Showing posts with label 38th Ryder Cup Matches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 38th Ryder Cup Matches. Show all posts
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
McDowell The Difference
On the flight home from Cardiff the United States Ryder Cup captain, Corey Pavin, would have reflected on the weekend’s events which would have highlighted that despite his team winning three of the four sessions the Ryder Cup trophy remained in Wales – with the European Team – leaving him wondering what more could he have done.
The short answer is probably very little under the circumstances as that middle session on Saturday evening and Sunday really determined the outcome - with Team USA winning only a half point in six matches. The three point deficit at the start of Sunday - 9 to 6 – required the US team win eight of the twelve matches. As it was they won seven losing the last on the seventeenth green when Hunter Mahan duffed his chip in an effort to keep a half point alive – given he was doorme two.
The European elation on the second last green highlighted the relief for the winners - who had started out the day looking at a clean sweep only to see the US players come back match by match, hole by hole. At one stage when Padraig Harrington fought back to win the fourteenth and fifteenth from Zach Johnson it seemed like a half point from his match might have been required.
In the end history will record that Graeme McDowell secured the win for Europe and ensured the 38th Ryder Cup match went in favour of the home team at Celtic Manor.
The US player that seemed most likely to struggle played the best in the end with Tiger Woods hauling three points overall which was the same as his partner for most of the week, Steve Stricker. The stalwarts of the US Team, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk, failed yet again to do their business. Mickelson only winning the singles on the last day against Peter Hanson four and two.
The FedEx Cup winner, Jim Furyk, playing in his seventh Ryder Cup, won only a half point in Wales and his record in Wales reflects that has only won nine out of a total of 24 matches played - with a low winning percentage of 40%.
Dustin Johnson found the Ryder Cup perhaps an event too far this year and his booming droves proved inaccurate and the pace of the slower Celtic Manor greens gave little for him to enjoy. Not unlike the rest of the Rookies, who all seemed to struggle away from home, with each only accounting for one point – apart from Matt Kuchar and the impressive Jeff Overton who both won two apiece.
The strength of match play foursomes and four balls seemed yet again to favour the European players with the United Sates players strong in the individual contests of the singles matches. Not unlike in Boston in 1999, the US comeback on Sunday at Celtic Manor gave them seven matches and had the running order been different it may not have fallen to the US Open winner, Graeme McDowell, to seal the win.
Without doubt the irony was not lost on Corey Pavin winner of the US Open in 1995.
But tactics in the Ryder Cup singles has become an art from in itself and in Wales Montgomerie showed a wisdom that has been gathered over eight events - under as many captains. With his opposite number only playing three times – 1991, ’93 and ’95 - maybe that was the difference.
At The Belfry in 2002 European Captain Sam Torrance threw the rule book out sending Monty out first against the indomitable Scott Hoch to get the first European point. It was the only way to get the home fans going and gather some momentum down the field. His plan was to risk it all early in the hope that by the time the US big guns – Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson - teed off their scores would start to look irrelevant.
That proved to be the case when Paul McGinley secured a half with his putt on the eighteenth green in the ninth match against Jim Furyk.
In 1997 the wisdom of a strong back order was Seve’s tactical plan in Valderrama with Jose Maria Olazabal, Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie the last three out. On that day it came down to Monty’s last game - after the preceding games were surprisingly lost by Olazabal to Lee Janzen and Faldo to Jim Furyk - with Scot Hoch again the man trying to win the last point for the USA.
On that wet Sunday evening in Spain Montgomerie secured the required half point on the eighteenth after Captain Seve Ballesteros conceded the hole as it was enough for Europe to retain the cup - after the win at Oak Hill Country Club two years previously.
In 2004 the US collapse in Oakland Hills Country Club in the singles was uncanny with Europe winning 7 and half points on the Sunday – quite easily – and the Ryder Cup by a record margin of 18 ½ to 9 ½. On that day the last four were Thomas Levet, Ian Poulter, Padraig Harington and Paul McGinley with all the matches going to Europe.
At Valhalla two years ago Nick Faldo front loaded the singles in the search of some early points.
However when Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey halved their matches the focus shot to the back end, where Europe were under pressure even at the outset as Harrington was having an indifferent event after winning his three majors. The third and fourth matches went to Europe with Robert Karlsson and Justin Rose beating Justin Leonard and Justin rose respectively.
