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anyone else shift uncomfortably in their chairs when Woosnam was praising Lehman, the camera focussed in close and then said but soneones got to lose - hahaha the colour drained from Lehmans face!!!

In 1979, players from the Continent were added to the team of Great Britain and Ireland - to make the Ryder Cup matches more competitive. Is it time to return the Ryder Cup to a competition between the United States and Great Britain - to make it more competitive?

While congratulating the european victory in the Ryder Cup, I was appalled at the behavior of the victorious team on the balcony at the K Club.
This was a fine victory played with skill and determination by both teams reflecting the true spirit of this game unfortunately to be marred by the scenes on the balcony later.

K Jones

Im afraid K Jones has got it all wrong. The europeans were gracious in vctory- there was no gloating only joyous celebration.

The team played out of their skin and celebrated with the crowd who have been fantastic for 3 days and who wouldnt have wanted any less passionate celebrations after such a victory.

This us what the Ryder Cup is all about

K Jones

Are you are sad or what?

What does he expect a team of sportsman in Ireland to do after such an emotionallly charged victory?

I'm surprised your are not complaining about Darran Clark crying after his victory, coz thats not what proper men do

"Is it time to return the Ryder Cup to a competition between the United States and Great Britain - to make it more competitive?"

Well we could do, GB,ireland pop 60m vs USA pop 300m. Or maybe like the baseball world series, just play it between USA.

The USA has a big problem with golf, far too much cash for poor performing golfers all playing on very similar courses most without passports. Look at big Phil, what has he ever done outside the USA ? There will be more problems next year when all the WGC events move from Europe to the US.

Firstly, California John, that is a ridiculous suggestion. Great Britain wouldn't stand a chance! And i hope you don't think Ireland is part of Great Britain! If you're American, and i'm guessing you are, i wouldn't be surprised if you did. Silly comment either way.
K Jones, i think you need to get a life! Why were you appalled? Have you never seen a winning team celebrate. By God, they deserve at least a good celebration after such a tough week! Golfers drink too! And what the hell is wrong with that?...
Some folk ruin me!
Europe Legends...get hammered, you deserve it!

The size of the victory and the way that it was attained really puts Thomas Bj枚rn's comments in perspective.

However, the fact that a good European team, but one that is by no means the equal of some of the great teams of the past, could win with such ease, makes one wonder how the American team will be remembered. Perhaps this was the weakest American team in recent history.

I'd have to say that you are right in one aspect, it was a fine victory, but it was in no way marred by the celebrations that followed.
The emotions that are involved in this competion are quite obvious to see, not only with the euopean team but with the american one too. Every golf player growing up in europe and in the U.S., dreams of playing in the Ryder Cup.
Why?.. because there is no other golf competition in the world that has this rivalry, sense of team spirit and inherent emotion. The celebrations that followed the victory were symbolic of these.
If the players didn't celebrate with such enthusiasm, people would wonder how much it actually meant to them. These celebrations just showed how much it actually meant.
I would think that if the americans had won, similar celebrations would be seen.

WOW AFTER 3 DAYS OF PURE SPORTSMANSHIP AND PROFESSIONALISM I FOR ONE DO NOT BEGRUDGE 12 NO 13 GREAT GOLFERS LETTING THEIR HAIR DOWN AT ALL WELL DONE BOYS TOTAL GOLF AS GOOD AS TOTAL FOOTBALL .

K Jones is absolutely right.

After 3 days intense golf against the greatest players in the world the victorious Europeans should have celebrated with a quiet cup of tea.

And maybe a biscuit.

So California John, today's team would have been without the following;

Sergio Garcia, Robert Karlsson, Paul McGinley, Henrik Stenson, Jose Maria Olazabal and Padraig Harrington. Aye, yer right, it would then be easier for the US team to win over 3 days. Especially as the US have the worlds worst team player in Woods ... Then again, if yer really from California I understand your feelings but not the sadness ...

Billybob

What a weekend. I have had seven arguments with my wife about being stuck in front of the TV for the past few days. It was worth it.
Casey was the player of the tournament but Clarke was the hero of the tournament. Monty was worth his weight in Gold. (priceless??)
I can't help thinking the previous comment poster K Jones must be a sour Yank or an accountant.

I'm not normally a golf fan, (I prefer football), but I loved the respect and sportsmanship that both teams played with. The people involved were excellent, and the tributes to Darren Clarke from the Americans say a lot of good things about the golfers.

Well done to the European team. California John 'hi' - There is far more to european Golf then just GB and Ireland (two seperate islands I might add)- for example without Garcia then it would have been a much closer contest and there have been so many more examples throughout the years. Its been a massive event that proves again Ireland can always stage the perfect party. Well done to all involved. Enjoy the win. WHAT A PARTY TO BE AT!
I think that for next time The USA need to get better at Golf.

I must object to your comment C O'Mahony: "K Jones must be a sour Yank or an accountant." Being an accountant, I can tell you that we have absolutely no objections to a lot of alcohol. It helps us forget the dullness of the job!

Anyway, well done Europe! I cheered for Monty and cried for Clarke.

California John, unfortunately after celebrating such a great victory, some of these bloggers have lost the ability to recognise irony even when delivered in a compliment. Your sense of humour indicates time spent in the UK or at least in the company of brits - the majority of whom would recognise and applaud your comment - as do I.

K Jones, I am 'appalled' by your 'marred' view of the K Club celebrations. Was it the pint skulling that offended perhaps, what with the lack of Janet Jackon's nipple to whinge about? I'm skulling a pint of guinness this minute for the boys - put that in your tortilla solsa dip and suck on it!

Great victory for Europe, totally deserved. I thought both sets of players conducted themselves very well given the huge pressure. The difference for me... There's no 'i' in team, but there is in Tiger.

I have to disagree with you Robert - The Ryder cup is not of great interest in the states - the PGA continues to push it but that's about it. Even at golf clubs in my area (Maryland) there is not that much interest.
Per changing the format, population is not the only factor. The states isn't competitive at alot of things that much smaller countries kill us at (e.g. skiing, soccer, etc.) and alot of people here take part in those activities - heck I don't thing there is a 10 year old boy or girl around here that is not in a soccer league, but we cannot compete at the top level - world cup. Golf is still a rich man's game around here and few kids have the opportunity to play. The 'large' number of golfers in the states are all guys that started in their 40's -hardly pros. All I know is that if the cup remains continuosly uncompetitive - for whatever reason - something will have to change or eventually people will take no interest.

I think California John's comment was tongue-in-cheek, wasn't it? And he did say GB and Ireland, so of course Ireland is not a part of Great Britain. Whatever, definitely not sour grapes.

