I've been off the board for a while but wanted to share some info about the Ryder Cup.
First things first, it's the greatest sporting event I've ever attended. That's not to say I've attended all the big one's, but some of the one's I have attended....World Series games, Final Four's, NFC championship games and a myriad of Duke games, including two Final Four's, once in Maui, multiple trips to Cameron, seeing Duke play at Wisconsin and in New York, etc. just pale in comparison. Maybe it's partly because the Ryder Cup was in my backyard (about six miles from my house), but it's also because it was like nothing I've ever seen. But enough about that.
The atmosphere was incredible. And yes, there were a few knuckleheads like there always is in any sporting event, but the crowds were at no point hostile. I was able to go last Wednesday for a practice round and then again on Friday and Saturday for the first two days. While there was some chirping (on both sides) it was also still very golf-like, to make up a term. We got to know some Euro fans that we met on Friday and actually met up with them again in the International Pavilion on Saturday. Salt of the earth kind of people. They wanted the USA to lose and we wanted them to lose....but it was all in good fun.
Hazeltine has never looked better. Ever. And that's saying something, because our region has had rain dumped on us almost constantly since late July/early August. It's in the 12-13 inches total in that timeframe. On top of that, the kind of weather we had for the three actual days was heaven-sent. Late September/early October can bring with it cold(er) temps and high winds. We had none of that. Temps were low-to-mid 70's all three days and wind was a non-factor. I've had the pleasure of playing Hazeltine probably 8-10 times in my lifetime....I was never more proud of how it looked this past week.
Onto the golf. As you said Denn, Patrick Reed was an animal. The galleries just loved him....I think the fans fed off him and vice-versa. One of the things I've thought past U.S. teams have lacked is emotion....almost as if they were afraid to show it sometimes. Reed kind of made it cool and I think his teammates fed off it, specifically guys like Phil, Fowler and Snedeker, to name a few.
On Saturday afternoon my wife and I were in the bleachers on the 11th green where Bill Murray was sitting. Of course, we waited for over two hours for groups to get to us, but Murray was leading cheers to keep everyone refreshed and when we'd find out someone made a big shot or putt. It was a blast.
As I watched the press conference on Sunday afternoon I thought the Euros handled everything with great class until it got to Rose. And to be honest, he came across as the most snarky of the Euro players all week. I think that partly had to do with him just not playing well. Then to call out the course for something they have no control over (meaning the Sunday "easy" pin placements)? Well, let's just say it didn't sound the greatest coming from the guy who played the worst of 24 players on Sunday.
So that's my report. I'm missing a ton and could probably write and write until you were all bored, but just thought I would share. For anyone who enjoys golf and has an opportunity to ever attend a Ryder Cup....jump on it. Like I said, the best sporting event I've ever, ever attended.