In the last four matches Stewart Cink was against Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter against Steve Stricker, Lee Westwood playing Ben Curtis and Padraig Harington up against Campbell. In the end Europe only won two of those matches – thanks to McDowell and Poulter - and the reliable Harrington and Westwood failed to deliver that day and Europe lost its grip on the Ryder Cup by 16 ½ to 11 ½.
Clearly watching it all from a distance Colin Montgomerie learned a lot about the match in Kentucky and made sure the running order was as bullet proof as possible in Wales. Hoping also that Lady Luck would prevail on his side.
In the absence of good fortune he decided that McDowell was the right man to anchor the attack on the last day no matter what - a stroke of genius undoubtedly.
For Corey Pavin that may just have been the difference and little he could have done against a player who is currently in the form of his life.
Philip Walton ©
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Ryder Cup Reaction
It was a nerve-wracking day for the Europeans but eventually they regained The Ryder Cup from the United States.
Captain Colin Montgomerie: "I'm so proud, very proud moment for us all here in Europe. We all played to a man magnificently, we all gave a 110 per cent, and that's all I could ask. Obviously one game came down to a lot of, and they will want to talk about it, but every player, playing how well they did they played magnificent, all 12. I knew I had a great 12, I knew I did.
"I just had to rely on certain people at certain times, and all credit to Eddie Molinari, to be up 3 up in the first place was fantastic, and the way Rickie Fowler finished, and Graeme McDowell was put there for a good reason, he's full of confidence and that showed. That birdie on 16 was just quite unbelievable, quite unbelievable.
"It means the world to European golf."
Captain Colin Montgomerie: "I'm so proud, very proud moment for us all here in Europe. We all played to a man magnificently, we all gave a 110 per cent, and that's all I could ask. Obviously one game came down to a lot of, and they will want to talk about it, but every player, playing how well they did they played magnificent, all 12. I knew I had a great 12, I knew I did.
"I just had to rely on certain people at certain times, and all credit to Eddie Molinari, to be up 3 up in the first place was fantastic, and the way Rickie Fowler finished, and Graeme McDowell was put there for a good reason, he's full of confidence and that showed. That birdie on 16 was just quite unbelievable, quite unbelievable.
"It means the world to European golf."
Graeme McDowell: “I've never felt as nervous on a golf course in my life as I did out there. I mean, trying to do it for my 11 teammates, trying to do it for all these people, trying to do it for Monty, trying to do it for Europe, it's a lot of pressure, it's amazing.”
Lee Westwood: “It's incredible. You never see scenes like that on the 17th green like that. It's been one of those Ryder Cups that's had everything.”
Rory McIlroy: “To regain The Ryder Cup and bring it back to European soil, to do it for European golf and for Seve and for everyone involved; it's been the best week of my life.”
Ian Poulter: “This is a special day, for European golf, to put on a display, in Wales, with this many fans, is just truly unbelievable.”
Sergio Garcia (Vice Captain): “It was amazing. All Ryder Cups, win or lose, are unbelievable. But obviously when you win, the atmosphere the other day, celebrating with all the crowds and everything, give them all the credit in the world. They have been awesome.”
Darren Clarke (Vice Captain): “I think all credit to Monty for everything he's done this week. He's created a massive team atmosphere, fantastic team atmosphere and he's got the best out of his players. The way he's gone through everything has been meticulous. He has been sensational.”
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Monday, October 4, 2010
Magical Moment on 17
The majority of the 35,000 spectators who came on the first ever Monday finish were crammed around the 17th green at The Celtic Manor Resort, packed to the rafters in the grandstands, around the banks of the green and back up the hill towards the tee of the par three hole.
The 2010 Ryder Cup was tied neck and neck at 13½-13½ with one match remaining; Graeme McDowell was two up against Hunter Mahan and both a fraction off the 17th green, the deathly silence a stark contrast to the deafening roars of ‘Europe, Europe’ seconds earlier.
Mahan, who had fought back from three down to one down to increase the pressure but then lost the 16th to a great putt from McDowell, duffed his chip. A huge collective gasp from the crowd, then more silence as GMac took aim.
His putt was five feet short; the pressure did not subside. Mahan tried again, missed, and the American conceded the match. Europe have won, the crowd go mad.
There was no holding back as family, friends and fans swamped the players, McDowell at the centre of a huge scrum on the green. En masse the supporters surrounding the green ran towards the Team, arms outstretched in ecstacy, desperate to pat their idols on the back for a job well done, to congratulate Colin Montgomerie, one of the most popular Captains in recent years.
Chants of ‘Olé, olé, olé, olé’ rang out and the stand jumped up and down, letting out all the emotions of a tense day in Wales.
