Thoughts on the Ryder Cup

9/21/2008 | Doc Savage

[Zuben Elgenubi]

From: Match Recaps: Sunday Singles(rydercup.com):

MATCH 22
BOO WEEKLEY def. OLIVER WILSON, 4 and 2

Instant analysis: This was no contest as the supercharged Weekley shot a lights out 30 on the front nine to establish a commanding 3-up lead while leading cheers from the partisan spectators. Never let up after that with a rock-solid game from tee-to-green. He was 8-under-par when he closed Wilson out with a birdie on the 16th.

Key moment: Weekley already had birdied holes 3, 4 and 5 to turn a 1 down deficit into a 1-up lead when he hit his second on the 601-yard, par-5 seventh into a greenside bunker. Weekley holed it for an electrifying eagle that produced roars heard in the next county.

Player report card
Weekley: (2-0-1) A. The rookie all the key shots like a champion save for a drive into the drink on the 18th hole that gave the European team a halve in a fourball match. He was unbeatable after that and the crowd favorite's good ol' boy enthusiasm was contagious.

Wilson: (1-1-0) B. Had no chance against Weekley in the singles, but made the clinching birdie putt on the 17th hole on Saturday in his first Ryder Cup match as he and Henrik Stenson came from four down to defeat Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim.

They said it
Weekley: "This (Ryder Cup golf) is right up my alley here. I couldn't put (the experience) in words. I'm still nervous and shakin' as all get out.''

[writmeister]

I suppose you did not watch how the Europeans acted during their home Ryder Cups — especially two years ago in Ireland.

[Hat-Trick]

just like that occasional 4 iron that I hit 200 yards right at the pin.

I've got that same club. Sometimes I even remember to bring it with me.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

This week, The Tour Championship at East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta -- also known as Bobby Jones territory.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

There are only 34 Rules Of Golf.

Email me if you want on the Golf Ping List.

Visit PGA.com, an excellent site.

Love named recipient of 2008 Payne Stewart Award.

Atlanta, Ga. -- Davis Love III, who has combined a stellar PGA TOUR career with a personal investment in improving the lives of children and families, has been named the 2008 winner of the Payne Stewart Award. Love will be honored during a private reception tonight as part of the festivities surrounding this week's TOUR Championship presented by Coca-Cola.

Greenwood/Getty Images

Davis Love III is the 11th player to receive the Payne Stewart Award.

Related

The award honors Payne Stewart, the World Golf Hall of Fame member and 11-time PGA TOUR winner who died the week of THE TOUR Championship in 1999. It was created by the PGA TOUR Policy Board to perpetuate his memory by annually honoring a player who reflects Stewart's respect for the traditions of the game, his commitment to uphold the game's heritage of charitable support and his professional and meticulous presentation of himself and the sport through his dress and conduct.

[Tax-chick]

How nice. Mr. Love has always seemed like an exemplary gentleman, to me.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

Previous Winners

Davis Love III becomes the 11th recipient of the award. The inaugural Payne Stewart Award was presented in 2000 to Byron Nelson, Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer. Ben Crenshaw was the 2001 recipient, followed by Nick Price (2002), Tom Watson (2003), Jay Haas (2004), Brad Faxon (2005), Gary Player (2006) and Hal Sutton (2007).

[Tax-chick]

An excellent group of people.

[Zuben Elgenubi]

I agree, gentlemen all.

I'm trying my best to coax Doc Savage back to the thread!

[Hat-Trick]

One of my favorite things about this year’s Ryder Cup was how Captain Azinger embraced and involved the Stewart family. I have to believe that some day Zinger will be honored with this award as well.

[Tax-chick]

It’s a depressing subject. (The article, I mean, not Doc Savage.)

[SomeCallMeTim]

With all due respect, Doc.. you haven’t got a clue what you’re talking about here.

This was the RYDER CUP, not the Masters. It’s the one event where, boisterous cheering is encouraged... where outlandish dress is a show of solidarity... and, yet.. This was an event where sportsmanship was still very evident, all week.

I attended this Ryder Cup all day, every day from Tuesday until Sunday. I happened to be on two of the greens (#6 and #17) on Friday, when Westwood was angered by Boo Weekley’s arm-raising to the crowd following important, made putts. I can assure you, in BOTH cases, the crowd became very quiet and respectful as Westwood lined up and sank two crucial 6 footers. And, we CLAPPED for Lee’s skill after he did it.

Westwood had NO REASON to complain... and, he was not treated poorly by anyone that I saw or heard. Even Westwood said on Friday that he was not upset.

I spent all morning on Sunday, in the cheering section at the #1 Tee. Yes, I was one of the “slightly drunken” rabble that cheered not like an NFL game, but like a college football game. We yelled, taunted, clapped, and oooohed… As did the Euros. But, it was ALL done in a fun, respectful manner. In fact, as the last groups came to the tee, the leader of the Euro “rowdies” came over to the “American Side” and shared beer with our “leader”… (Politely name, ‘Homer’ by the Euros”). Several of us shook his hand, thanked them for traveling so far, and wished them the best of luck for the day. It was a scene that was good, very good, on so very many levels.

Perhaps you missed Hunter Mahan and Paul Casey embracing on the 14th after each hit superb tee shots to half with 2?

I spent all week have great conversations with guests from Scotland, Ireland, England, Spain…. All were interesting, funny, and included some good-natured ribbing. All in all, it was one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life… right up there with this July when I played Pebble, Spyglass, Cypress Point and Valhalla all within a 7 day span! Yep.. THAT GOOD!

Maybe... just maybe.. you need to take a short ride on a hobby horse.. and, lighten up. Life is good!