Samuel Ryder conceived of the cup as a celebration of a Gentleman's game
played by Gentlemen.
The US team should be congratulated on a superb performance in wresting the
cup from the european team. The truly displayed tenacity, ability and duress
under severe pressure.
Much has been made here of the incidents on the 17th green, Coltart's lost
ball, Montgomerie being heckled, European slow play and Jane James allegedly
being spat at.
We all play to win, nobody plays to lose, if you win it is quite acceptable
to celebrate that victory, indeed you should celebrate it.
However, if Samuel Ryder were alive what would he think about it, or Harvey
Penick, or Bobbie Jones or Ben Hogan?
The rancour that has followed this match has soured a once great sporting
event to such an extent that maybe it is time for it to be abandoned
forever.
That will never happen for too much corporate money is involved.
A few weeks ago GB and I comprehensively defeated the US in the Walker Cup
with great sportsmanship displayed by amateurs on both sides.
No hystrionics, no "I can't hear you gestures" more suited to a Heavy rock
concert (I enjoy heavy rock so I am not some old fogey)
In the Ryder Cup we see a bunch of Millionaires displaying behaviour ill
suited to a Gentlemans game played by Gentlemen and supposedly watched by
Gentlemen.
As Ben said on Saturday I leave you with one thought..
Often we hear the lame comment "Golf has been the real winner here"
Well today Golf is the real loser.
Samuel Ryder would turn in his grave.
David Edwards