大象传媒

It all begins! What a three days we're in for. On a pedantic note, why is everyone saying Jim Furyk is world No.2? Phil overtook him this week without even playing! No-one seems to have noticed

wobbly start for europe methinks. is it me or does jj henry look like david gest?

Matt, I admire your confidence in our boys - you sound like the sort of bloke who would down a bottle of rum and still expect to win a pool tournament!

Personally, I'm concerned about our boys starting to believe the hype. I even spoke to a few Americans this week who begrudgingly considered themselves under-dogs. I reckon it will be a lot closer than you and Rob think, although DiMarco and Garcia will probably be the stars of the show.

Come on you mighty Europe!

Darren Clarke's Tee shot on the first..... If the K Club had a roof, it would have come off! Fantastic support from the crowd

Stuck in work and very very disappointed with the site for Ryder Cup Update.

How about some detail???

Stephen

Great start from garcia and olazabal.

I think Furyk is a key player for The usa.

Come on europe

www.studentcommonroom.blogspot.com

Only an hour into proceedings and I am already ''in the Ryder Cup zone'' listening to the superb commentary on 5live. I feel like i am out there playing each shot.
this weekend has to be the most exciting in world sport.

Was a little concerned to see the tears in Clarkey's eyes as he walked out to the first tee, but who could blame him? The warmth of the welcome was palpable, even through the filter of television.
But what a drive, what a second shot, what a putt!
Are you watching Thomas Bjorn?

Someone call the Garda.
It would appear that Tiger has stolen my (21 handicap) putting game.

Not too great a start for the Tiger but Lee W off the mark - the man to watch. Viewing from USA - an unGodly hour I might say

Europe up in three, level in one. What a start! Very gratifying to see the invincible Tiger having a poor start - long may it continue! Seriously though, if the great Tiger doesn't start to fire I think Europe will win comfortably. Finally a word about the course. It looks fantastic and will offer a true challenge to the best of the players on both sides. One of the best courses in the world, maybe?

LEEETS GET READY TOOO RUUUUMBLEEEEEE!!!!

Grant, you're spot on. It kind of happened on Monday when everybody was distracted. Have you seen on this site too? If so, sorry.

Rob S, David Gest? Like it. My colleague Rob thinks JJ is a chubby Sergio. I think he looks like another former colleague called Sean Martin. Will mean nothing to you lot but if you're reading in New Zealand, Sean, hello!!

Sam! I came third in that tournament...although you're right, my play did deteriorate as my chat got bigger. I'm off the "Rola Colas" now anyway.

I am only cheering the British players in this tournament. I care not for the other Europeans players and pray that we can keep hold of the Pound.

Fill the Channel Tunnel in and Go Britain!

Matt 鈥� Rob here. Lost you in the scrum. I wriggled halfway up a tree to get a view of the first tee.

And what a sight, the rooks squawking in the trees, the sumptuous early autumn sunshine鈥eah, whatever鈥he vibe was sensational, building with cheers for the early of arrival of Paul McGinley and a few team lieutenants before breaking into hearty applause for Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk.

But you could almost feel the tremble building beneath your feet as Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington swept from the range and into the arena, where the rumble of noise exploded in a deep, guttural desire-laced roar.

The cheers for Darren were more heartfelt I reckon, as he walked onto the tee, arm-in-arm with his old pal Lee Westwood, and pumped his fist in the air.

The occasion must have even got to the usually cool starter Mr Robson, who introduced the morning鈥檚 action as foursomes, causing players and caddies to scratch their heads.

The most nervous looking player was probably Robert Karlsson, while the biggest grin went to Sergio Garcia.

It was great to see Sergio and Ollie revive the Spanish act of days gone by, and good to see their flamboyant statement of intent to go with drivers (most opted for three woods) and then bound off, laughing and waving.

After Westwood hit the final tee shot, the stands immediately began emptying, and the Englishman joined Clarke and their caddies to joke their way down the first, as if it was just a friendly Saturday fourball.

It is just a game of golf after all, but if the voices of the tens of thousands of fans who had risen before dawn to make their way to the K Club was anything to go by, it had a bit more riding on it than that.

I take it all back Matt, looks like your confidence is well-placed. Looks like the authorities at JFK must have confiscated Tiger's bottle before letting him on the flight to Ireland.

