The Ryder Cup

Friday, the Ryder Cup begins. There is no other sporting event that yields so much excitement, with the possible exception of a big time heavy weight fight. Even if you are not wild about golf, there is something about the intense rivalry that is captivating.

Golf is an individual sport. If you follow the game, you sort of get to know the players, since, whether in triumph or defeat, it is hard to hide who you are on the course. A player's strength, weaknesses and character are laid bare for all to see.

Usually (for those who do not follow golf), the matches are stroke, or medal play. The lowest number of stroke at the end of the round, wins. Thus, if on the 5th hole, for example, you make a 6 while your opponent makes a 4, you are 2 strokes down and can easily make that up before the round ends. In match play, which is used in the Ryder Cup, if you lose a hole, it doesn't matter if it is by 1 stroke or 7. The hole is lost, you are 1 down, and that is it. Lose 2  holes, and you are 2 down. There is no making up strokes because they do not matter. This creates a lot of tension and each shot, on every hole, is vital. Concentration is at a premium and there is not let up.

Add to that, the rivalry. In the Ryder Cup, the American team plays the European team and many of the matches are played as foursome, 2 Americans against 2 Europeans. In some, best ball wins, with each player playing every shot. In some, players on each team alternate shots. This sort of team play in professional golf is seldom seen, and it is fascinating to watch the strategies. The final day, singles matches, 1 on 1, are played. Two sets of matches on each of the first two days, and the singles on the third. This requires stamina, both physical and mental.

The Americans, for long years, dominated these matches, which only happen every other year. For the last several meetings, the Europeans have won, and America is beside itself trying to figure our how to win. The rivalry is civil, kind of friendly, but that does not lessen the tension.

This year, the matches are played at Hazleteen, a long, difficult course that has hosted major tournaments. The American team looks superior on paper, but many of its players have not been playing well of late. The European team, while good, has several rookie players who have not been through the pressure cooker that is the Ryder CUp. This should be fun.