malincanada

If you look at it statistically then the 129 is actually quite a comparable score compared to the 92 on the much shorter course. You scored 92 on a course of 3842yds = 41.76yds per stroke. You scored 129 on a course of 5756yds = 44.62yds per stroke. By that measure the 129 was actually slightly better even if it doesn't feel that way. As other posters have mentioned, one of the main ways of gradually bringing down your score is good course management. Don't worry too much about the par of a hole. Instead, set your own goals that you can measure yourself against. I used to count my score against 6's. E.g. 5 on the 1st, I'm one-under sixes. 7 on the 2nd, I'm back to level. I found that much better than thinking 'Oh God. I'm 5-over already after two holes.

From the Wiki on 2006 RC After Europe had already won, McGinley conceded a 25-foot birdie putt to Henry on the 18th hole, halving their match. If Henry had putted and missed, Europe's final total would have been a record victory over the Americans. McGinley conceded the putt because an almost-naked spectator ran across the green and jumped into the lake as Henry was about to putt. This was reported on radio stations and in newspapers but not shown on television. McGinley's action has been described as an example of the "sportsmanship that has come to signify the Ryder Cup"

Awesome!

I don't know what they'll be wearing on the other days, but this would be awesome: "It also seems likely that Olazabal's team will pay tribute to the late Seve Ballesteros by dressing in his trademark navy jumper and trousers and white polo shirt for Sunday's singles matches." http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/golf/19708927 Hopefully one of the Euros wearing this will get the chance to emulate the best Seve celebration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpchlvAHp-4&feature;=related

I'm not too bothered either way about how they resolve the FedEx, but this sort of argument does annoy me. It really isn't THAT complicated. They have a certain amount of points after the reset; they will gain a certain amount of points for the TC; the sum of those two things decides the winner.

This is all I feel I need to add to a discussion on this year's Ryder Cup:

I seem to remember that on the 17th there was something about a fan throwing a ball across the green just as Irwin's shot landed. Not throwing back Irwin's ball, but simply throwing a completely separate ball for some reason.

The Sand Trap Forum Attracts Many Varied Views And Some Good Haikus

Couldn't agree more. Top work Rory and Rory's management team. And I'm not throwing in the 'management team' part to try and belittle it. I'm sure this is a fair reflection of how Rory feels. But I'm also sure that this went through a couple of drafts so that they hit just the right note. Part of being mature is realising that there are some things you are brilliant at (like golf) and there are some things that other people (like PR people) are good at so letting them help you with it is a very good idea.

Touch wood the US TV coverage wouldn't be so obsessed with it that we spend 10 minutes watching them chat on a tee instead of watching the other 11 games!!

I see. Very interesting. Must certainly make them think on their feet a lot more.

I understand what people are saying about each captain wanting to make sure they get a point from their best player, but I think it's more complicated than that. A lot will depend upon the scores going into the singles of course, but let's assume that, like most of the recent contests, Europe are a couple of points ahead - 9 - 7. Now to regain the cup, the US would need 7.5 out of the 12 points available. A tough task. Wouldn't it make sense to actually TRY and fit Woods into whatever slot you think Rory will be put in? It's a gamble for sure, but the point is that Tiger winning 7&6 against, say, Kaymer still only scores you one point against a player that you would expect most of your team to beat. Tiger beating Rory 1up, however, also gets you that same one point AND you still have someone else out there earning another point against Kaymer. P.S. Not wanting to be too mean about Kaymer. He may well come good, but at the moment he is probably Europe's weakest player.

What's the process in the President's Cup? I've had a hunt around on the intertubes and can't find anything about it. I assume it's different than just each captain giving in his list of 12 names in order?

Hi All, I've pretty much joined this forum because I'm practically drooling at the prospect of what should be an amazing Ryder Cup in three weeks and I feel the need to hear from other golfing fans about their thoughts in a place a bit more sensible than the Golf Channel's comments section! So, for my first post/thread I'm asking if anyone thinks the captains might/should try and ensure a Tiger v Rory match up? I know comparing strokeplay and matchplay isn't that instructive, but I've gone ahead and done it anyway: In the first round at the BMW if they were playing matchplay then Tiger holed a chip on the last forcing Rory to hole his birdie putt to win 1up! In the second round Rory holed his 8ft birdie putt on the last to force Tiger to hole his 6ft birdie putt to win 1up! In all there were 27 birdies and 2 eagles!! Now THAT would be some awesome matchplay golf to watch!!