The Sporting World

After four days, stopping and starting, the most prestigious cup in golf closes to an end. With both team's showing strong signs of excellence it would have taken a brave betting man to say any team would win with a comfortable margin. A comfortable margin it was far from. With the European Team coming into the final day with a mountain of confidence, the start they made to the final session would have been predicted on a global scale. Within the first hour of Lee Westwood and Steve Stricker leading their teams out on to the battle field the European's were once again looking a formidable force. Up in four of the first five matches the home team had continued their stirring comeback in some style, performing each shot with great precision and audacity. At the beginning of each match, except for a few this was very much the pattern. Europe's elite had begun to take a firm grip on the Ryder Cup. By the time the great ulsterman in Graeme Mcdowel had taken to the tee, a sea of blue had flooded the leader board, very much to the delight of captain Montgomerie. However deep down in the heart of each competitor, every knee trembling, stomach turning supporter and surrounding others, we all knew the American Team would not make it easy for us, and as anticipated the revival began. What better place to start than the first match. In every competition, not just the Ryder Cup or matchplay situations, it is vital to make the first blow. Something Steve did, showing not only excellence in his shot making, but pure brilliance in the way he handled his competitor in Lee Westwood. To the disappointment of each European supporter Lee went down early losing the third hole, to a par three, but the best was about to come. Westwood quickly used his mental strength to bounce back and before you knew it he was again on top of the match, winning the next two holes with a magical touch. Although the best golf was being played by Lee Westwood, missing valuable chances at both the sixth and seventh holes for birdie meant the scoreline remained the same until the par four twelve. Lee Westwood coming off the eleventh with a halve, after lipping out for an eagle and an outright win was surely high on confidence and was looking forever stronger in his reign over Steve Stricker. Unfortunately after losing the par four twelve to a ragged shot from himself and pin point accuracy from Steve Stricker the par three thirteenth had a front row seat to where Lee's excellence started to unfold. Stricker's game was beginning to shine and it showed in abundance taking the honour and hitting the centre of the green. The match poised at all square, all Lee had to do was follow his playing partner and leave the holes fate in putting hands. What was to come was a shock to us all. Lee Westwood went flag hunting with a pin placement which was only hampered by two or three balls throughout the whole the day, and to the discouragement to every eye watching, found his ball land short on a steep bank surrounding the thirteenth green. The ball, as soon as landing, only had one place to finish. Steve Stricker would then go on to secure a win at his second consecutive hole leading one up as they entered the final five. Lee once again steadied the ship and began to hit better shots, shots which were made to look average by the standard of Strickers ball striking. Once again proved at the drivable fifteenth. With the pressure growing on the American front man, it seemed nothing would relinquish his grip on the importance of winning the first point. Executing his tee shot at the fifteenth was the end all of Lee Westwood and surely the penetrating blow that secured the match. Westwood also hit a great shot successfully driving the green and stopping his ball within thirty feet of the hole. A gutsy shot which was out gunned by Steve Stricker who placed his ball twenty feet inside Lee's. Steve would go on to win that hole with an impressive eagle, gaining a two hole lead into the final three. Upsetting for Lee, Steve was now a professional who's shot making continued to come out of the highest draw, hitting three and four irons into the sixteenth and seventeeth greens, securing the first point for America. The scoreline now nine and half to Europe, seven and a half to America. With the second match becoming a fierce contest not so far behind, the importance of Europe getting their first point was now becoming a certain must. For the American team they had a major champion in Stuart Cink up against our illustrious Rory Mcllory. When paired in the second group of the day I believe we all knew what a close match this would be. Both in great form throughout the three days and both eager to add a vital point to their teams tally. Over the first six holes, both Cink and Mcllory won three holes between them, Mcllory winning the first two, getting off to an incredible start leaving Cink in a state of shock and disbelief. Emotions that were not going to unsettle him for long, as he performed some great approach play at the third, fourth and fifth, winning them all. This left the young Irishman one down playing the sixth, but as all great champions do they bounce back with vengeance and in no time the score was again all square. The first halved hole of the match came at the seventh, but the lead was abruptly taking back by the American soon after at the eighth. In a match where the score acted very much as a see saw, again rocking back in Europe's favour when Rory won the twelve only to emulate Westwood's shot at what seemed an unlucky thirteenth. Leaving his ball in the water once again, meant Cink regained authority in a match which would surely dictate the pattern of the day. After Europe had lost the first, losing two in a row would give a huge momentum to the American side who were already turning a sea of blue into a sea of red. A reason why it was so important for Mcllory to keep playing in the manner he was and surely he would be rewarded for his efforts. Come the fifteenth hole Rory had exactly that reward. At this time in the match it was always going to be hard to determine who was going to come out on top. In all fairness to both sportsman halving the match would have been a fair result, and if it hadn't been for Mcllory being unsuccessful in his attempt to get up and down for birdie and a win on the final hole, Cink would have felt a little hard done by. Fortunate enough for him, Rory failed in his quest to do so, eventually making a five foot putt to gain a well deserved and vital half point for the European's. The first full point came from the hands of Luke Donald who had a superb Ryder Cup, gaining three points from a possible four. His match again went down the eighteenth but he was always in front against a rock solid Jim Furyk who never gave in. If it wasn't for the form Donald was in, peppering the hole with every shot and making putts under immense pressure I am sure Furyk would have managed at least a half point for his American compatriots. After the completion of seven matches and emphatic wins on both sides, Dustin Johnson getting his game back on form with a 6 and 4 victory of a slightly disappointing Martin Kaymer and the ever inspiring Ian Poulter beating the unbeaten Matt Kuchar 5 and 4. With the scores now poised at 13 points to the European's and 10 points to the Americans, there was still everything to play for. