Ask most professional golfers what it means to play in the Ryder Cup, and you can bet any one of them will tell you that it is one of their most cherished golfing moments.
American Team member Anthony Kim said, "I wouldn't trade this for $10 million," (referring to the $10 million that will be given to the winner of the TOUR Championship and FedEx Cup next week... which, unless Vijay withdraws from the event, the money is practically already wired to his account-but that's a blog topic for another day....). "Best day of my golfing life so far."
Kenny Perry, making his Ryder Cup debut said "I figured this was going to define my career, but you know what? It made my career."
That's plenty insight into how much this event means to the players.
Team USA managed to bring the Ryder Cup to domestic soil for the first time since 1999 when they defeated the Europeans 16 & 1/2 - 11 & 1/2 this past Sunday in Louisville, KY.
USA led Europe at the conclusion of each day's matches--a feat they hadn't accomplished since 1979. And guess what? USA didn't have Tiger Woods on its team. Nor did golfing great Phil Mickelson, currently ranked 2nd in the Official World Golf Rankings, contribute much to the cause.
Rather, the lesser-knowns seemed to step up and make a name for themselves.
In his singles match on day three, 23-year-old Anthony Kim outplayed European opponent Sergio Garcia, winning five and four, providing Garcia with his largest losing margin in his career at the Ryder Cup.
J.B. Holmes with his near-400 yard drives, Kenny Perry-continuing his streak of solid golf in 2008, rookie Boo Weekley and his playful antics, Ben Curtis, and Chad Campbell all won their singles matches on Sunday to bring the U.S. a big "W."
Jim Furyk sealed the victory for the Americans when he defeated Europe's Miguel Angel Jimenez after 17 holes. Furyk, a close friend of mine (notice picture), was strategically placed in the 8th spot by USA Captain Paul Azinger. Azinger knew Sunday would be tough, and he knew that placing Furyk 8th in the lineup was a wise thing to do. Once Furyk won his match, the Americans secured the 14 & 1/2 points needed to clench the cup.
The Americans' 5 point win was the largest victory margin since they won by 9 points in 1981. A 9 point victory in 1981 shouldn't surprise you--the 1981 American Ryder Cup team consisted of big name golfing legends Lee Trevino, Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Jerry Pate, Hale Irwin, Tom Watson, Raymond Floyd, and Jack Nickaus.
Between them and the other four American players, they had a total of 36 Major Championship victories.
Basically, the Victory for the Americans was oh-so-sweet. And watching it from my couch after a delightful day of ASU/UGA football the day before....was oh-so-sweeter.
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