In response to Mr Jones' views on the European celebrations I think that he needs 2 take a little more time 2 asses the situation. The Ryder cup brings out the most intense emotions in everyone watching, let alone playing. Also i dont think anyone begrudges Darren a bit of celebration after all he has been through

Sorry Ken but your observation that golf is a rich mans game doesn't seem to hold water. Surely your collegiate system gives ample oppurtunity to young competitive golfers which doesn't happen in Europe to any degree. Maybe college is only for rich folks. As for the lack of interest in the US surely that speaks volumes about the insular nature of your country - you really need to get out more!! Am I correct in that 3 of the US team had to apply for passports before playing.

will u post what i write please

Thanks to those who perceived my comment to be a tongue in cheek way of commending the European team for two consecutive outstanding performances. This used to be the most exciting, most compelling rivalry in sports, but it's not a rivalry if one team is winning by scores of 18.5 to 9.5. And, that is not the fault of the European team. Mr, Eros (good name!), I not been in Great Britain for about 40 years, but I do have some some British friends that I keep in touch with by e-mail.

ian woosenam showed what a fantastic leader he is,thomas bjiorn eat your words! woosie is top of the world again tonight (no1 in 1990) and we are so proud of you and your team ,very well done.

After reading through the above 22 posts i have to say - the yanks sure as hell dont like to loose. TBH i think that they should be as gracious as the team that got well an truly thumped by Europe - Ken Jones get yer mum to put your toys back in your pramand get on with your obviously boring life - can remember the last time in which USA won the Ryder Cup/retained it yanks jumping around the greens when players still had to finish out and Mark O'Mera conceeded a hole to Montgomerie because they couldnt concentrate on the hole and he was utterly appalled by his countrymen - that KEN JONES was appalling behaviour. KEN no:2 try telling the American team that noone your side of the pond has any interest in it or the millions of Americans obviously watching it - the only reason people may not be as interested as years gone by is the fact that you havent been able to get your hands on it. Darren Clarke: We love you big man, give us a major in the coming months and that would round it all off.

From a delighted Northen Irishman

Europe is a continent and so is North America. Bring on the rest of the world if you like!!! the old lady has sung for a third time in a row and some people cant take it! we are a continent, and en EU a country in the making. If you cant take the heat stay out of the kitchen boyyyyy!!!! boooyaaaaaaaa!

What was K Jones talking about in quote 3 . Disgracefull scenes and behaviour on the balcony of the K Club, by the Europeans. We the Europeans had just won the Ryder Cup. Now if you want to talk about disgraiefull scenes lets got back to 1999 when olly still had his put to make only for Justin leonard and Tom Lehman to run on the green wheres the spirit of the game there!!!

"I not been in Great Britain for about 40 years, but I do have some some British friends that I keep in touch with by e-mail."

Whats that to do with the Ryder Cup? You may have the top ranked players but we have continually proved Europe have been simply better overall for the last number of years.

Congratulation to the European team on a great victory. Bring on the next ryder cup and European victory!

K Jones, need i draw your attention to a certain US Ryder Cup team malling a certain 17th green when a put which didnt even secure the match was holed. Bit rich criticising European celebrations wouldnt you say?

The US team might not be sore losers as they took all their defeats most graciously - however their media coverage of the event demonstrates what the US TV companies think of losing. Within 5 minutes of the cup being won - the coverage stopped without explanation and a preview show of American Football was aired in its place - thank goodness for the RyderCup radio via the internet ! Well played boys sorry I couldn't see the real drubbing and celebrations that followed after the great Swede Stenson made the winning putt. From a happy Brit / Swede / European living across the pond from home.

Congrats to the Euro team for thrashing the U.S. team and showing that they are better team players than the U.S. However as individuals the U.S. golfers are much better in that they have won 16 of the last 24 majors. The Euros have won zero and they always choke in the majors re: Garcia, MOnty, etc. The Aussies, Kiwis, and South Africans are much superior golfers than the Euros as individuals. I do hope however that Darren Clarke can win a major soon because he is a great player and he deserves it. I can empathize with him since I lost my little brother a couple of weeks ago and he was only 26. The Euros are better team players and they play with a lot of confidence and they have fun. The U.S. team looks like they are having root canal surgery when they play in the Ryder Cup. Let me warn you that the next Ryder Cup is in Louisville, Kentucky and it will be a very rough crowd for the Euros.

The presentation ceremony just summed up the difference between the two teams. The Americans sat in qualification order, most money beside captain 鈥iger Woods.
Europeans just sat in alphabetical order鈥� did not matter who had won most money all year .. all equal in the team, no ranking.. says a lot about team spirit and moral in both camps.

Yes K.Jones must have a pole stuffed up his ****.
Get a life you stiff !

What a great day for European golf !

Shame some people wouldnt know how to enjoy themsleves if it killed them eh Jonesy !

Dear Mr K Jones,

I would like to appoligise for my behaviour on the balcony of the K Club today. I realise I should have enjoyed a prawn sandwich and a glass of pims in the members bar.

Please forgive me.

Mr. D Clark

Can you all please stop with the Darren Clarke tributes?
I thought it was bad enough when I sat crying with him as he won his match, but after an afternoon's drinking and an evening's celebration, I'm a little tired and emotional.
A little? Well, reading through the blog tonight, I'm welling up all over again.

I must say I thought Tom Lehman was an excellent ambassador for the US team and for the Ryder Cup. His closing remarks were superb. No excuses, praise where it was due and a thoughtful nod to everyone for arguably the bet Ryder Cup ever.

He had to swallow a large defeat and did so very well IMO.

being british but living in north america for more than 25 years i'll tell you the yanks love the ryder cup as much as we do any previous comments to the contary are complete bs.....well done ian all the lads (every single one of you) and well done ireland, lets hope all future matches are hosted by such enthusiastic and appreciative golf fans regardless of the continent.

Folks just back home from K club. Wonderful day that will live long in my memory. Was part of the carnival at the first tee. What an atmosphere. Don't now if it came across on telly just how wet it was this morning. Didn't dampen the enthusiasm though.

Great day for Ireland and great day for Europe.

What was the difference in the two teams? I was at the practice on Thursday and I saw a European team smiling, laughing and playing pranks in the 8th greenside bunker with a 3 iron. It was side splitting to watch. The whole gallery was in stiches and so were the players. The US team, on the other hand walked up to their balls and hit them and walked on - almost emotionless. Even on Thursday it was clear which set of players were in a better frame of mind, better gelled as a unit and really out to enjoy the experience as a team. And as for Darren Clarke, many of his Ulster/Irish fans will remember Sunday for a long time.

Billy bob you should really learn your facts before you insult Simon, i amnot saying i agree with him but the team before 1979 was actually Great Britain and Ireland so we wouldo f actually only been 4 european players down. there are pleanty of players from GB that could of made it into that team.Ian Poulter to name just one. Yes it would have been closer but i think we still would have won maybe not by so much but we would have been still been capable. Get your facts straight before you get so high and mighty and insulting.

Surely the point that California John was making was that the competition was traditionally between the USA and Great Britain & Ireland - all of it, not just Northern Ireland.

He was not aatempting to say that Ireland was part of Britain and the people who criticised him were being either very obtuse or very unfair!

1.Great point in Chris Maybin's post about our team sitting in qalification order by their winnings.

2. The US v UK and ROI thing was definilty tongue in cheek. Lighten up, guys. You pummelled us.

The Guy who complained about the balcony thin was out of line.

4. Our announcers were a joke.

5. Europe did its best in the singles, which used to be our strength.

6. Great sportsmanship by McGinley on 18. Will be long remembered.

7.Bottom line? A brilliant captaincy of a team strong throughout the roster. Lots of heart.