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were both up in there matches, not surprisingly with the golf they were putting together. Wood's who was playing Francesco Molinari was in for a huge surprise early on as the Italian took a two hole advantage through the first three only for Tiger to get one back at the fourth with his first birdie. Although Molinari hit straight back at the next, he was to lose the match 4 and 3 purely down to the old Tiger reinstating himself back into the game of golf. Through the fifteen holes Tiger played he was nine under which included six birdies each of which were different to one another. It really was the Tiger of old, making any putt he looked at, hitting shots which threatened the hole on a consistent basis, one eventually being holed out on the the par four twelve for eagle, much to the bemusement of Tiger Woods and his caddie Steve Williams. Phil Mickelson won his match against Swede Peter Hanson 4 and 2 finishing off with a great birdie three at the par four sixteenth. The fight back of the day came from rookie American Rickie Fowler who found himself four down to an impressive display of golf from Eduardo Molinari, only to give the Italian a dose of his own medicine clawing back the four hole deficit, making birdies at thirteen and each of the last three holes, gaining a vital half point for his side and proving himself as a wild card and to captain Corey Pavin. As the day grew ever close to the end, it became more likely the deciding point would come down to the final match between Graeme Mcdowell and Hunter Mahan. Once the penultimate match had finished between Zach Johnson and Padraig Harrington the points were now all square at the 13 and half. Once again, Harrington had done little to prove he was the right pick losing 3 and 2. In all honesty the total points he received during his time at Celtic Manor was a little generous on his performance. In both pairings with Luke Donald and Ross Fisher it had been noticeable both Englishman had carried the experienced Irishman to help him gain fifty percent of his matches. The question has still got to be answered. Was Harrington the right choice? Hopefully a question that will be quickly forgotten about, as it is the result and spirit of which the Ryder Cup should be remembered for. The spirit of the game and of the players began at the very first hole on Friday Morning, and continued to show itself until the very last match, on the seventeenth hole, three days later. Graeme Mcdowell had control of this match throughout two thirds, looking to cruise to victory. After a lightning quick start to the Northern Irishman, Mahan found himself three down through six holes. A score that remained in that vain until the twelve where Graeme lost the hole to a par four. Two up with six to play and the match was still very much in Graeme's hands yet come the fifteenth the pressure was beginning to show. A drivable par four, measuring only 253 yards on the day which meant both players could comfortably reach. Of course they both took the shot on. Hunter Mahan leaving his ball a yard short of the green, Graeme Mcdowell was however pin high but on the right hill with a dreadful lye. This hole would be decided with how the second shots were played, or in all honesty how they were not played. Hunter had the honour, and after taking five or so minutes to conjure up a decision he finally failed in the execution only to get lucky. His ball would eventually find the down slope and end up with in three feet of the hole. On the less fortunate side, Mcdowell had to come up with something impossible to leave himself with a birdie opportunity. If it wasn't for the ball sitting down in the thick grass, i'm sure he would have succeeded in abundance, yet he left his ball short and then with his next approach shot found his ball hold its position about ten feet away. A putt he would make forcing Mahan to make his, which he did. In order for America to retain the Cup Mahan had to at least hale the match with his opponent. A feat that was quickly diminished as Graeme played an excellent sixteenth. From fairway to green, and a putt to potentially secure victory not just for himself but for the whole European Team put a lot of pressure on Mahan. Short in two, he played an excellent chip down the sixteenth green to six feet or so, leaving Mcdowell with the most important putt of his career to date. The tension surrounding this green was something never experienced on a golf course before. Something that the experienced Ulsterman incredibly ignored holing out his putt for birdie to a tremendous up roar from the crowd behind. From tension to excitement in less than a minute. People still say golf is boring. As the crowds dispersed towards the seventeenth, both players and compatriots made their way up to seventeenth tee, Graeme with a bounce in his step, Mahan with a dumbfounded waddle. Honour to Mcdowell. Hit the green and surely America's Ryder Cup was over. With a slightly pushed shot, Mcdowell found his ball lying on the edge but was able to advance his ball with his trusty putter. He left his second shot five feet short. In the mean time Hunter Mahan had miss hit his tee shot, leaving his ball seven yards short of the green. With a chip and a putt not being good enough Hunter Mahan surely felt the immense pressure on his shoulders, he once again failed to execute his second again leaving it on the apron of the green. He is now left with a twenty five foot putt to give his side any hope in conquering Europe. The putt was executed far better than the previous two shots missing on the low side meaning Graeme and Europe had two putts for the match and more importantly the Ryder Cup. Two putts, he did not have to ponder over as Hunter Mahan conceded the hole relieving all pressure on the great ulsterman. Within seconds hundreds of fan's had flooded the seventeenth green, surrounding the already celebrating European team.

