ellstoy
09-20-2004, 05:15 PM
As I say, I'm not posting to gloat here, but there is a good deal of puzzlement associated with the rather extraordinary result in the Ryder Cup.
The Europeans continue to dominate the tournament, winning 4 out of the last 5, yet the American players are undoubtedly quality golfers. Rummaging through the official rankings at http://www.officialworldgolfranking.com/rankings/default.sps the game is dominated by the American players. 10 of the 12 that played yesterday are in the top 25, and only Funk is outside the top 50. Of the Europeans, none are in the top 10, four are in the top 25 and only eight are in the top 50.
There's a lot of spouting off in the media over here about the superior team spirit of the Europeans winning the day. It may be a factor in the foursomes, but surely not to such a great extent. And when it comes to the singles, it's you against the other guy, isn't it? What's team spirit got to do with that?
So what gives? How come the best golfer over the last five years has such a relatively poor Ryder Cup record? Anyone got any ideas?
Anyway, I suspect that's the last time we shall see Colin Montgomerie playing in the Ryder Cup, and with that incredible record of his, it was great to see him sink the putt that clinched for Europe. Now there's another puzzle. Top of the European Order of Merit from 1993 to 1999, and never won a major. Not even this year when the Open was played on his home course!
Already looking forward to 2006.[/i]
The Europeans continue to dominate the tournament, winning 4 out of the last 5, yet the American players are undoubtedly quality golfers. Rummaging through the official rankings at http://www.officialworldgolfranking.com/rankings/default.sps the game is dominated by the American players. 10 of the 12 that played yesterday are in the top 25, and only Funk is outside the top 50. Of the Europeans, none are in the top 10, four are in the top 25 and only eight are in the top 50.
There's a lot of spouting off in the media over here about the superior team spirit of the Europeans winning the day. It may be a factor in the foursomes, but surely not to such a great extent. And when it comes to the singles, it's you against the other guy, isn't it? What's team spirit got to do with that?
So what gives? How come the best golfer over the last five years has such a relatively poor Ryder Cup record? Anyone got any ideas?
Anyway, I suspect that's the last time we shall see Colin Montgomerie playing in the Ryder Cup, and with that incredible record of his, it was great to see him sink the putt that clinched for Europe. Now there's another puzzle. Top of the European Order of Merit from 1993 to 1999, and never won a major. Not even this year when the Open was played on his home course!
Already looking forward to 2006.[/i]