I was really dissapointed with the lack of team spirit from the Americans. Overall they looked extremnely dull all during the weekend compared to the characters Europe have in their side. I could listen to likes of Monty and McGinley all day as they are so charismatic, while listening to Tiger and co had me switching over the channel. So much for the American team building exercises before the Cup.

A beautiful moment in golfing time, not only was the game played in tremendous spirit and sportsmanship. But it showed that the reaction the players gave Darren prove that they know although it is their passion, there drive. And there love. There are more important things in life. But. It鈥檚 the game we all love. And it treats us royally. Thank you Europe. Thank you Americans. Thank you Golf

Zach Johnson showed touch of class.

Everybody noticed the sporting gesture of Paul McGinley when he conceided the putt to half the match with JJ Henry. It was the right thing to do and Paul being a real gentleman did the correct thing.

I was equally inpressed by Zach Johnson's concession to Darren Clarke on the 16th. Remember by conceeding that putt, Zack was conceeding the match as well. I know It was not a long putt, but it was not a gimme, and can you imagine if Darren had missed it. When I was watching I was wondering if Zach would have enough class to concede the putt. He Had
Well Done Zach, you lost the match but showed your class today.

Irish Fred from New Jersey

A tremendous "TEAM" win for Europe. This is testament to the strength of the European Tour and perhaps now, the Americans will be less arrrogant about travelling "across the pond" to tournaments with less loot than the PGA Tour!!!

There is a kernel of a debate ensuing from the above blogs, to some extent disguised as a question as to whether the US take the Ryder Cup seriously. Any insightful commentator will conclude that they do, and that losing, hurts.

The core suggestion is that the format be widened to include all of the Americas.

In the early 70s it was accepted that GB could not after 30 years of US dominance, field a team to realisticly offer a challenge to the US. Ireland was then included, though, unsurprisingly this did not sufficently increase their chances, GB&I loosing the next three. Cue enlargement to include all of Europe, and the first 3 matches ended with US victories. Since then with one or two US victories, a bit of a European rout.

Altering the format now, would be an acceptance that the US is unlikely to win any further tournaments, which to my mind is nonsense. The US is not in the same situation as GB in the late 60s, and the results since Europe competed, as Europe 7, US 6, with 1 halved, still indicates a close competition, despite the most recent results.

I for one would hate to see the format change, and believe the US's recent failures to be more due to poor selection and preparation rather than overwhelming European dominance.

No the present format I believe to be fine, but the US needs consolidation, selection on the basis of who can perform at matchplay, not who has won the most money.

And if these items are not attended to, and Europe in 20 years time has won 13 on the trot, maybe then it will be time to start making changes to the format.

Paul

Great comments, I will never forget Brookline or the behaviour of Lehman and Crenshaw. This match was an example to all sprtsmen everywhere as to how sport should be played and to always remember it is after all is said and done still just a game.

Tiger only played due to computer games sponsorship, so I guess it would be EAsy to say the USA team were always going to lose, Tiger had already been paid!

Per you response Allan, playing in college is only for those who can qualify for the team (i.e. be very good - e.g Luke Donald played at Northwestern Univerity in Chicago) - you just don't walk on and play. To get on a college team requires golfing accomplishments that one only gains at the youth level and that is not available to most kids.
As per our getting out more - most of us folks are just busting our butts to keep our head above water. Apologies but that comes way before worrying about some nationalist BS competition - and yes college is for the folks that have $$ or don't mind being in debt to the tune of 100k $ or so before you have your first job.

Per your comment Gareth I can only tell you what I see around where I live and the semi-private golf club where I work. The US is not what it seems to y'all and I am sure we don't know about where you live either. Certainly the Euros did great and kicked the US butts - Congratulations!!

It seems that for the moment the European team do have the jump on the States, but to argue that the cup is no longer competitive is wrong. There's a very interesting physchological aspect to the RC - and it takes no more than an hour or so of fortune/ great shots to turn the momentum the other way. For years we watched with little or no hope - but we did watch! I think it would be easy/ convenient for the states to now say they're not interested in the cup, now they are losing. I do hope this doesnt become something the top US golfers start to give a miss, because the pendulum will swing back some day. But this time - for perhaps the first time, the states teed off on the first day knowing they were very unlikely to win. This used to be the status quo for the european side - but we still turned up each time and fought vainly.

I can see a couple more going our way with the youth in the side, but maybe by then a new 'Tiger' inspired generation will have joined the PGA, and we will once again become the underdogs. We should enjoy it (large) while we can.

And as for golf rankings - well, since these are largely based on stroke play results - and this is a match play event, Im not sure they are at all relevant. Europe are particulary good at this format currently because of the current personalities in the team and the closer knit european tour community. From distance, Id single out Westwood and Clarke as particularly crucial. This seems to be a team of guys that genuinely like each other - and you can have as many BBQs as you like - but you can't manufacture this every two years.

The fact that pound for pound the individuals may also be more talented - well the result was never in doubt.

Many of the posters here seem to have had too much to drink - others not enough...

Cliche alert. Today was a great day for golf. Not for American golf; they were beaten by a better team despite having players who are, for the most part, higher ranked. This event is more like the FA Cup rather than the Premiership. It doesn't matter if your team members would win if it were a 4 day medal event. It's not, and the US has to get it's head around the fact that on any given day two players playing as a proper team can beat players who would probably outrank them over the course of the year.

Golf won because most of us could see the bigger picture. Darren Clarke has friends on both teams and although he was absolutely delighted to win it really is not that important in the larger scheme of things. Darren would obviously rather have lost today if it meant that his wife could have been there. It's just a game. Games are only worth playing if you try your best. but none of us should mistake it for real life. The Americans were outplayed this week but as human beings they weren't outclassed. It's a friendly game, golf, and the Yanks showed that through their good spirit.

I think the good sportsmanship of the Irish crowd pretty much summed it up. Passionate but fair.

The european team hammered the american team three days in a row; isn't this a good reason to celebrate.
Also if some have a couple of pints too much!,they will certainly have something to remember, including the drinks they had (or should I say... that they forgot!).

As a Brit living in The US, it was fantastic to see The Euro team smash the money grabbing Americans - as Sergio said, there is no sweeter feeling than beating America.

First, as an American I want to congratulate the European Team on another drubbing of our squad. I was at Oakland Hills and I never thought I would see another performance like that one.

Second, as a Payne Stewart fan I cannot stop myself from correcting Gareth Elliot when he said that Mark O'Meara gave the final putt to Monty. In fact it was Payne Stewart not O'Meara. It does not change the situation, but I feel that Payne deserves the credit for that honorable act.

Third, I believe the Americans should put Lehman as their Captain for the next Ryder Cup. He may have made some mistakes, every captain including Woosie does, but that does not change the fact that he was the best American Captain since '99. I love Zinger, but he would not do a better job than Lehman.

Fourth, I think that Tiger is going to take too much heat for this loss. He did not play great, but was a part of approximately 1/3 of the American points. Phil on the other hand should quit playing in these team events. Watching the American press conference I was disgusted by the fact that he took no responsiblity. Everyone else took responsibility. Not Phil. Mickelson is what is wrong with American golfers.

Once again, congrats to all Euro fans. I loved hanging with you at Oakland Hills you were fun to party with and I look forward to seeing you all in Louisiville in two years!