Matt,

I trust that you noticed all the hurricanes passing through and all the powercuts in Kildare etc...and through all of this the K-Club is still managing to deliver a world class sporting spectacle...and in such style too !!

Chaotic and badly organised you suggested on day two.

I hope you don't gag as you are forced to eat your blog !!

Europe will take it but it will be the closest for years. why? because they really want it. tiger's making the right noises but he's not feline it deep down inside where it matters

Stuck at work at the moment....not that i can actually do much with the nerves and constant scanning of the bbc web and the ryder cup page! Thats it im leaving early....if i go at lunch i can catch the afternoons play! Still think "Team USA" will sneak it 16-12...but lets not think like that at the moment.

Following the match by reading all your stuff. Why can't I hear the live commentary in Israel?

Matt Slater can't drink rum or play pool. And certainly not at the same time.

The anticipation, the atmosphere, one can taste the sweetness of excitement, fantastic

I've just read the update that Tiger Woods is 2 up against the europeans - with the help of Jim Furyk (!). Would it be possible for at least one tournament for the emphasis not to be put entirely on Tiger Woods, but instead to report on the golf as it is actually happening?

I can see sundays headline now - 'Tiger beats Europeans to win cup - other players also involved'

Golf sucks. Middle management bores in mock tudor BMW's and bad trousers shouting "Shot Nige" accross a raped country side.

STOP GOLF NOW!

As dawn broke the clatter clatter of helicopter rotar blades cracked the post dawn quietness. Here in South County Dublin we are just 18Km as the crow flies from the K Club . Right now a helicopter flies over and back about every three minutes a truly awesome experience when one is not use to it.

Not being a Golf fanatic I'm amazed at the media coverage of the Ryder Cup and have been following events out of an interest passed on from my late father who was a fanatic. It would have been a great 3 days for him were he alive today. In fact I remember back in 2000 talking to him about the then proposed event and being somewhat startled about the fact that they were already planning an event 6 years in advance.

With rain clouds coming in fast from the south east, it has just started raining here and as far as I can see (approx 10Km) it has not reached the K Club yet!! But I guess it wont be long. Hope it doesn't spoil the show too much.

jimbo, enlightened post!!
pls tell us what you do, job wise and for recreation.
fyi i`m working class and don`t wear bad tatse trousers or drive bmw!!

how can you say golf sucks when the the ryder cup is on you fool! I love the trousers golfers wear!!!

Why isnt Luke donald playing!!!

Jimbo is, of course, an idiot. I'm not in management (lowly teacher), drive an escort (ramshackle old version, can't afford anything more) but am on the course every weekend with my mates every weekend. think it's time you updated your thinking my man.

Every weekend except this one of course. A weekend of sitting in front of the tv watching the Rydes will ensue just as soon as I can discharge my teaching duties for the day.

We've got to have the strongest team we've had in years, if not ever. Brett wetterich? Who?

In reply to David Cowpe (reply number 19), our commentary rights, as with lots of sports, are UK only which means you are unable to access them abroad.

What an atmosphere, i have just left the K Club to go back to work and I am gutted. Monty STILL a crowd favourite and Harrington oozes that down to earth charm. Even if the weather changes (touch wood) it will not spoil this tournament, both teams are well up for it and no doubt there will a great end to this weekend!
Come on Europe!!!!

How much do the Americans really careabout the Cup? I'm in a Hilton in Washington D.C. and no coverage or round-ups on any of the major channels, all NFL! Can't wait to get home to the 大象传媒 and Sky tomorrow!

Come on Europe, let's show them that we really are favorites. Think we'll win even tho' I don't think Tiger will lose any matches.

Good work Matt.
by the way...
Have you tasted The Chocolate Stout in the Porterhouse yet? a fine tastey beverage by all accounts.

Jimbo,

Why middle management? Don't blame a great game for your inability to progress.

Less of the insults boys and a bit more of the cameraderie. After all, old Jimbo must have a passing interest in Golf otherwise he would hardly be interested in blogging on this site now, would he!!

The sun is out again, typical early autum weather for this part of the island. I guess we will have a result soon as the mornings session comes to a close......here's to a European success to start us off.

jimbo, "raped countryside" ? I think not old chap. If I can draw your attention to the following:

Well-managed golf courses provide substantial ecological and community benefits, by:

:Community greenspaces that provide recreational opportunities and also offer and enhance wildlife habitats.

