As I suggested yesterday, the Ryder Cup has returned to Europe. The Euros not only retained Samuel Ryder's trophy, but pasted the Americans 18.5 to 9.5. Let me make one thing abundantly clear, this was an embarrassment. Losing to a talented European squad is nothing to be ashamed of. Contrary to all of the media that labeled Bernhard Langer's side "no names", this is a good group of internationally tested golfers. (In all honesty, I doubt even 50% of the media covering this Ryder Cup have a clue about the European Tour or the players on it.) They weren't the finest team the Europeans have ever assembled, but they were much better than the average person (or media member) recognized.
However, losing in such an overwhelming style on U.S. soil is a bit disgraceful. Now, I say "a bit" in part because I can keep sport in its proper perspective. This isn't a tragedy. It's just golf. In strictly golf terms, though, this was disgraceful because of the size of the defeat and because we all know that this isn't all that important to most of the top U.S. golfers.
I suspect Phil, Tiger and D.L. III would like to win the Ryder Cup, I just don't think they fret much over losing it. Woods, himself, stated that no one knows Jack Nicklaus' Ryder Cup record, only that he holds 18 major championships. Suddenly, I had flashbacks to USA Basketball. That group would have liked an Olympic gold medal, but they never grew up dreaming of one. They cared about NBA Championships, scoring titles and endorsement deals. This collection of U.S. PGA Tour stars only cares about tournament wins (majors, especially), money titles and endorsement deals. Notice a pattern here?
What neither group grasps is that if you want to be top dog, you need to win everything. The reason Nicklaus' Ryder Cup record seldom is discussed is two fold. First, the Ryder Cup wasn't as big back then. Second, Jack's side won. A lot. Winning and pushing the Ryder Cup forward by encouraging the inclusion of all of Europe into the format made Nicklaus legendary. Winning two Olympic golds only solidified the greatness of Michael Jordan. Winning one of them with Larry Bird and Magic Johnson as teammates only elevated the status of all three. It's something Tiger, Lefty and D.L. III could learn from.
I know I put much of the burden of defeat on Hal Sutton's shoulders and I stick by that, but a few points in Sutton's defense. Team play is hard. Just ask Larry Brown. It's particularly hard for the favorites. Again, ask coach Brown. It's also difficult when you have to juggle superstar egos. Yes, Brown knows a thing or two about that.
Like the U.S. Olympic basketball coach, Sutton, too, has his own large ego to lug around. Both men exhibited their egos through their inflexibility. Sutton by stubbornly attempting to force team chemistry by pairing Woods and Mickelson together. Brown by ignoring the international style of play and refusing to play to his team's strengths. Both pointed fingers at those they led. Neither came off looking very well and neither won.
I suppose both could claim they were slightly handcuffed by not being able to pick their entire squad, but both had more than enough talent to finish in first place. Sutton had far more talent than Brown did, but the golfers never really play a team concept, so that offset some of that advantage.
The United States has two years to regroup. A new captain will be picked shortly. He's not a man many will envy. He will have the weight of this crushing defeat on his shoulders and will face the Euros on their home turf. Hopefully, a more mature and hungry group of U.S. golfers will emerge from this mess.
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