* 29.
* At 10:41 PM on 24 Sep 2006,
* R Clark wrote:

What was K Jones talking about in quote 3 . Disgracefull scenes and behaviour on the balcony of the K Club, by the Europeans. We the Europeans had just won the Ryder Cup. Now if you want to talk about disgraiefull scenes lets got back to 1999 when olly still had his put to make only for Justin leonard and Tom Lehman to run on the green wheres the spirit of the game there!!!

_____________________________________

In regards to the actions of the American Team in '99.

I think we all forget just how overwhelmed with emotion the American team was that day. They had just overcome the largest deficit in Ryder Cup history and they overreacted and APOLOGIZED.

It does not make their actions correct, but I don't think we need to continue to re-hash the issue. Is winning three Ryder Cups in a row not enough? You need to continue to complain about an unfortunate incident that took place during one of the most amazing comebacks in sports history?

Please get over it. The European Team has gotten over it. The rest of us should let it rest as well.

Ken,

If being trounced for a third time running doesn't spark some life into the Ryder Cup in the US, nothing will.

The whole tournamentt from start to finish was played in a sportsman like manner. Unlike a few years ago when the Europeans were booed and jeered for every putt they missed in the U.S. Well done to the fans for appreciating good team golf. Not much from the Americans as Tiger Woods looked as if he did not want to be there. It is so obvious that most of the Americans don't understand what team spirit is all about. K Jones also has no idea what it is like to be part of a team if he dislikes the way the Europeans celebrate. Get a life K Jones and watch some golf and venture out in to the other world which exists outside the boundaries of the U.S. If the prize money in Europe was as big as what they offer in the U.S. then Europe would have the top golfers in the world as the rankings go on prize money won.

I am mystified as to why the European golfers play like world-beaters for 3 days every two years, but then choke as individuals every time they get close in a major ( which is not often).
Europe has become supreme over 10 plus years in this one-off event. Over the same period their Ryder heroes averages have sunk in the year-round slog of the world rankings.
The most likely answer is simple and boring. In the USA the Ryder cup is just another tournament, competing for publicity in September with the climax of the baseball season and the start of the football season (both of which get a much larger audience). Americans are also more impressed by individual performance than team games. Not too many Monday morning sports conversations at work will spend much time crying about the Ryder Cup. It is considered a side-show, like boxing. The US golfers do not care enough to rise to the occasion like the Europeans.

Even the European golfers, despite their unbounded joy and ability to rise above themselves for 3 days, would really rather be remembered for winning the British Open than for their Ryder Cup Record. We all remember Nick Faldo's major wins, but quick, can anyone remember his Ryder Cup record?

As for the celebrations, why should anyone criticise? If it means a lot to them, let them party. The Yanks behaved far worse in 1999, after the miracle comeback.

Perhaps the only thing that detracts from a day of pure sporting joy, (including the scenes on the balcony of The K Club), is the vulgar hubris of of the yob brit element among the comments posted on this site.
It's taken the Irish to show how the Ryder Cup should be staged and supported. The oppositon respected and the home team cheered magnificently and with great humour.
One day, hopefully a long time hence, Europe will loose the cup. I only hope that, when we do, it will be with as much grace and sportsmanship as Tom Lehman and his team displayed.

Europe were definately the better team this year but the comment by Sergio Garcia and all the anti-American comments here show the HUGE chips on the shoulders of the Europeans. Remember when Britain was the power of the world and other countries made inane potshots at them ? I guess it is our turn now but it makes you look very petty.

Congratulations to the Europeans on a fine win. Shame on the mean-spirited complaints about celebration. The Europeans obviously think they have done something wonderful, so let them party.

The truth is that there has always been a void between European attitude and US attitude to the Ryder Cup. Years ago before the Europeans joined the Brits, the US had little interest in the bi-annual slaughter as winners. They had respect for the origins of the game, but only saw the Ryder Cup as a lesser event.
This still continues today even though the slaughter goes the other way. The US team and the US population is far more interested in end-of-year individual rankings and performance in majors, which they dominate.
Meanwhile the Europeans have helped to turn this pent-up resentment around and reverse the results, but nothing has changed in the relative interest in the tournaments, despite the polite words of the US team.

The proof of this difference is obvious. The US Ryder Cup team will go back on Monday to winning majors and dominating world rankings, just as they have done for all these years that they have stunk at the Ryder Cup. The European players need to do more than play well for 3 days every 2 years if they want their Ryder Cup victories to be considered anything more than a one-off abberation in a gimic-format tournament.

Comments regarding European major winners are ill founded.

Golf is a global game yet 3 of the 4 majors are played in the USA.

Lets see just how many majors they would win if only one was played in the states.

Tiger has won the Open several times over here, true but he hasnt dominated the event.

A word about Thomas Bj枚rn - his comments about missing the pick showed how keen he was to get into the Ryder cup team. That that attitude covers the rest of the team too, and produces allegations of "chips on shoulders" and crass over-celebration from observers, shows how much all the members (and potential members) of the European team wanted to win. The same cannot be said of the USA team; I feel this was a factor in their last couple of defeats. They could take lessons from Bj枚rn in human desire as against machine-like performance.

BTW I am sure Bj枚rn will be in the next Ryder Cup squad, and in ten years or so the captain - he just needs to qualify! Had it been a question of wild cards, I would have preferred him to Montgomerie, though not to Westwood - though that is no doubt a controversial opinion, and in the end unimportant for the win.

Thsi was a fantastic competition which was played in true sporting spirit. Would any of us given the put that McGinley gave on the last to halve the match. Even in the heat of competition our Golfers showed their true sportsmanship. WEll done Europe and well done the USA. I saw their players congratulating the Europeans even whilst the matches were still being played. Tiger Woods and Darren Clarke were true heros as they shared their emotions at the end of the competition. Teams like the Argentinian Football team might do well to watch this as they might learn how to lose graciously

was it my imagination or was there some booing and jeering yesterday as the players moved around and past the stands?

i could not quite work out who was booing who ie Euro fans booing US or vicrse verse but in any event i am sure i heard it on more than one occasion.

can anybody shed any light on this?

cheers

J

Amazing.

Only the second time I ever watched the Ryder Cup and I found myself totally absorbed by the event. Congratulations to the Europeans for a magnificent victory, but I would also like to raise my hat to the Americans for being so sporting and magnamimous in defeat. The abiding memories for me will be the long embrace between Tom Lehman and Darren Clarke on the 16th green, and the way the rest of the US team conducted themselves during the course of the event.
Well then Europe, but Mr Lehman, you proved yourself to be a great ambassador today for US golf. I for one, will never forget.

I have seen a few RC Victories in my time and that is up there as the number one for emotion. Clarkey's strength of character was shown in abundance and the rest of the team were always around him to keep him up. To win as he did all weekend was an immense acheivement.

K Jones - Straighten your doilies, clean your glasses, trim your moustache and take a leisurely stroll back to the 50's...

CELEBREATE ON EUROPE - YOU DID IT FOR US AGAIN!

And that's from a accountant...

Who would have thought that a visual game like golf could be captured with such intense detail and atmoshpere by the medium of radio. The Radio 5 live coverage of the event brought all the excitement, drama and shere lump-in-the-throat emotion across the airwaves from Ireland. I am extremely grateful for their efforts in allowing me stand inside the ropes on such agreat occasion. Well done to all the European side for keeping the dream of team spirit and gentlemanly conduct alive.