:"Air conditioners" that produce vast amounts of oxygen while cleansing the air of pollution and cooling the atmosphere.

:Water treatment systems: Healthy turfgrass is an excellent filter that traps and holds pollutants in place; courses actually serve as catch basins for residential and industrial runoff; many courses are effective disposal sites for effluent wastewater.

:Among the best ways to reclaim and restore environmentally damaged sites, such as landfills.

:Businesses that contribute substantially to communities through employment, taxes, property value improvement and enormous charitable support

Independent university (UEA I think?) research supports the fact that well-managed golf courses do not pose significant risks to environmental quality, wildlife or human health.
The modern pesticides and fertilizers used to maintain healthy golf course turf have been thoroughly tested and are considered safe when used according to label directions.
A pesticide product today has typically undergone more than 120 studies at a cost of 拢25 million before it is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

I could go on but there is some golf to watch

Ian, (in response to post 28)
So why did the 大象传媒 let me listen, here in Germany, to the first hour of this morning's coverage on Five Live? You guys lulled me into a false state of euphoria, thinking that I'd be able to share the highs and lows of the Ryder Cup all weekend.
Now I have to resort to clicking the 'page reset' button on my browser to catch the latest action.
Not quite the same really, is it?

PS. I would recommend Jimbo moves to Germany as there is practically no golf coverage on German TV and radio!

Come On 大象传媒

The oldest and best broadcasting organisation in the world? Ireland鈥檚 biggest ever sporting event. The coverage is terrible I am relying on Radio 5 Live today. The reception from the course is awful, all the presenters microphones keep breaking up, I cannot believe the course was not surveyed beforehand and these issues identified.

Please before Saturday and Sunday get the radio reception for your reporters on the course sorted out.

You are our eyes and our ears and all we can hear is interference!

Exciting stuff so far Gents !

As an Irishman living in Britain I'm extremely proud of the effort my country has put in to host what is undoubtedly one of the greatest sporting spectacles on earth ! In the current times of terror attacks and endless negative news, its a time to come together and celebrate sporting rivalry and let the "battle commence"
Interestingly its also the one time when most of us are suddently very proud to be European !

Good luck to the lads and here's to another romp for Europe !

I think the Nomad is spot on. I am refusing to support anyone from abroad. In fact, I am only supporting people from my village. Therefore, I want every one of them weird talking people to lose!

All a bit close to call, isn't it?

What on earth is happening to Casey and Karlsson? That last game is absolutely crucial in terms of first-day momentum.

Del Boy, the word here is that Lukey is considered a bit short for this course, particularly with it playing so long after the last few days' rain. Don't worry, though. He'll get plenty of action...and it's not like he's the only good European sitting the morning out. We have got a very deep team.

Kevin Moran鈥ot THE Kevin Moran?...anyway, you鈥檙e right, all is well with the world here but neither I nor Rob are choking on our blog. This is, after all, what we wanted to happen. I had hoped we had put this to bed 鈥� not that we were the only ones to point out the organisational problems earlier in the week 鈥� but just to clarify things we were only ever criticising the ticket-checking, car park arrangements and general communication of information to spectators on Wednesday. It was a rotten day in terms of the weather but it appeared to us, and many others, that the organisers hadn鈥檛 really thought their contingency plans through. Since then things have been much, much better.

Marc, how dare you. You know I can do both of those things. The 鈥渁t the same time鈥� bit is probably fair comment, though.

How are things looking in the States? You鈥檙e all probably loving Double J right now.

Chocolate Stout? Will I get a slap if I ask for that???

I'm in the States. The US networks have no clue how to cover sports events. Can you believe the Ryder Cup is not being shown live!?
It's a disgrace in this day and age. Someone needs to be shot for this.

This is going to be a sensational weekend of Golf.

Garcia on fire, Europe looking not too bad - we'll have the guts to win

C'mon Europe.

Poor coverage 大象传媒. Constant break up of radio transmission. Gaffs by commentators including calling a USA putt missed when it went in. Website scoreboard takes minutes not seconds to update scores.
I gave up listening to Five Live some years ago and this poor effort won't get me back.