Europe had started the session three ahead but gradually their advantage slipped away as Lee Westwood, the Team’s talisman and out first against Stricker, lost 2&1. Defeats for Martin Kaymer, Ross Fisher, Francesco Molinari, Peter Hanson and Padraig Harrington brought the USA level and brought it all down to the final game.
The tension was palpable. The atmosphere was electric, and it all drained away in a frenzy of celebration as McDowell did enough to regain the cherished Cup.
Minutes later and the players were trying to make their way down the 18th to the clubhouse to start the celebrations in style. Monty was jogging down the fairway, thousands running with him clapping him on the back, offering a hand and shouting their congratulations. A stream of players followed, all struggling to make much progress amid the throng of fans crowding them.
Monty looked back, taking in the chaotic scenes as he walked away, probably trying to soak it all in and remembering every single detail. It was a moment the Scotsman will never forget.
And, like Monty, those who were there will never forget it either. They will remember the time Europe and Montgomerie, Mr Ryder Cup, won back Samuel Ryder’s trophy in Wales. And when they do it will make the hairs on the back of their neck stand on end.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Ryder Cup - Session 4 - Singles
SESSION 4 - SINGLES
Match 1. 09:05hrs L. Westwood v S. Stricker
Match 2. 09:17hrs R. McIlroy v S. Cink
Match 3. 09:29hrs L. Donald v J. Furyk
Match 4. 09:41hrs M. Kaymer v D. Johnson
Match 5. 09:53hrs I. Poulter v M. Kuchar
Match 6. 10:05hrs R. Fisher v J. Overton
Match 7. 10:17hrs M. Jimenez v B. Watson
Match 8. 10:29hrs F. Molinari v T. Woods
Match 9. 10:41hrs E. Molinari v R. Fowler
Match 10. 10:53hrs P. Hanson v P. Mickelson
Match 11. 11:05hrs P. Harrington v Z. Johnson
Match 12 11:17hrs G. McDowell v H. Mahan
Match 2. 09:17hrs R. McIlroy v S. Cink
Match 3. 09:29hrs L. Donald v J. Furyk
Match 4. 09:41hrs M. Kaymer v D. Johnson
Match 5. 09:53hrs I. Poulter v M. Kuchar
Match 6. 10:05hrs R. Fisher v J. Overton
Match 7. 10:17hrs M. Jimenez v B. Watson
Match 8. 10:29hrs F. Molinari v T. Woods
Match 9. 10:41hrs E. Molinari v R. Fowler
Match 10. 10:53hrs P. Hanson v P. Mickelson
Match 11. 11:05hrs P. Harrington v Z. Johnson
Match 12 11:17hrs G. McDowell v H. Mahan
Ryder Cup - Session 3 Results
Europe 9½ United States 6½
SESSION 3 - FOURSOMES
L. Donald / L. Westwood Wins 6 & 5 S. Stricker / T. Woods
G. McDowell / R. McIlroy Wins 3 & 1 Z. Johnson / H. Mahan
SESSION 3 - FOURBALLS
P. Hanson / M. Jimenez Wins 2Up B. Watson / J. Overton
E. Molinari / F. Molinari Halved S. Cink / M. Kuchar
I. Poulter / M. Kaymer Wins 2 & 1 P. Mickelson / R. Fowler
Singles resume at 09:05hrs on Monday.
Ryder Cup - Play to resume at 13:30hrs
Play is scheduled to restart at 13.30 BST following the morning rain delay. The gates will open to spectators at 11am.
Singles to start 9.05am Monday.
So What is The FedEx Cup?
Before the invention of hindsight it was clear that hosting of the 38th Ryder Cup in early October, weeks later than the traditional September date, in the Welsh Valleys on the banks of the River Usk brought potential hazzards. Sadly for Wales, and a decade of investment, this great golf event has fallen victim to the unfavourable weather and for The Celtic Manor Resort and all the associated parties the price paid for the later date may prove extraordinarily costly.
With play suspended again on Sunday matches on Monday are now inevitable according to European Tour Referee John Paramor which comes after the original format - four ball; foursomes of session one on Friday; Fourball and foursomes of session two and singles on day three – all became morphed in a gallant effort by the European Tour and USPGA to end the tournament on Sunday.
The result though was that some players had to finish their four balls on Saturday morning and then play their foursomes straight away only to start foursomes or four balls matches when the second session was completed on Saturday evening.