I don't know about anyone else, but I for one had tears straeming down my face when Darren Clarke was shown in tears having won his singles match. An absolute hero and inspiration for me.

Well I watched the Ryder Cup, and was very happy all round.

I was born in Zambia, but have lived in England for thirty years, so consider myself British.

I understand and share the passion the British public have for sport, and also for winning.

To clarify all the above, lets get some things straight.

The Europeans played very well, played as a team, drink together and generally get on really well with one another. Something the USA team need to try and emulate, but this is more of a cultural/attitude thing I think rather than personal.
The Americans played OK, but just did not seem to have enough about them in a head-to-head competion as they seem to perform better when it is just "numbers" in a medal format.
The USA do deserve praise for their players attitude, sportsmanship and contribution to an overall week which was played in a great respect for all the players. Gracious to the last.

I do think the American public take more interest in it than they like to admit, especially when they have lost there competitive edge at the moment. But I am sure there will be more than enough interest when they win it back. When that will be is just a matter of time, as these things always ebb and flow over time.

In all, it was a good 3 days of golf, good celebrations (come on people, got to let your hair down some time and monster a few beers!) and good for Golf on the whole as it demonstrated that the people who are in golf, and play golf are probably the nicest and friendliest people in sport.

Well done Europe for trouncing the Americans once again.

It is a shame that we can't replicate thus dominace in the Majors etc, but I strongly feel that it will.

The reason for the European win I think is down to two simple reasons:

The European players genuinely like each other. There was talk before the tournament by bloggers on this very site about how much Gracia and Olazabal don't get on. But that seemed to disappear during this weekend.

In contrast, the Americans don't get on. No amount of Karaoke is going to break down barriers and allow people to get on. Those kinds of bonds are formed over years not weeks.

To the ones who point to the Americans and World Rankings, compared to the Europeans. Sadly those rankings are influenced by one thing, perhaps two. Money and TV.

The money in golf is in the States. TV coverage governs the prize money available in American Golf and American players will continue to play there because the larger purses are there.

World Rankings are then set against the strength of the field, and sadly stronger fields are present when the money is good.

That is why European Golfers are lower in the World Rankings than your average American. Its not because they are worse players, but because the money isn't there in European Golf to attract the bigger fields.

As for European Major Winners. I wonder if we would see more European winners if there were more than one Major played in Europe. Personally I think its significant that we see more American players winning them when they are played in America.

But as I said before, I foresee a period of European dominance in indivdual tournaments that will last as long as our current Ryder Cup dominance.

What a fantastic result. Well done Woosie's Wonderful Warriors!

Jonathon, what sounded like booing was actually for Luke Donald and the crowd chant 'Luuuukkkeee' whenever they see him and have done for a few years.

Great for European golf, might be good for American golf too. (make the PGA sit up and take notice). I applaud the american team for the gracious way they accepted the result. Tom Lehman was class, as was Zach Johnson. (not so sure about diMarco though! two balls in the water and a walk up to the green before conceding? despite thinking that he had made up his mind to concede after the second shot in the river).
They aren't all about money, some looked for fun afterwards... Did anyone else notice Jim Furyk walking up to the ramp to the stage with a guinness in his hand?

Jonathan, what sounded like booing was in fact the crowd saying Luuuke to Luke Donald in reference to Luke Sykwalker from Star Wars. It did sound like booing though, took me a while to work it out and I was there!

Getting a liitle anoyed at all these people having a go at "California John". I am pretty sure his comments were a swipe at the poor performing Americans, not a practical suggestion to the administrators.

Come on Europe, Come on Nick Faldo - 4 on the trot is your goal now boys.

Comment Number 62:

'......would really rather be remembered for winning the British Open than for their Ryder Cup Record. We all remember Nick Faldo's major wins, but quick, can anyone remember his Ryder Cup record?'

Firstly it is 'The Open' and not the 'British Open'. Maybe two of the majors should be taken away from the USA and played elsewhere around the world. Finally, Nick Faldo took 25 points from his Ryder Cup campaigns!

Many congatulations to the European team.

It was all about attitude and team spirit.....

Did anyone else notice at the closing ceremony, the European team were lined up in alphabetical order, whereas the US sat in rank.....!!!

Well done boys....!!!

In relation to Americans not caring if they win the Ryder cup. Interesting before the singles started on sky sports 11 out of 12 Americans said the most important thing to them was being competitive. So if they are all competitive surely they would have wanted to win and would have cared greatly.
Europe were just better

Jonathan.

No, that wasn't booing, it was chanting for Luke Donald..."Luuuuuuke", a bit like the fans used to do at Man.United for Ruud Van Nistelroy....."Roooooooooo", it does sound like booing though! I think it was probably American fans actually, he plays most of his golf there and was a US collegiate star and is very popular. There were similar chants at the USPGA for him.

Perhaps it could be europe v the rest of the world, i'm sure Goosen Els and Singh could improve the us team.

I have to admit that I have never been a fan of golf until this weekend, my God what a tournament!! Edge of your seat action, I cried like a baby with Clarke and celebrated like a loon - absolute pure genius the whole team! Bring on Valhalla 2008!!

K.Jones - ya big girl's blouse! If you think their celebrations were appalling then you seriously need to get out more! What would you prefer? A few hoorahs and gentleman handshakes? Tut!

California John - this might have been a good suggestion at the start of the year, considering that 3 of your American players didnt even possess a passport, let alone had played outside of America!

Assurance to Jonathan - the "booing and jeering" from the crowd was the cry of "Luuuuuuke" to Luke Donald which was started in the States (where he was at college) and is similar to the "Goooooose" cry to Retief Goosen which I first took to be booing. Never fear, there was no booing in this Ryder Cup, played in the best of spirits (although it would help the Americans if they smiled a bit more and looked as if they were enjoying themselves).

Jonathan:

That "booing" may have been cries of "Luuuuke" which accompanied Luke Donald around the course. Sounds like booing but isn't :)

Jonothan I think the sounds you heard were the crowd shouting Luuuuuuuuuke !
The players were all great but is it not odd that Tiger can only part perform in the Ryder Cup

In response to Jonathon:

I heard what sounded like booing and jeering too, but I'm pretty sure that this always coincided with Luke Donald being on screen.

Conclusion?

"Luuuuuuuuuuke!!!!"

Just a guess.... :o)

Great team, great captain, great result.We hear all these comments about the Usa having no team spirit. This is something that is built into our sides from an early age. Golf is a solitary game, but if u are good u will soon get the team ethic by being picked for your club, then your county and then beyond. Most of these teams play foursomes the most team led game and now we hear that some of the usa had not played any/not much team match play golf as even there college golf is based on stroke play.I understand that most of the social golf in the states is played as stroke play, whereas most of ours is throw the balls up for a 4bbb
It may do well for team usa if they reconsider and bring in more match play from an early age.

The 12 best (richest) golfers in the world were beaten by the best team of 12 golfers. Simple as that.
US Golfers play target golf on similar courses, week in, week out. The european tour is much more varied and tougher across the year, it breeds better (but not as rich) golfers.

