I have watched hundreds of golf shots over the years. Some were great, amazing and unbelievable. The shot by Jordan Spieth at the 43rd Ryder Cup takes them all. I am not sure how they found his ball, nor how he was able to get a club on it, but all I can say is wow!
Continue readingRyder Cup
The 43rd Ryder Cup – Day One
Team USA is out to a very fast start. Winning six points in the first eight matches, they seem poised to make a strong run to win this year’s Ryder Cup. Since 2008, Team Europe has dominated this competition and it far to early to count them out. My friend, Padraig, from Ireland said that Team Europe “look very ragged at the moment, not holing putts to missing greens”. I agree with him, but again this competition is far from over.
Continue readingEarning Strokes In A Golf Tournament
The 43rd Ryder Cup is upon us. As the first groups tee it up for one of golf’s biggest events, many players will be wondering how to earn strokes against their opponents in order to score a precious point for their team. The decisions on when to take acceptable risks is always a precarious one, but it is something that ingrained the fabric of every golf tournament, not just the big ones! If you have ever played in competition, you were immersed in the pressure of risk/reward decision making, hopefully with some success. With Garcia, Rahm, Spieth and Thomas being the first groups out, they will set the Friday morning tone and battle for the critical first point!
Continue readingThe 43rd Ryder Cup – Captain and Vice Captains
Have you ever wondered if the Captain and Vice Captains of the Ryder Cup have any impact on the play of their respect team? The are high profile players who have played in the Ryder Cup in the past and are there to offer insight and support to players who might be feeling the pressure. Also, from time to time, they are people who are thrown under the bus for the loss. They are second guessed constantly and, depending on their personality, provide inspiration to the players. The history of the Ryder Cup is riddled with great Captains and Vice Captains and this year looks to be the same.
Continue readingThe 43rd Ryder Cup – The Team Anchor
During every team event, there is always that one player who makes the others on their team play better. Some call this person a ‘leader’, others ‘the intangible’, or others ‘the man’. I have used those terms in the past, but over the past 15 years (through my many coaching opportunities) I have come to see this player as an anchor for success. More importantly, I have also learned that ‘the anchor’ is not always the same person, but generally some players continue to lead their team. The Ryder Cup is no different; both Team Europe and Team USA will have that one player that will drag, push, or lead their team to victory. After giving it some thought, I have decided on who I think will step up this weekend and try to be the anchor for their team.
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The Grateful Golfer 