Quote:
>> The Presidents Cup is a non-event - manufactured for TV. It doesn't
>> work because the "Rest of the World" doesn't exist. It isn't a place.
>> It doesn't have any native fans. It isn't connected either by
>> geophysical land borders or by political idealism. It's a convenient
>> rag-tag-and-bobtail outfit thrown together misguidedly for the TV
>> cameras. Please don't diminish the Ryder Cup in this way. Maybe there's
>> an argument for a true World Cup of golf which would include full teams
>> from every continent and would have to be played over 3-4 weeks - but
>> leave the Ryder Cup alone. It has a unique atmosphere which would only
>> be diluted by trying to expand it.
>Firstly, a small correction - I never suggested changing the Ryder Cup -
>Just having the winner play the rest of the world.
The European PGA hasn't shown any interest at all in a Europe v RoW
match-up. Maybe that's because it doesn't look commercially viable.
More likely, imho, it's because they know that it would always be a
very pale imitation of the genuine article.
Quote:
>You are right about the lack of a defined space that is the "Rest of the
>World". However, "Europe" is not much different - Sweden, Spain, England,
>France, Ireland, Italy, Germany etc are as diverse as the "Rest of the
>World" and were thrown together because the Ryder Cup was floundering.
The Europeans share the same continent. They share a flag. They all
speak almost perfect English. Apart from the Brits, they all share the
same currency. They all play, or have played, the European Tour. That
seems like quite a lot of commonality to me -- and certainly enough to
engender a genuine team spirit and genuine fan support.
Quote:
>What Europe and "The Rest" have in common, is that they are not the USA! As
>a result, both teams have great support. It is true that TV ratings may be
>affected if the USA are not involved, because it seems every one (outside
>America) loves to see the USA beaten.
That isn't the buzz that I get from the Ryder Cup. Firstly, I love
matchplay golf. Secondly I love seeing the players' raw emotions which
you hardly ever see at any other time. Thirdly, I get a big buzz from
the cheering of the fans, whether in Europe or the US. The cheers
ringing out across the fairways of The Belfry were unreal and
spine-tingling. Not even a major can reproduce that. Next time you hold
a President's Cup, listen out for the RoW fans.... It's not the same
and it never will be.
Stan