The yanks should open up to the rest of the world
Europe v Rest of World, now that would be spectacular.

Jonathan,

I suspect the 'boos' you heard were actually the chants of support for 'Loooke' (Donald) - a ritual that has grown up around him on the US tour from his many supporters there. The chants sound very like boos, unfortunately!

Johnathan,

That's not booing - it is the sound of people screaming 'Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuke'

Jonathan, there was no booing, it sounded like booing but it was actually the crowd saying luke luke luke over and over! Great tournment, great sportsmanship, well done Ireland and the Irish on hosting a great event!

Jonathon (post 69) - I thought I heard booing yesterday too, but I think it was actually the crowd shouting Luke, for Luke Donald. When you say it slowly in a deep enough voice it sounds like a boo.

Fantastic 3 days golf! I was smiling and crying (for Darren) all of yesterday evening!

Jonathan, the boo's you heard were actually for Luke Donald they were cheering LUUUUUKE!!, it did sound very like a boo though.

I would also say that for a sporting event that is third in audience for a world-wide event it was something special. The most special thing was the spirit, passion and respect the whole event was played in. From the spectators through the players and the captains. This is an idealic sporting ethos that I thought was lost 30 years ago in the Olympics. I see above that some of the comments suggested sore loosers, I am sorry but from the putt given to Darren on the sixteenth through to the support given to him by the whole US team demonstrated the perfect respect given and the dignity in defeat. It is just a shame that more sport cannot be played in the same spirit.

It was a priviledge to witness the great event.

to jonathan,

the booing you thought you heard yesterday was in fact the fans cheering for Luke Donald ("Luuuuuuuuuke!!!"). I was at the k-Club over the weekend and I will never forget the whole experience. The support for both teams was fantastic. I'm already planning for Celtic Manor in 4 years time!!
ole, ole, ole, ole....

To Jonathan in Comment 69: it wasn't booing and jeering from the stands, it was a chant of "Luuuuuke" for Luke Donald, in much the same way as Man Utd fans used to chant "Ruuuuuud" for Ruud Van Nistelroy.

I at first thought the same as you, but listened a couple of times and realised what was going on. At least, I think so anyway!

Jonathon

The'booing' you may have heard was the way that Luke Donald is greeted by his fans; shouts of Luuuuke, a bit like the Man U fans shouted for Ruud VN. Some US collegiate thing I think.

Another fantastic victory for the European team, however I thought that although they didn't seem to be enjoying it all that much, the American players and captain still conducted themselves extremely well at all times.

It is a strange situation - the likes of Furyk and Woods play with scowls in their faces, but I don't think this is indicative of them as people. By all accounts both are absolute gentlemen off the course.

I think more than anything it is their individual nature, and the pure concentration it takes to win by yourself. Whatever it is, at present the way the American players do things doesn't translate well to the Ryder Cup the way it does to Major tournaments which they dominate.

Europe had just one Major winner in Olazabal; bearing that in mind accusations of any kind of inbalance in favour of the European team are completely unjustifiable.

I would suggest that perhaps The PGA should consider looking at their Ryder Cup points scoring method - players only win points for top ten finishes, so some steady performers may be missing out.

PS - in response to Jonathan, I think that was actually the fans shouting 'Luuuuuke' to Luke Donald not booing. Its something, ironically they have picked up from fans in America, who supported him that way when he played for their college team in Chicago.

A few things:

first, Jonathan (post 69) the crowds weren't boo-ing, they were calling 'Luuke, Luuuuke' for Luke Donald.
second, Ireland didn't join the Ryder Cup in the 1970s or whenever (Paul, post 32): sam Ryder set it up as a contest between the pro golfers of the USA and GB&I, right from the start.
Third - the US doesn't dominate world golf, not any more: Tiger Woods dominates the world game, with 12 wins under his belt. He could also damage it in America, if their players feel he's completely unbeatable).
If the US Ryder Cup team was selected the same way Europe does, then Lehman would have been playing, in 12th place. He's ranked 39th in the world. Look at the rankings: Casey, Howell, Stenson, Harrington, Donald and Karlsson are all ranked higher than the bulk of the US team. Europe's average ranking is better - and average age is younger, too.
Tiger is v, v good but he's only one person: the most he can do is score 5 points, and you need 14.5 to win the Cup.
I'm sure the US will be smarting and wondering what they have to do to win. What they could remember is that the European team was absolutely trounced in 1981 by probably the best team that ever played in the event - Nicklaus, Watson, Trevino, Floyd, Irwin and Miller were all on the US side. Two years later, Europe nearly won, and in the US, to boot. In 1985 we finally did it.
If they want to short-cut the improvemnet process, then they could consider including Canadians. And maybe having a few tournaemnts in Canada, too! There were some of the US team who had never gone outside of their own borders - that is part of their problem.
Finally - McGinley's gesture on the 18th, when one person had run across Henry's line, was mighty - and in stark contrast to Brookline. Yes, it's history - but we remember. And we remember Payne Stewart's generous concession, too. A great sportsman, greatly missed - not least from the US Ryder Cup setup. He understood the nature of the game, the enjoyment to be gained from it and would have been a marvellous captain.

Are all professional sportsmen not deeply competitive? At that level, they play only to win. Having fun is important, but I have always believed the best way to enjoy sport is to win!

Irrespective of the USA attitude to the Ryder Cup, a defeat like that hurts big time.

Magnanimous to the last, however, Tom Lehman deserves much credit. To react with such dignity after such a drubbing takes a big man.

One of the pleasing things from a European view isn't just the 12 players who won so well this week, but the 6 or 7 others who could have done a job if picked too (Poulter, Bjorn, Petterson etc). European golf has the strength in depth and young talent to make the next 2 or 3 Ryder Cups just as one way as this one. Perhaps we should allow the US to include Canada, Mexico, Argentina and other South American naitons to give them a bit of a chance next time (lol)

What a lot of people (re: the non competitive arguement) seem to be forgetting is that 7 of the first 8 matches were decided on the final hole. Things opened up a little more on the second day, but the only real runaway session was the final days play. If each session finished 2.5 - 1.5, thats not a big difference, and could have gone either way.
Having said that the European guys looked so much more relaxed and were enjoying it more than the Americans.
Well done to Stenson for his winning putt, to Clarke for playing through all the attention and to Woosie for being a great captain who can have a laugh! Also to Zach Johnson & McGinley for their sportsmanship and Tom Lehman for learning how to conduct himself since Brooklyn.

Have you got that now Jonathan??

Despite our great victory, the hair raising atmosphere and a fantastic matchplay course , it was a shame that the contest was, in the end, an anti-climax.
I believe golf (especially matchplay) is THE best sport to watch when it comes down to the wire and I'm sure most sports fans were secretly hoping that the USA would rally to make a fight of it.
I agree with comments that the USA team was weak but to make future contests more competitive, its down to the USPGA to change their points scoring system. How the USA wish they had players of the calibre of Davis Love, Couples and the in-form Curtis to help their cause. Maybe its time for the ryder cup committee to also look at giving captains a further pick so those players in a rich rein of form are able to be selected?

