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RYDER CUP BLOG

FROM OUR REPORTERS AT THE K CLUB, IRELAND

Bring it on...

  • Jay Townsend - Former European Tour player
  • 21 Sep 06, 05:49 PM

jay_townsend55x55.jpgK CLUB - Warm and fuzzy, forget that, let’s get going!

We have dealt with the warm and fuzzy 'crap', let’s get down to business. It is great to see the mutual admiration the players from each side of the Atlantic have for one another. But, is that why we are here? The answer to that is a resounding, NO!!!

I, for one, am ready for to get going. I am tired of this big build-up. I, for one, am ready for some blood!!! I am ready to see who can handle the pressure of the most intense golf event in the world.

Will it be the Europeans, who on paper, should win? Or will Tom Lehman’s underdogs pull out an unexpected victory?

Against all odds, I think the Yanks have a great chance. Mainly because everyone thinks they can’t/shouldn’t/won’t win.

is starting out with his strength, Woods and Furyk, but he is on a fishing expedition with the following two games, pairing Stewart Cink, a captain’s pick with a losing record, along with JJ Henry, followed by David Toms and Brett Wetterich, who has never made a cut in a major championship.

Phil Mickelson and Chris Dimarco should be a tough closing act for the morning's play.

I hope Lehman knows what he is doing, because there are some questionable pairings in the opening games.


°ä´Ç³¾³¾±ð²Ô³Ù²õÌýÌý Post your comment

  • 1.
  • At 06:10 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Andrew wrote:

It is quite a risk by Lehman, but understandable as he needs to play these rookies at some time.

I would say that at best, Lehman could go into the afternoon 2-2, but there is a distinct possibility he starts the second session of play 4-0 down.

I'm glad that in the 1st and 4th games they've given the public what they want.

All the European pairings are exciting but the reality is they could draw lots and get great pairings.

  • 2.
  • At 06:16 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Ian Townes wrote:

I believe that the American rookies JJ Henry and Brett Wetterich, despite not experiencing golf on its largest stages, will have a strong Ryder Cup. They have not been involved in the past US humiliation and will show some typical USA confidence!

  • 3.
  • At 06:41 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Robert Blyth wrote:

I must state my diassapointment in that the ±«Óãtv sees fit not to broadcast live the Ryder Cup. There are many who watched the Golf last week and like me would be looking forward to the Ryder Cup. Of course this kind of thing happens all too often and many who do not have or afford all Sky Sports programmes are again disappointed. Shame on you for spoiling it for many pensioners like myself, Sincerely RGB

  • 4.
  • At 07:01 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • David wrote:

You know there is a solution to the fatigue you are suffering in the build up to the actual start of the Ryder cup.....

Traveling the day instead of the week before!!!!!!

  • 5.
  • At 07:32 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Pete wrote:

Risk by Lehman? Why? Did you expect him to stick out his most experienced guys every round. The Rookies exubberrance is their strength. Woosnam meanwhile has split up the Garcia/ Westwood 4ball and put two guys who don't like each other together. Just like the Woods/ Mickelson disaster for USA last time out. Casey and Karlsson are in good nick but so is Henry and he's got an experienced player with him to take control of the nervy moments. Padraig and Monty are class but up against the only pairing who might beat them. I don't fancy Europe for any of them. I hope Woosie remembers to pick Casey, Howell and Stenson on the odd numbers for the foursomes.

  • 6.
  • At 07:52 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Chris, Canada wrote:

No matter, US to win 18-10, Tiger to dominate, Monty to fail, changing of the guard, see you in Wales eh?

  • 7.
  • At 08:01 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Dan Murphy wrote:

Tiger to dominate and we have the Irish Press to thank for that.
It will be a close match but the Americans are tired of hearing about the debacle at Oakland Hills and will rebound.

  • 8.
  • At 08:38 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Chastushka wrote:

Does someone want to vet for me the 'who on paper should win' comment? In the discombobulated world of information with over-analyzed stack rankings, polls, depth charts and an independent analysis on every imaginable topic, I suppose we should just write off the US because 'on paper' they cannot win. Hell, why even tune in? Someone please send me this paper; locate our undisclosed affable oracle and deliver the holy grail of ranking (sic), laminate it, email it or archive it - just please get it to me so that I have the answer. Probably a red herring in hopes to facilitate conversation and conjure up debate - bring it on.

