermined. Love the way they went back and forth.

Both sides should be extremely proud and looking forward to 2010.

Re: USA vs Europe

Personaly I dont see how riding the bull down the first tee or pumping up the crowd when your opponent is about to play is playing golf only.

Like a lot of people I think it a good thing for the competition that the USA won, otherwise there was a real risk of them loosing interest in it. I think they played the better golf, some of them were untouchable in the singles especially. I think the European team lacked motivation and enthusiasm.

I was delighted to see some of the sportsman ship between the likes of casey and mahan, the scandanavians, kenny perry, mickelson.

I believe the fans will respond to the players and so the home-players have a great responsibility to the game and their opponents in this respect. Ive no problem with fist pumping etc when the hole is over and betwen holes, but jumping allover peoples lines like NBA or NFL is wrong.

I thought the Garcia/Kim thing was silly and childish. Hard to tell who started it but Kims attitude on the first green and when Garcia was takinga drop was petulant and he needs to grow out of that. (Especially when he was useless for most of the first two days!)