Is that K Jones being serious? I am no big golf fan but I do like the RC and do recall shall we say "over exuberant" reactions when the US last won were far worse than anything I saw yesterday. Besides, given the size of the whipping Europe just gave those ever smug Americans, I thought their reaction was nothing short of gracious.

I would like to say that the RC is the only time Europeans unite behind the one team, maybe because there is a common "enemy" but regardless, it is very good and positive to see, maybe there is a lesson to be learnt from this by the EU? Just a thought

I too am an Englishman living in the States. The team thing at golf, and the Americans lack of it is not surprising to me. Americans are taught from an early age to rely on "coaches" at every event. Seldom do you see teammates at any sport helping each other. They even have base coaches at baseball (three in all!!) to tell them when to run! My point? When the chips are down they don't know how to handle talking to their pairs partner. They don't have the self believe in their mate and it shows. Coaches with headphones, walkie talkies, notepads etc. etc. Utter rubbish. At any sport, and expecially teamsports it's down to the players.

How fantastic it is to see a sport (and a superbly staged event) on television which is filled with total sportmanship, togetherness and no ill-feeling between sides.

May we have some more of this in the future please !!!!

Not seen many shouts for Lee Westwood. He was awesome and joint top point scorer for Europe. He played brilliantly on Sunday despite being ill and was picked out by Darren as his inspiration. As for team performance it goes without saying that they've surely won the 大象传媒 Sports Personality Team of the Year!!

My mate's in pieces: he had 拢5 on Zara Phillips at 100/1 to win 大象传媒 Sports Personality of the Year, bet placed before she won the world showjumping thing. Before the RC she was then running as the bookies favourite, but Darren Clarke has done for that! Surely DC for SPotY 2007 is as certain as Jonnie Wilkinson in 2003 and Freddie last year? And quite rightly so- what courage and strength. What a man!

T Baynham - Congratulations - You appear to be the only golf fan in the world that can spell "lose" (instead of loose or loosing)

Hello.

First many congratulations for the players. It was a great tournament with very nice public and an great compilation of the game.

For Darren Clarke is our deepest sympathy we wish him well and hope to see him a lot in more tournaments.

Greetings from Meggie Vissers

Having read all the comments, I am very pleased to say that meetings with the USPGA, R&A and the Whitehouse the rules will be changed to return this to a competitive event.

Rule1) No forgeiner will not allowed to travel to the USA with any connection what so ever with the ryder cup.
Rule2) American players can take more than one attempt to play any shot if they do not like the outcome
Rule3) when using rule 2 if more than 5 attempts are reached then the player can place the ball no nearer than 2 inches to the chosen position he was trying to play to
Rule4) In the event of no european player turning up, Players will be chosen to represent Europe from a local kindergarden. European names will be given to the players, such as Tony, Gordon, Prescott, Brown etc
Rule5) If more than a 2 point difference opens up in favour of Europe. Each European player must surrender 5 golf clubs at any one hole, clubs chosen by the course steward
Rule6) The American captain must be consulted at all times by the course stewdards to ensure fair play
Rule7) If any of the above rules are broken the offending team will automatically lose the competition

I can not wait till 2008 ===
signed
TB at his future Texas Ranch

Thank heavens for the RC team, now we have someone to vote for in the 大象传媒 Sports Personality of the Year. Even better - Darren has a personality.

Joint second being the rest of the GB representatives with Sergio winning overseas SP followed by the rest of the Euro part of the team.

An earlier comment remarked on how close day one and two actually was - thsi is a very valid point. However 4 point lead soon became 6 points and then the guys just showed the world how to play relaxed attacking golf. Only Verplank responded in kind with the rest of the US tightening up to such an extent it was a wonder they could swing a club at all.

Now we just have to wait another two years for the only true sporting occassion in the world or is it just a matter of time before they start diving and feigning injury?

Have to agree with the bloggers who noticed that the US team looked miserable. I know that some people look miserable when they are concentrating hard - 'focused' as the buzz word is, Stephen Hendry is one - but perhaps they looked miserable because they were getting hammered. Only twice did the long faces brighten - Scott Verplank's ace at the 14th, and Tiger Woods' caddie losing yer man's 9-iron in the lake....

Wow!! Speaking as an Irish man who's just spent 4 days attending this great event, it was just mighty. Am still hoarse from shouting our boys on who performed brilliantly and simply outplayed the US boys.

Really proud for Ireland that we were able to put such a great show on.

The fans from both sides and from all countries were in great form and all displayed generosity and friendliness through all the matches. It was genuinely good craic.

Good leadership from both captains, who showed real class.

Re an earlier comment re the "anti-American comments", American should understand that for Sergio to say "it's great to beat the Americans" is akin to saying we Irish love to beat England, it's not anti-English, it's just a historic rivalry. So don't hammer him for it - if he didn't like you, he'd hardly be playing most of his golf on the US tour! Chill out!!

Fair play to Bill Clinton too, walked with various groups all day yesterday cheering on the US and didn't seem to spend any time in corporate hospitality.

One thing I noticed on the first tee on Sunday; Monty hit his ball down the fairway, began to walk after it, then he stopped, turned around and applauded the fans.

A touch of class, Monty! Well done.

After Stewart Cink pummeled Sergio, he should have shook his hand, then picked him up over his shoulders and pile drived him into the hole, head first. If that didn't get the Americans going, nothing would.

I have to agree with the Englishman, (109). We Americans are paralyzed in team sports. We're supposed to be cultivating individual thinking, but paralyze our kids with over coaching. We don't let them do anything without getting a signal from their coach. What you end up getting is a group of players that are more afraid of doing something wrong, than thinking indepedently.

No one has mentioned that the European team actually had a higher world ranking average than the american team, the average world ranking for the 12 Europeans is 23.25. It is 27.5 for the Yanks. Yes the americans have higher ranked players but overall we had more strength in depth, so fora ll this talk of the americans being better in stroke play, guess it isn't true! I am also a brit living in the states, In LA golf courses are a lot cheaper to play than they were in London, which I left only a year ago. Golf clubs are also cheaper so it is more affordable than at least in Britain.

Americans are usually good sports. We hate to lose like anybody else. Sergio is a weakling who plays well and talks tough when he is surrounded by his brothers. He turns into a coward when he has to play alone over here in the states. Start winning some tough tournaments before you start talking tough. Anyone can tell that Sergio is afraid of getting his ass kicked.

Thanks for putting it all in perspective. It is a game to be enjoyed and cheered for. I would have loved to have seen the Europeans invite the Americans up on the balcony and show them how to celebrate. Wouldn't it have been great to see Tom Lehman and Ian Woosnam chugging a pint of Guiness together?

We came! they came! WE CONQUERED!!!
Well done Europe It was a fantastic win. But i hope that you will agree that the real winner was this great game of golf.

Which two tournaments?

Maybe being better team players is a culture thing. I have grown up playing 'betterball' matchplay golf and only play strokeplay in competitions. I believe this applies to most of us club golfers. When travelling in Florida or British Columbia ( my only North American trips) the locals only seem interested in stroke play. This could explain a lot. Anyone agree?

Maybe being better team players is a culture thing. I have grown up playing 'betterball' matchplay golf and only play strokeplay in competitions. I believe this applies to most of us club golfers. When travelling in Florida or British Columbia ( my only North American trips) the locals only seem interested in stroke play. This could explain a lot. Anyone agree?

