Ryder Cup: European domination continues in Tiger Woods era
It used to be the conventional wisdom that the Europen team was better at the team play format in the Ryder Cup, but were much weaker in the singles format -- where the U.S. team typically dominated. After today's routing of the U.S. team in singles, that is no longer the case.
The Europeans went 8-3-1, and it should have been 9-3, but Paul McGinley graciously conceded JJ Henry a 30 footer for birdie. Frankly, the European team appeared to have no weaknesses this past week, while the U.S. team had plenty. Just as in world basketball play, the tide has shifted to where the U.S. is no longer the perennial favorite to win the Ryder Cup.
Validating the record-setting victory of 18 1/2 to 9 1/2 at Oakland Hills two years ago, the Europeans equalled that "beat down" of the U.S. team. It wasn't even close. The European players played better, and more passionately and relaxed, in the Ryder Cup. They deserve all the credit in the world for figuring out a way to consistently beat the U.S. team, even when the U.S. has probably the greatest golfer that ever played in Tiger Woods. That is perhaps the most baffling part about this all. The Ryder Cup is the one thing that Tiger Woods has failed to leave his imprint on.
So where does this leave the U.S. team? Well, it's back to the drawing board. Captain Tom Lehman put together a good blue print for the Ryder Cup, but it didn't work. Nor did Hal Sutton's plan two years ago, nor Curtis Strange's, five years ago. Something needs to change, either in the selection of U.S. players or the preparation of U.S. players. Perhaps the Captain should select all the players on the team except for the top 2 point getters, and the previous Ryder Cup records of each player should be taken into account in the selection process. Call me crazy, but maybe the U.S. team should hold tryouts in team and match play format to determine the Ryder Cup players.
If all else fails, the U.S. should figure out a way to change the rules so that Geoff Ogilvy and Ernie Els can play for the U.S. squad.
11 Comments:
One problem is that there is shortage of great young American players. I am not sure why considering golf is much more popular than in years past. I have not been inpressed with a US Amateur champion for a few years and what happened to young players like Charles Howell?
Tom Lehman was extremely gracious in defeat, epitomising the spirit of the match. So we europeans should be similiarly gracious in victory, and acknowledge that 'what is seldom is wonderful' ... we have some exceptional players right now, but undoubtedly the US team will bounce back. The fact remains that the US has many of the world's top players - the trick will be converting that ability into points... I hope this happens - a really close match in Louisville is what all fans want to see.
How many Americans would trade a RC win for a Major? How many Europeans?
I just found this blog and I must say it is one of the most in depth and one of the best on the topic.
It really is sad how bad the US took it this week in the ryder cup. As an american golf fan I was pretty embarrassed of our effort.
Long island is right that there is a shortage of young players. Golf is more popular here than in years past, but I feel that golf and the respect for the game has always been higher in europe and this hurts us even more. I remember one of the euro players saying this is the biggest event to ever be in ireland during his lifetime and compared it to the world cup and olympics. Not a chance it would be held in the top 3 of sporting events in the US.
Another issue is the money list being the sole factor for choosing players. I am not taking away from anything some of the lesser known players did this week. BUT, if the choice is made solely on money alone we will definitely miss out on some solid american players like DLIII and others because of some guys that play in literally EVERY tour event. If you get a guy who wins one tourney where the field isn't necessarily as strong as one where Tiger/Phil and the others are in, and does "ok" in other events, he will likely be in the top 10-15 at the end of the year. The purse sizes are too big to base ryder cup standing on money alone
Again, great blog and I look forward to reading more soon
TD
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I am delighted that the Europeans have won the Ryder Cup yet again for an unprecedented 3rd time on the trot.
Despite having some of the best players in the world within their ranks, the Americans just cannot seem to play as a team or produce the goods when it comes to the Ryder Cup.
Tiger Woods' sterile performances in matchplay tournaments also prove that matchplay is an excellent leveller when the best players are matched against "weaker" opposition.
Well done Woosie and the boys!