Although weather conditions on Saturday duly obliged - with stunning scenes of the Welsh Valleys - the play ended in the failing light of the evening with a lot of golf still to be played on Sunday. As early light broke on Celtic Manor on Sunday standing water on the eighteenth green brought about the suspension of play with the walkways for spectators now a serious concern ahead of the final matches.
Faced with the inevitable news play will now have to be completed on Monday.
For the Ryder Cup this will be the second most important change following the altered format which has clearly taken the nuances and tweaks of a Captain so long associated with the event. The natural sense of momentum that each captain can bring to the matches - or lose ahead of Sunday has been lost in wales.
The record margin at Brookline Country Club for Mark James European team that gave a misplaced sense of infallibility; the perilous balance at Valderrama on the Saturday night for Captain Ballesteros that left Europe at best hoping for a draw to retain the cup. Or to The Belfry in 2002 when the final day running order was the surprise the Captain Torrance pulled to win the match.
The choice of foursome pairings and the ability to rest players were all part of a Ryder Cup captain’s armoury and the telling signs of weakness or strength. The experience of Tony Jacklin, Bernard Gallacher, Seve Ballesteros, and Bernhard Langer all contributed to famous victories. Now for Colin Montgomerie all that has been diluted with the changed running order.
The rain now has now also limits the function of Monty to just trying to keep his players fresh amidst another extensive rain delay.
In 2005 the PGA in United States created The FedEx Cup with a view to bringing a season end play off to golf offering huge prize money. This year the FedEx Champion, Jim Furyk won eleven million dollars at East Lake in Atlanta in the final play off, The Coca Cola Tour Championship. As the event was run in late September the Ryder Cup date had to be accommodated later in the calendar.
Although Valhalla was hit by Hurricane Ike that swept through parts of Kentucky in 2008 such weather was freakish and similar to the bizarreness of Hurricane Gordon that hit the K Club in the 2006 Ryder Cup. How beer it was madness to believe that Wales could deliver a week of sunshine in early October when decades of forecasts would have suggested the likelihood of a hurricane or a deluge.
A Ryder Cup in Northern Europe on those dates would be akin to suggesting the FedEx Cup be played in Anchorage, Alaska during the same month for the event.
The idea would not have been entertained.
No Sunday Play Before Noon
THE RESUMPTION OF PLAY HAS BEEN DELAYED DUE TO HEAVY RAIN . A FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE AT 11.00 AND PLAY WILL NOT START BEFORE 12.00
http://www.rydercup.com/2010/europe/index.cfm
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Monty Sets Target for Session 3
Colin Montgomerie has set his European Team a target of four points from Session Three of The 2010 Ryder Cup to set up a mouth-watering singles session tomorrow.
Europe head into the third session, comprising two foursomes and four fourballs, 6-4 down, but Montgomerie is determined to boost his players’ confidence.
“We need, minimum, 4 2 out of this session,” he said. There's two foursomes out there and four fourballs. We must get into the singles eight all, minimum. If we can get into this eight all, God, what a day we have got ahead of us tomorrow afternoon.
“As I always said, these matches are so close, even the record wins that Europe have had over the last sort of four times, these matches are so, so close, and it comes down to the last hole. Five out of seven have gone their way and it's unfortunate, but it's just the way these things golf.
“I'm just telling the players how good they are. That's all I can do. I can do only that much to tell them how good they are, the motivational tapes are on in the lounges when they come in, they see themselves lifting trophies, they see themselves holing putts, so that's all we can do. That's all I can do is give them passion.
“Their motivation is there, as I've said all week, by losing this thing two years ago. The motivation is there; now it's all about passion here, and want, and they have got to want this and by God, they do.”