As to USA interest in the Ryder Cup, we watched it ALL from Cape Cod, Mass., and it was Topic 1 with all of my golf friends.

It was competitive drama at its best, even though we kept falling further behind. As someone said this morning, we thought that the numbers required for a Day 3 comeback were IMPOSSIBLE, except that the Europeans achieved those exact numbers themselves on Sunday. We'll be back, and stronger!! And...after watching the TV for 3 days, I now have an urge to travel to Ireland.

Regarding K Jones and commments about celebrating, I remember some man last year saying that he would prefer his daughter coming home with a drunken Freddie Flintoff than a sober Wayne Rooney.

Somehow I don't think he has changed his mind.

Also I can't resist this:
Lady Astor: "Mr. Churchill, you're drunk!"
Winston Churchill: "Yes, and you, Madam, are ugly. But tomorrow, I shall be sober."

Had America beaten Europe 18.5 to 9.5 don't you think that it would be splashed all over the US papers?

To say it is a second or third tier sport in the US after baseball and football and that this is the difference between the two continents is ridiculous. Particularly from the country that hosts 3 of the 4 majors and gave us the dubious gift that is "The Golf Channel". We play other games in Europe than Golf too. Golf easily rates as a third rate sport in all EU contries.

QUESTION FOR THE EUROS: If you offered any one of the EU team a choice between a Major title win or this Ryder Cup win how many do you think would take the Ryder Cup.

With Darren Clarke as an exception (due to personal accomplishment) I'd say none of them. Theres no "I" in team but unfortunately there is in "Tiger" so the US may need an attitude adjustment when playing the Ryder Cup but the Europeans need to start standing on their own and putting away major titles. That鈥檚 how golfers are remembered.

MESSAGE TO IRELAND: Lastly, just a quick message to my countrymen. I'm an irishman living in Australia and I wept openly at the end of the cup not just because of Darren's courageous battle and victory but also because I was so proud of all the fans and the K Club for taking the cup, the event itself, the hospitality, the crowd atmosphere and the gentlemans sporting etiquette to a new high. I so desperately wanted to be there and I am so desperately proud to be irish.

The Americans play as individuals but there is an immense difference between stroke play and match play. The Europeans played as a team and had more depth. These outcomes will not change until the US changes its selection system and develops camaraderie among the team. The latter being tougher than the former.

congratulations to Europe.

I agree with steve beds that most Americans are only interested in stroke play, both the pros that play it and the viewing audience. Maybe we should try a stroke play competition US vs Europe? A new one of course with beer to be snorted by the winner. Has to have new rules as well, because Europeans cant win much at the existing stroke play competitions. Throw in over-stimulated fans and press coverage, only play for 3 days every 2 years and you may get another 'greatest day in history'.

Interesting that the UK only showed the RC on pay tv, but in the US it is on 'free' terrestrial tv. On reflection, that seems to support my conclusion of less US interest in this wacky competition (who would watch if you had to pay?)

As for world rankings, major wins etc most Europeans do not win much outside their own tour. In fact, will there be many successful 'truly-European' players in 10 years. Many European players are already like Luke Donald, virtually identical to the US players. They attended US Universities mainly to play golf (with and against future US stars) and play a large part of the year on the US tour. Check the schedules of most of the European stars.
This will eventually lead to more European major winners who also need to search frantically for their passports every 4 years in order to travel to Europe for the RC.

Everything you say is true. My parents tell me that I'm 7/8 Irish and 1/8 English. All I know is that I'm 100 percent American, and will look forward to cordially kicking the Euros asses in two years.

"Nothing better than beating the Americans." Typical Garcia class.

A particular spiteful comment considering he competes on the US tour full time, lives in the US, and makes millions upon millions from US sponsors.

I understand that we Americans play the role of villians very well, but a little restraint perhaps.

Ian the ex-pat Brit

It is absolute nonsense to say that the Americans do not care about this "wacky event", as you have called it!

The Ryder Cup started in 1927, that is almost 80 years of uncaring competition Ian. Such a waste.

Let me quote the 大象传媒 "The Ryder Cup, once famed for its friendly competition, lost its way in the 1990s with unsavoury rivalries dubbed 'War on the Shore' and the 'Battle of Brookline'."

So are you still saying the Americans do not care about this competition?

I think it is wise to direct praise at where it is due. It is so unsportsman like to look for straws.

"A desperate person will try anything to save himself, no matter how unlikely. The proverb has been traced back to 'Dialogue of Comfort Against Tribulation' (1534) by Thomas More (1478-1535). First cited in the United States in 'Colonial Currency' (1720). The proverb is found in varying forms: a drowning man will clutch at a straw; A drowning man grabs at a straw; A drowning man snatches at straws, etc." Whatever...

Just enjoy this wonderful competition! It is unlikely they will have an Americans only Ryder Cup.

Kwai,

Thanks for the high-class putdown. I dont think I have ever been abused by a quote from Thomas Moore before now.

I think you must be reading these old quotes from the original manuscripts and it is affecting your eyesight. Apart from not being able to spell (Moore not More) you failed to notice that I said LESS US interest, not no US interest. This difference is crucial. For whatever reason, The US and it's golfers do not share the same level of motivation as Europe for the Ryder Cup. The PGA cannot even be bothered to have a selection system that results in the best team. That is a truer measure of lesser interest than the 'mea culpa' statements of Furyk.

US Players are obviously highly motivated people when they truly care as results prove. The motivation required to play tournaments year-round as an individual against a one hundred plus field is far greater than that required to ride the wave of a one-off team event behind a hysterial press, rah-rah jingoism and Sergio waking up every 2 years.

In truth, the Ryder Cup is the Carling Cup or the 20/20 cup. Lesser players get to have glory for a day against de-motivated opponents until they turn into a pumpkin at midnight.
My League Two Notts County boys must be world beaters in your eyes. They beat Premiership Middlesbrough in the Carling Cup, then could only draw
against Swindon 3 days later. I danced for a day, but reality bites hard.
Even dopey footballers recognize that the Premiership and Champions League are reality and cups (yes even the sacred FA Cup) are fleeting and unreal.
As for your quoting 'the war at the shore' and 'Brookline', surely a scholar like you can distinguish between a few drunks and real fans. The vast majority of European and US fans at these events were civil. Surely you do not think that the few soccer thugs that give England a bad name are representative of all of England? The abberation of the 17th green incident at Brookline after Justin Leonard's putt was matched by generous concessions on other holes. What would Sergio or Fat Colin have done if roles were reversed?

Sorry about the Fat Colin comment, but really these 2 prove my point. They are all p**s and vinegar for 3 days every 2 years, yet choke on numerous Sundays when they have to rely on their own resources.

I will relax and enjoy the Ryder Cup when Europe sees it for what it is; 7-a-side Rugby, fun but not real. I prefer the normal gentlemanly conduct of all golfers in the stroke play tours.

So, quote king, you know what happens to those who cannot learn from the mistakes of history. So keep thinking that the Ryder Cup has meaning, focus on it and continue to fail at other golf.

Here is the most telling quote of all. 'Hopefully they'll turn this team success into success at the majors'. (Woosnam, Sept 24th 2006)