I think the PGA tour is the stronger tour and the players are all great on both sides of the pond --- look at the europeans PGA record. This said it's not the players but the preasure of the Country they play for. Europe is a union of Countries so the players don't feel the same preasure as the US team. I saw many puts lip-out for the Americans, not so for the other team, doubt and over trying makes for lip-outs. The euro's chipped in like 8 times. The Americans press and that is the difference, loose the American blind pride and their luck will change. If it was the US against any one country (bar Australia) we would win hands down.
No excuses, we got beat but has anyone looked at the Ryder Cup results since the Presidents Cup began. We are playing in these every year while the Euros play every other year. I think we should let the Presidents Cup die or have the Euros go after the rest of the world for a few years and see how they hold up.
Some detail on the last comment from 1979 to 1993 the Euros won 2 matches and tied one. The Presidents Cup began in 1992 and the Americans have one match besides the 1993 match and that was the 1999 miracle.
Here is an explanation about why US was beaten soundly, yet again. Listen to the interviews, read commentaries. It's the same pounding - why did the US loose? When US was dominating RC before 1990, no one was asking why the Europeans were loosing every single RC. Everyone agreed that US was a better team and all people on both sides of Atlantic were happy.
It's that obsession with winning that is hurting the US. May be it works in 72 hole stroke play grinding marathons, but RC team play is a totally different game. It's a fast sprint to 18 holes. It's strategy, its' taking risk/reward chances, and basically, it is playing to WIN, as opposed to reducing costly mistakes as in stroke play. And it is TEAM PLAY.
The role of the US captain is reduced to pandering to the super stars and delivering the endless expected cliches. What has "courage" to do with putting?
Why the US players do not talk to each other and smile off a bad shot baffles me. The grim and dour faces are a major turn off? Isn't sports entertainment? The cup ceremony comes at the end of three days. For a TV viewer, these three days matter as much as the final moments of holding the cup. On this point alone, US team completely failed to deliver.
I believe and know of ways for US to play much better - win or loose. The status-quo is not working. A fresh thinking is needed.
On a separate note, what a perfect course for staging a match play event. No water, no match play. Period.
But can we all (the US fans) enjoy the fabulous package of golf entertainment delivered by the European team? And the RC itself.
Actually, this is one of the elements in my formula to transform the US team to a winning team.
GopiB
Here are ways to help US have a fighting chance in 2008 Ryder Cup.
1) Can you see the difference when Tiger partners with Mark O'Meara or Chris Riley. He is jovial, and positive as if he is playing a game. Isn't that how it should be when you are playing Ryder Cup? Like the European team does so well, so clearly for all of us to see. So, one thing we should do is to select O'Meara or Riley as Captain's pick to partner with Tiger for 2008. It doesn't matter if O'Meara is not in form (or even has a club in his hand), Tiger will play well and that should take care of the team.
2) The selection criteria should be based on winning, preferably around the world, desirably in match play events. There is too much money in the PGA tour, and many are happy making good money and keeping their cards regardless if they ever won a tournament in their life. Rarely they venture out to Europe or elsewhere to win tournaments.
3) Since we look so much to captaincy in the US, why not give the captain 6 picks or 10 picks? Along with accountability give him the resources. And please no big talk Hal Suttons - we need thinkers and wise coaches like a Bernhard Langer. O'Meara would be good.
4) Back to Tiger? Does he (or Phil) really relish Ryder Cup? Will they place winning Ryder cup above winning a major? Not many would think so. That is at the crux of the problem. What business do you have to tie up a valuable slot if Ryder cup doesn't mean everything to you? Pick only people who will live and die for Ryder Cup. Ala Montgomerie, Garcia, Olazable, Clarke, Thomas Bjorn, Westwood, and on and on. We do have some people too - Cink, Verplank, Dimarco. We need to fill the team with the likes of these. Why not John Daly(assuming he is passionate about Ryder Cup)? His inclusion alone could single handedly make a big difference.
5) Stop the talk of teamwork, superficial exercises in bonding with opposite personalities like Tiger and Phil. The last three Ryder cups should be proof positive that these have been in total vain. The key as I mentioned above is to select people who at any expense want to be part of Ryder Cup. These people will enjoy their experience, "play" well, giving us a chance to win. Dropping Tiger or Phil is unthinkable under the current culture, but with this same culture we are loosing the game before Friday's foursomes.
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