AP
I’m speechless this morning. Utterly speechless, although we Americans shouldn’t be that shocked. We basically did the same thing to the Euros back in 1999, with our backs against the wall and no way out but to scratch and claw long enough and hard enough to make a contest of it again on the final day.
That’s precisely what played out Sunday.
I guess we start by bowing before a player who essentially assured himself a spot in Ryder Cup lore forever more, one Ian Poulter, who authored one of the most brilliant comebacks in four-ball history Saturday afternoon. Poulter birdied the final 5 holes to steal a point away from the Americans, and in doing so provided the spark of momentum that would spread like wildfire in the final matches on Sunday. The 36-yr-old likely hasn’t seen his last Ryder Cup, with a few more events well within reason to build upon his incredible 8-3-0 record.
I’ll just make some general comments, in no particular sequence.
- Woods continues to be a perennial underachiever in Ryder Cup play. I thought he would play well, but too – I overlooked the fact that he sucks at team golf.
- Steve Stricker likely played his last Ryder Cup event. Not a good week for an otherwise all around good guy who feels like a goat this morning, I’m sure.
- You gotta wonder if maybe Jim Furyk played his last Ryder Cup event too. Some questioned whether or not he deserved the nod over Mahan, including yours truly. It’s easy to argue otherwise now, obviously.
- We knew the course setup wouldn’t be tough, but we had no idea that the rough would be that benign. There’s higher rough at my home course than Medinah.
- Brandt Snedeker’s FedEx Cup hangover proved costly to a US team that needed his energy. That said, he still had more points than Tiger…
- I personally loved the noise on the first tee with Bubba hitting, especially in this event when we need the crowd behind us. And, of course, as long as it’s respectful. Not saying it should become a trend, mind you.
- So we had a 4 point lead heading into Sunday, with Westwood, Sergio, McDowell, McIlroy, Donald, and Kaymer all playing like crap going into the final day. It doesn’t get anymore ripe than that…
- I didn’t fault Davis for sitting Mickelson and Bradley Saturday afternoon. I think the situation certainly allowed for it.
- I thought Justin Rose really showed how great of a player he has the potential to be. Closing birdies to win his match Sunday, particularly the birdie on the 17th… wow.
- Keegan Bradley, Zach Johnson, Jason Dufner, and Phil Mickelson – the four guys who I thought were our four top performers. Dustin Johnson was 3-0, which was obviously great… but his side of the draw was pretty weak overall. Still worth mentioning!
- I thought the galleries were well behaved. The Sky Sports announcers, including Colin Montgomerie, made note of their respectfulness. If Montgomerie is saying good things about our galleries, it mustn’t be too bad.
- “It’s to be expected, it is a home game after all.” Montgomerie talking about some US fans cheering a bad shot by the Europeans.
- Butch Harmon might be a good coach, but he’s a dreadful sports commentator for Sky sports.
- Rory McIlroy lost a little respect from me with the last-second arrival on Sunday.
- Thrilling start, but a tragic ending…
- Congrats, Europe. Seve would be most proud.
Scott's Golf Blog 