On a day where golf was finally played for the maximum hours the European Team have firmly stated their presence once again. After the mornings session the Europeans are once again on the back foot, behind by six points to four. The most important aspect to yesterdays play is the score as it stands this morning. Still six points to the Americans and still four points to the home continent, yet with the two foursomes and four four-balls out on the course the European players have an aggressive grip on all six matches. The impressive force of Lee Westwood and Luke Donald have taken many people by surprise tallying up a four hole lead against the Americans most formidable pairing in Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods. Who would of thought of a scoreline of such stature, against two sportsman which simply looked unbreakable as duo. A team within a team unbeaten in their first two matches, winning their second comfortably 4&3, shooting a 32 on the outward nine. The reason for the current result between the two pairs I believe is because of the the English duo Tiger and Steve are up against. Luke Donald would most likely of had a hundred percent winning record in this year if it hadn't been for playing on his own in the first match, and Westwood has simply been yet again inspirational through each and every stage of the Ryder Cup. The Northern Ireland pair have finally come into their the element leading the second foursomes match by three holes and looking in very good form. The major champion in Graeme Mcdowell has finally come out of his enclosure and is now performing in the manner which landed the US Open, and as for Mcllory, the boy wonder, finally showing the potential and quality he truly holds within his game. As we look very strong in the foursomes, the matches remain a little closer in the four-balls. Jimenez and Hanson are two up against the the rookie pair of Watson and Overton, Ian Poulter and Martin Kaymer both playing a solid round of golf, proving in the scoreline as they go to bed with a two hole lead over Phil Mickelson and young gun Rickie Fowler. Phil Mickelson yet to show anyone the performance that has made him such a strong force in today's world of golf, not yet winning a single point and becoming a very big disappointment for the American Team. The last two four-balls out on the course consist of a a newly built pair in Harrington and Fisher which in all honesty thrashed their American opposites 3&2 in yesterday mornings foursomes match against a subdued Phil MIckelson and Dustin Johnson. Now leading their four-balls 1up against Jim Furyk and once again Dustin Johnson. The débutante's in the Molinari brothers were put up against the USA's strongest force on this years event in Cink and Kuchar. After the brothers close defeat in the mornings play they have come out more pumped up than ever leading their opponents by one hole as the night drew to an end.