  • 9.
  • At 09:23 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • FiferTom wrote:

We all have to be glad that the action is about to start. The media hype and the crass commercialism has been nauseating. It is a series of golf matches between two highly talented sides which will be great for golf fans to follow. It is not war and it is not life and death. The side which plays better, holes putts at the right times and rides its momentum surges best, will win. The advantage is clearly with the home side as the crowd magnifies any momentum home players build up. Lets get on with it.

  • 10.
  • At 09:48 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • Paul wrote:

Did anyone else notice how the 'teams' lined up today?

The American Team came out in World ranking order, with Tiger up first, then Phil, Jim etc... so much for putting your 'top' players on a pedestal. The four rookies made to feel like the weaker links of the team.

The European team came out in Alphabetical order, Casey, Clarke, Donald etc... so no-one is made to feel above any other, or feel like a weaker link. A true team.

Anyone else thinking that this 'team' America is a bit of a smoke-screen??

Nothing I've seen today has changed my opinion that the Americans are gonna get smoked again. Bring it on.

  • 12.
  • At 10:47 PM on 21 Sep 2006,
  • JNP wrote:

I found it difficult to believe that the Americans could ever be the under-dogs at the Ryder Cup or any other golf event but having looked at the world rankings - it is true. If you add up and compare indiviual golfers world ranking then Europe wins 273 to 353 even though 1,2 +3 goes to the USA. Also, even in the world top 50 there is only a smattering of 'USA's when not too many years ago the overall majority would be USA. However, lest we forget, this is one event where it pays to be the under-dog. Bring it on indeed!

  • 13.
  • At 04:45 AM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • paul moore wrote:

There is no way the europeans
will win unless they are down 1-3 or 1/2-31/2 after friday morning (which will shake them up and stop them believing they are better!). They are overly confident and will not have the regular home advantage anti yank audience like at the belfry. As much as I want europe to win I feel that this european team is more like the team we are used to beating!

  • 14.
  • At 10:15 AM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • michael wrote:

Sitting here in Malaysia listening to Radio Five live over the internet.
Darren Clarke lines up a putt for birdie on the first hole and.... ±«Óãtv's coverage conveniently ends for overseas listeners!! Horror - does anyone know a live stream??

  • 15.
  • At 01:14 PM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • mark blackwell wrote:

think it's a disgrace that we can't watch this on bbc. what good are highlights in the evening for an hour or two

  • 16.
  • At 01:18 PM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • Francis O'Sullivan wrote:

Michael - try www.rydercup.com/2006 - live coverage here

  • 17.
  • At 01:50 PM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • colin grayson wrote:

why are the ±«Óãtv not showing the ryder cup live ? they would give their eye teeth to be able to , but as SKY are willing to pay much more , edited highlights are all they can manage

but if people were willing to pay the beeb £30/ month like they do to SKY ,instead of £10 or so , maybe things would be different

  • 18.
  • At 02:12 PM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • Fiona Blaney wrote:

I'm at work in the UK, and would love to listen to it online - but I can't 'For contractual reasons blah blah blah" it isn't being broadcast via the only method I have at work to listen to it, the 'Listen Live Windows Media' option.
How come everyone else can listen on line?

  • 19.
  • At 11:00 PM on 22 Sep 2006,
  • Mack Woods wrote:

1) It would be interesting IF the European team was picked from performances on the European tour only. 2) I hope that Europe refuses to include Ireland for the forseeable future as a venue. Wars have been initiated over lesser insults than the American team and their families had to suffer per a couple of Irish rags. No European players or their wives have suffered such boorish treatment in the US. {Even the moody Mr. M. has figured out that 99% of the American fans appreciate his golf.}

  • 20.
  • At 03:02 PM on 24 Sep 2006,
  • colin grayson wrote:

jay , it may be that US citizens get a bad press for their loud and arrogant behavior [ one of my american friends says just put it down to ignorance ]

sad that the so called quiet american is so often overlooked

but I would just like to say that I have missed seeing your confident but gentlemanly presence on the european tour

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