Last weekend the Ryder Cup once again created huge drama, this time at Le Golf National in the Paris suburbs. The tournament has become such a massive event of gladiatorial proportions it is hard to imagine that there was a time when the media were calling for it to be scrapped because of lack of interest.
In the 1970s, when it was only Great Britain competing against the United States, it had simply become too one-sided with the Americans having won the previous 10 meetings, usually by a large margin. Public interest was waning and even the Americans weren’t enjoying their comfortable wins.
The reason this has all dramatically changed is partly due to the great Jack Nicklaus, who after another crushing victory by the US in 1977, persuaded the British PGA to allow Europeans into the side to make things a little more competitive. He probably didn’t realise just how competitive it would become.
European success didn’t happen overnight however, but the margin of defeat was slowly reduced. Finally in 1985, spurred on by the words of team captain Tony Jacklin, “Hang your egos outside. Let’s put this effort into the team,” the Europeans finally tasted victory.
Unfortunately, the gallery at The Belfry became so excited at the rare prospect of a European success a smattering of spectators cheered when the Americans fluffed a shot. This was almost unheard of at the time, and was met with strong disapproval, but sadly it was a sign of things to come as the tournament became increasingly competitive.
Which brings us to the massive crowds at last week’s event. There had been some fears that the French fans would not be quite so enthused about the Ryder Cup as some of their neighbours, but this proved unfounded. An estimated 40% of the crowd were French, which wasn’t a bad turnout considering there were no French players on show.
While it was terrific to see such enthusiasm, and the huge crowd being respectfully silent when players were actually taking their shots, what was not pleasant was the booing of the American players, particularly at the opening tee. This is unacceptable. Thankfully word that booing was “not a good idea” must have got around because by the end of the tournament they were not as noticeable, although there was embarrassingly loud cheering at American mistakes.
Golf is a rare sport in which good behaviour and etiquette is still entrenched. This also extends to the fans who are generally well behaved. Go to any regular golf tournament and you will find the fans know when to clap, when not to clap and perhaps most importantly, when to keep quiet.
But in the Ryder Cup such behaviour seems to have gone out of the window and the galleries are becoming increasingly rowdy, prompting comparisons with football crowds. Admittedly most of the support is good-natured, with the Europeans happily launching into that rather tedious “Ole, ole, ole” chant while the American respond with their “USA, USA”. Most players have become used to the rowdiness and accept it as a part of the Ryder Cup. In Paris the American players took it all quite well. After all, they have seen what the Europeans experience in the US.
While the American team could handle the crowd, what they couldn’t come to terms with was the tricky French course with its narrow fairways, punishing rough and lurking water. It was essential to keep the ball on the fairway and if you failed it was at your peril. I can’t ever recall so many balls finding the water in a Ryder Cup.
Despite the emphatic final scoreline, mid-way through that compelling Sunday afternoon, the Americans briefly threatened to overhaul their opponents. It was hard to take your eyes off the TV.
The Europeans, led magnificently by Thomas Bjorn, were deserved winners. His captain’s picks turned out to be spot on, compiling nine of Europe’s points. Sergio Garcia played his best golf of the year and Ian Poulter rose to the occasion as is his wont.
Catching the eye was the hirsute Tommy Fleetwood making a memorable debut, his enthusiasm being transferred to the entire team.
However, the star of the show was undoubtedly Francesco Molinari winning all five of his matches. This quiet Italian, one of the least flamboyant players in golf, held everything together brilliantly. It couldn’t have happened to a nicer chap.
Almost inevitably the successful pairing of Molinari and Fleetwood prompted “Moliwood” headlines. The camaraderie amongst the team was clear, although admittedly it helps if you are winning. This bonhomie was reflected in the Metro Sport headline “Joy Ryders” while The Times plumped for “Five-star Molinari”.
The Americans on the other hand did not appear to have the greatest bonding, confirmed since by Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reid exchanging snipes. It prompted the New York Times to comment “The Americans are not a band of brothers.” USA Today observed “The Americans were left to ponder why it all falls apart when they play overseas,” it being 25 years since they last won in Europe.
The return of Tiger Woods to the fray proved more of a distraction than anything else. Despite losing all four of his matches he didn’t play that badly. But his body language was quite awful. He really looked like he didn’t want to be there and hardly raised a smile the entire tournament.
Of course it will be a whole new ball game when the teams meet again in two years at Whistling Straits. You can be sure the American gallery will give the Europeans a “warm” welcome, hopefully with no booing.