Sunday morning' play has once again been delayed due to many heavy downpours throughout the night, leaving the course in an unplayable state, meaning no golf will played at least until noon. An advantage for the European's, now that the Americans have a lengthy wait to dwell on the potential heavy defeat they may suffer come the end of today.  

Saturday 2nd October

Do you wish for the good news or the bad news? The good news the weather has improved vastly but the bad news is what really counts. The American Team have finished ahead at the end of the first matches in the Ryder Cup. Leading the European Team by 2 and half points to 1 and a half. Yes we could say it was a disappointing start for the Europeans to regain the cup, but it could have been a lot worse if it wasn't for the battling Irishman. Graeme Mcdowell and Rory Mcllory were the true inspiration in this mornings play. Facing a two hole deficit they were surely on the back foot, yet gave it there all to gain a well deserved half point. A half point that could have easily been a full point if it hadn't been for the two great competitors in Stuart Cink and Matt Kuchar. Both respectful sportsman to the game, playing a very important part in what I would say was the most interesting match of the four. G-Mac as Rory would say and Rory himself were one down with two to play, but with a two great shots split between the two they always looked favourites to win the penultimate hole. Mcdowells' great shot to no more than fifteen feet meant Mcllory could attack his put. Attack he did, holing he his putt from around 25 - 30 feet to the standing ovation of the thirteenth man of the Euroepan Team. This meant Stuart Cink had to make his birdie effort from just outside ten feet but failed. This match would go up the eighteenth in Europe's favour, however it was eventually halved with a pair of fives. Of course I can't go with out mentioning the main attraction to the European Team, Lee Westwood. Once again he was a true inspiration for the following matches, gaining the first point for his team and playing some outstanding golf. Like I said, its like he has never been away. Admittedly the opposing team in Phil Mickleson and Dustin Johnson never really came out the blocks this morning allowing Lee and Martin to play a comfortable remaining round of golf.

You have to hand it to the the four Americans in the final two matches. The two rookies, Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton really played outstanding golf from the word go on Friday morning and never slipped up. Jeff eventually shooting a round of six under single handedly. A match where we may have had a chance if it wasn't for Luke Donald playing by himself. The question has to be asked once again, why was Padraig Harrington picked on the form he had shown through out the whole season. With Paul Casey and Justin Rose performing better on a more consistent scale through out the year you would have thought including their games in an already strong team would make it even stronger. A decision we all now have to live with and a decision Padraig Harrington has to prove was right.

Hi guy's. I'm sure if you're big fans of sport or golf alone you are already very excited about the start to the Ryder Cup. OK slightly disappointed with the weather but what else can you expect from Wales. With a serious tone its been a great start to Europe's Ryder Cup, up in three matches early on and down in the last. All the same its been a start we cannot complain about. A guy i am very impressed with is Lee Westwood. Lee has been out with injury for a good month or two now and from what i have seen in the early stages, it does not look like he's been away at all. Still very consistent tee to green and has and will continue to be a great mentor to Martin Kaymer, who has still got a couple of butterflies flapping around inside. Still I believe its to early to worry about any one's shaky start. The performance of each player will surely only get better as the weather continues to improve, touch wood! How many of you touched wood. Since the 2008 Ryder Cup there have been many views on the captaincy of Nick Faldo, how he handled the pressure of being captain and how he performed with such a role. Many of the answers which I agree with, was that he was incapable of inspiring the players when needed, and failed to involve himself in the team as much as past captains have. Remember Seve Ballesteros' reign as captain at Valderama. Truly inspirational as he has always been. He was the captain some might have said was to involved but you could only see an eager to win and good intentions with his players, yet as a player of the most prestigious cup in golf you wish for a captain that wants to be by all his compatriots side at one time, something Seve succeeded in in abundance. This is the type of attitude I wish to see from Colin Montegomerie. A true professional to the golfing world, which has proved his dominance as a player winning seven European Order of Merits Titles in a row and forever been a formidable presence on the European Team. A bigger presence I am sure now he is captain and has the biggest responsibilty of his career on his shoulders. A position Colin will only prosper in.