Ryder Cup - Session 3
SESSION 3 FOURSOMES
S. Stricker / T. Woods
G. McDowell / R. McIlroy 3:57 PM
Z. Johnson / H. Mahan
P. Harrington / R. Fisher 4:09 PM
J. Furyk / D. Johnson
P. Hanson / M. Jimenez 4:24 PM
G. McDowell / R. McIlroy 3:57 PM
Z. Johnson / H. Mahan
SESSION 3 FOURBALLS
J. Furyk / D. Johnson
P. Hanson / M. Jimenez 4:24 PM
B. Watson / J. Overton
E. Molinari / F. Molinari 4:39 PM
S. Cink / M. Kuchar
I. Poulter / M. Kaymer 4:54 PM
P. Mickelson / R. Fowler
E. Molinari / F. Molinari 4:39 PM
S. Cink / M. Kuchar
I. Poulter / M. Kaymer 4:54 PM
P. Mickelson / R. Fowler
Foursomes - Session 2 - 6 matches
FOURSOMES
E. Molinari / F. Molinari 10:57 AM Z. Johnson / H. Mahan
M. Jimenez / P. Hanson 11:09 AM T. Woods / S. Stricker
L. Westwood / M. Kaymer 11:21 AM J. Furyk / R. Fowler
P. Harrington / R. Fisher 11:33 AM P. Mickelson / D. Johnson
I. Poulter / L. Donald 11:45 AM B. Watson / J. Overton
G. McDowell / R. McIlroy 11:57 AM S. Cink / M. Kuchar
Given match delays the running order may change.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Ryder Cup - Revised Format
In view of the adverse weather conditions today, and the 7 hours and 18 minutes of playing time lost, a new playing schedule has been agreed for the second and third sessions.
The 2nd session will comprise six foursome matches
The 3rd session will comprise 2 foursome and 4 fourball matches.
This will be followed by the 12 single matches.
This means there will still be a total of 28 points available, of which 8 will be decided by foursomes and 8 by fourballs, and it has hoped that play will be completed by Sunday afternoon as scheduled.
If necessary, play will continue into Monday.
The 3rd session will comprise 2 foursome and 4 fourball matches.
This will be followed by the 12 single matches.
This means there will still be a total of 28 points available, of which 8 will be decided by foursomes and 8 by fourballs, and it has hoped that play will be completed by Sunday afternoon as scheduled.
If necessary, play will continue into Monday.
US team has to buy new rain gear
The U.S. rain gear at the Ryder Cup is no longer a fashion faux pas. They don't even work.
In another embarrassing moment, a U.S. team drenched at Celtic Manor had to buy new rain suits from the merchandise tent during the delay Friday because the ones they brought with them didn't keep them dry.
"We were disappointed with the performance of them and we just fixed it," captain Corey Pavin. "They were not doing what we wanted them to do, so we went out and bought some more waterproofs."
Sun Mountain supplied the American team with the rain gear — navy blue, with stripes around the arms and left leg, with last names stitched on the back above "USA." They looked like they belonged to a college basketball team.
The PGA of America bought as many ProQuip rain suits as they could from the merchandise tent. Spokesman Julius Mason said there was enough to fit only the players and caddies — tan suits for the players, red for the caddies. He said they had Ryder Cup logos, but there was nothing to distinguish this as an American uniform.
Tiger Woods had no such issue — he didn't bother wearing his.
Woods had a rain jacket on in the light rain during practice Wednesday, but his was the only one without his name stitched on the back. Mason said Woods' jacket was too big, and he had to find a generic jacket that was smaller.
The Americans soon became the butt of jokes during a rain delay so long that it was unlikely the matches would finish Sunday. Their own version of "Watergate" came one day after Pavin forgot Stewart Cink during player introductions at the opening ceremony.
And now this.
Rain in Wales the first weekend in October? Who could have guessed that?
"Just seen some US waterproofs up close, they're terrible! They feel like they retain moisture, not a good quality for waterproofs!" Oliver Wilson, who player in the last Ryder Cup for Europe, said on Twitter.
Rory McIlroy, who already riled Tiger Woods by saying the entire European team wanted to play him, chipped in with his own tweet to needle the Americans: "Just have to say our waterproofs are performing very well!"
ProQuip already supplied the European team with its rain gear.
Richard Head, the managing director for ProQuip Ltd. in Edinburgh, Scotland, said his company has been supplying the European team since 1983, and the American team occasionally, most recently 2004.
He said the suits cost about $350.
His small corner of the merchandise tent had little left to offer — a few pair of pants, a few dozen jackets, sweaters and wind shirts.
"They requested 20 suits, but I'm not sure who they were for — whether it was players or simply caddies and team officials," Head said of the American team.
Cink emerged from the team room for a Sky TV interview wearing a tan rain suit with short sleeves.
When he was appointed captain nearly two years ago, Pavin said his wife, Lisa, would be helping him pick out the team uniforms.
"Lisa has an unlimited budget with clothing at home, so I just want to give you guys a fair warning right now about the clothing," Pavin said that day.
Ryder Cup - Play to resume at 17:00hrs
John Paramor, European Tour referee, has announced that play is scheduled to resume at The Celtic Manor at 5pm on Friday afternoon.
The weather forecast is for no further rain and getting brighter later with sunset at 18:45hrs.
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