The 2012 Ryder Cup

Every other year, one of my favorite events in all of sports takes place, the Ryder Cup.  For those who don’t know, the Ryder Cup is a three day, 5 match competition where the top 12 American golfers battle the top 12 European golfers.  The Ryder Cup varies in locations, switching countries each time it’s held.

            The 2012 Ryder Cup is being held next weekend at Medina Country Club just outside Chicago, Illinois and the anticipation is high for this years matches. With the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson starting to play better on the American side while world number one Rory Mcelroy and world number three Luke Donald are in top shape for the European side, many people believe that this could shape up to be one of the more competitive Ryder Cups in recent memory.

 

            Being a golfer myself, this is the most fascinating event to watch.  For the entire year, every player selected to the Ryder Cup teams are trying to beat each other, whether they are from the same country or not.  Golf is such an individual game that in order to succeed, you need to beat the others on your own, without having to rely on your teammates.  However, the Ryder Cup puts all the individual aspects aside, as players who compete against each other all year round pair up and as a group try to collectively beat the other team.  It’s truly amazing to watch all the camaraderie between the players.

            For me personally, and for most other avid golfers like myself, this is almost a little bit of a jump start in your own game.  It gets you pumped up in a way to go out and play better golf yourself.  To see these players you idolize and follow on a daily basis care so much about an event where there is no prize money, you realize just how much these guys love the game of golf.

            Not only that, but it gets our Queens golf team pretty competitive with each other.  With six international players and 6 American’s, we schedule our own version of the Ryder Cup as a little warm up for the real deal.  Friendly banter on the golf course with your teammates is always a good time, and winning the little event is just another little piece of bragging rights.

 

 

            I suggest that you tune into the Ryder Cup matches next weekend when it is being televised, especially because the event is held in the United States.  You will see 12 golfers, who have been trained to constantly beat their opponents, come together and represent themselves, their team and their country.  Europe got the best of the American’s in 2010 in Northern Ireland, and now its time to get the Cup back in American hands.  Show your support and cheer them on.  GO USA.

Until next time,

CJ DeBerg