Thursday, September 16, 2004
Ryder Cup Matches
The Ryder Cup , one of the biggest events in sports, gets started tomorrow. The matches take place between 12 golfers from Europe and 12 from the US. As always, the US is a heavy favorite, although Europe has won three of the last four contests.
The real appeal of this event is that the best golfers in the world, who almost always play for just themselves, are thrust into a team situation and representing their countries. It causes a discomfort that raises the stakes and brings out the best and worst in the competitors.
The US is rolling the dice by sending out its two best players, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, as partners in the first match. These two are hardly pals, and a loss would give huge momentum to Europe. The result of this opening match should provide a good idea of which team will win the cup on Sunday.
The real appeal of this event is that the best golfers in the world, who almost always play for just themselves, are thrust into a team situation and representing their countries. It causes a discomfort that raises the stakes and brings out the best and worst in the competitors.
The US is rolling the dice by sending out its two best players, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, as partners in the first match. These two are hardly pals, and a loss would give huge momentum to Europe. The result of this opening match should provide a good idea of which team will win the cup on Sunday.
