REFLECTIONS ON THE RYDER CUP, VALHALLA, 2008 - By Rikki White

After the big build-up to the Ryder Cup, how did the captains measure up? There was a hint of a swagger from Nick Faldo, and with only one vice captain appointed, did it mean a reluctance to delegate? Paul Azinger came over as serious and determined, but not actually exuding confidence. Faldo and Azinger, although commentating on the same channel on US tv, are reputedly not the best of chums. The bonhomie between them before the event was forced and not convincing.

I have a sneaking suspicion that Tiger Woods just might be an exception to the rule that every top US or European golfer desperately wants to represent their country in the Ryder Cup. Tiger is not a team player. His record in past appearances has not been impressive and whilst he can haul himself up from apparently impossible situations, he seems unable to inspire his team-mates to do the same.

Day one in the foursomes competition the Europeans made a dream start and after a few holes they were up in 3 matches and all square in the other. Alas it rapidly became a nightmare and they were 3-1 down by lunch New American prodigy Anthony Kim was disappointing but was shepherded along by Phil Mickelson who was on top form. Garcia and Westwood were the stars for Europe when they snatched a half after being three down with three to play.

In the four ball competition the Americans certainly had the edge when it came to the greens. Their putting was nothing short of phenomenal. The Europeans once again were not able to capitalize on another early lead as the US team slotted their putts in from everywhere, but another sterling performance from Lee Westwood, this time with Soren Hansen, saw him snatch another half after being 2 holes down with 2 to play. However, the Europeans did make up a much needed point in this session, Justin Rose and Ian Poulter having a splendid day and getting the first win for the Europeans. (Ian Poulter was determined to justify his “pick” and did it in spades) Hunter Mahan and Justin Leonard played their socks off and putted as if the hole were 6 inches wide. They made everything.

The second day Rose and Poulter again triumphed as a partnership, and so it was difficult to see why Faldo split them up for the afternoon. However, Poulter did equally well with Garcia, whilst Stenson and Oliver Wilson brought off a triumph when they defeated Mickelson and Kim after having been 4 down, so at the end of the day the deficit was the same 2 points.

Whilst it is the prerogative of the home captain to have the course set up to suit his players, it was mooted that some of his decisions were definitely bordering on gamesmanship. Encouraging the crown to cheer when the Europeans missed putts was not sporting and moving the teeing areas each day without informing the opposition was definitely not on. Certainly he gave the impression that it was win at all costs. Valhalla did not hold the horrors we have come to expect of the venues of the majors. The greens were not too tricky, the rough not too rough, and the short rough around the greens had been cut much shorter than usual.

Nick Faldo’s judgment in leaving most of his strongest players until the end of the singles line-up is questionable. With the US needing only 5½ points to take the cup, it could all be over before our strongest players had got points on the board, and in fact as the day progressed it became obvious that the blues on the board were going to be irrelevant as the US team notched up all that were required. Anthony Kim, at the head of the field for the US, showed all his prowess as he proceeded to make mincemeat of Sergio Garcia and set the ball rolling.

The competition was somewhat marred for me by the booing, chanting and shouting of the gallery, egged on by Boo Weekley. I can’t disagree with American golf guru, Butch Harmon, when he described Weekley as obnoxious. His antics don’t do anything for the dignity of golf and are unnecessary as he has got a great talent and doesn’t need to gee up the crowd.

Azinger’s gamesmanship was hardly necessary as his team continued to make long putts whenever needed. There was no doubt they were the better team and their victory was well deserved: - who needs Tiger Woods?

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