I know this is important,(but isn't all golf?),but the speed of play is
pathetic.What an example for youngsters to follow. If our group played this slow,and we score 100+,we
would be asked to leave the course!

come on Usa!!!! They are great

Watching golf through a text based browser is pretty dire. I don't have Sky so willhave to put up with the higlights only tonight - Come on 大象传媒, one of the greatest competitions in the world, being held in Ireland and you don't have full rights! You should be ashamed of yourselves right now.

I think Woosnam Clarke / westwood wild card picks were absolutely inspired...They are such a great team together and are sure to rack up the points this Cup. I would really like to see Garcia play against Woods in the Sunday singles

大象传媒 Five Live presenter John Inverdales assertion that "We've just had an alert for a severe weather warning for this area in the afternoon." (K Club) earlier on is a bit puzziling as I've checked all the usual sources such as RTE (the state TV and radio site) and METEIREANN the state meteorological site for updated weather forcasts and I cant see any comments in relation to severe weather warnings!!

The temperature here is approx. 19/20 degrees celsius and nice and warm. The afternoons session should be as equally exciting as the mornings and right now it is very overcast humid but warm hope it holds up for this afternoon. The helicopter activity has almost ceased, maybe they are all at lunch??

Matt can you confirm the severe weather report from you collegue John Inverdale please?

I aint got sky....not amused!! No ryder cup for me! i'm watching hios on 大象传媒 website whilst in work. Not doing much work, but a lot of bbc page refreshing!

Think a saturday in the pub with Sky, watching uninterrupted golf (exception of watching rugby!!) is in order!!

Come on Boozy Woosy & co!!!!

Bit disapointed we have not sent the spaniards out as an afternoon pairing, after this mornings victory

The USA were at an immediate disadvantage when they turned out in those diamond sweaters - the ultimate golf fashion no-no.

What's happened to the traditional scoring system. When did the Ryder Cup suddenly go all decimal points. Bring back the half I say.

Whoopee Europe 2.5 USA 1.5 keep it up boys

Alan, I haven't been given any severe weather warnings but the Five Live guys could easily have seen or heard something I haven't. Or John could have just put his hand outside the booth and felt the rain. This morning's sun has disappeared and it looks like showers for the rest of the day. The last on-course weather report I saw said "variably cloudy and breezy with scattered showers and isolated t-storms possible" for this afternoon, and "scattered showers and isolated t-storms" for this evening.

Richard, the speed of play wasn't great, I agree. But I guess that just indicates how tense they all are. The first game, in fact, were warned about their speed early on but then Padraig started to follow Monty's "man in a hurry" example and they opened up a two-hole cushion on Casey & Karlsson v Kitchen & JJ. Foursomes will be faster...particularly in the rain.

As for the whole TV rights debate, sorry, that's above my pay grade. But even if you could collar the DG or Roger Mosey down the pub they would probably tell you to write to your MP and complain to him/her. If Sky sets its heart on something these days it tends to get it.

I don't think the 大象传媒 really want full coverage, and not solely down to the cost. Would the 大象传媒 want to tie up one of their two free to air terestrial channels for 30ish hours over one weekend?

I'd love to be able to watch the golf uninterupted by adverts every 15 minutes though. You can also watch the coverage live on the sky sports website (costs 拢3 a day) I've clandestinley had it on at work all morning!

To all those people who have not got Sky.
If you have a broadband connection you can get live ryder cup on your PC for about 拢3 per day.
Its all there on skysports website.

Thanks for the info Matt. Looks like the Europeans can pull it off again this afternoon.......oops better not speak too soon.

Unfortunately, the skysports broadband connection only works from inside the UK. Those of us resident abroad should either have subscribed to Premiere weeks ago, or will have to frequent dubious sports bars over the weekend..... Rip-roaring stuff though! Come on Monty.

Righto. That does it. I'm off to Sky's site I suppose it's too much to hope I can sync the 5live commentary with their visuals

Think the UK coverage is poor? Try watching NBC's taped delay version here in the America's. You'd think there was only one match on the course - Mr Woods playing with whomever he is partnered. Very few shots of any of the other players. Says it all I suppose. Great first day stories already though with all but one match making it to the 18th.

Tom should do something no one has dared to do, skip Tiger for one session.