Thoughts for the Day, September 24, 2021: It is Ryder Cup weekend

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One of the things any golf fan looks forward to is the Ryder Cup.  In the early history of the Ryder Cup, it was the U.S team versus a team from Great Britain.  The U.S. teams led by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus dominated the competition to the point it was not very compelling to watch.  Press coverage was minimal.  In 1979 to capitalize on the popularity of Spanish golfer Seve Ballesteros, Europe was added to the Great Britain team.  This led to a much more competitive tournament.  Since 1979, the Europeans have won 11 and tied one of the last 20 competitions.  The popularity of the Ryder Cup really exploded in 1999 in the Battle at Brookline Massachusetts when the U.S. won 8 and ½ of the 12 matches on the final day to win the Cup by one point.  It was highlighted by the U.S. celebration on the 17th green following Justin Leonard sinking of 45 foot putt which in theory guaranteed Leonard a tie in his match which all the U.S needed for victory.  The U.S. players ran onto the green assuming they won the Cup.  Unfortunately, the European player Jose’ Maria Olazabal, still had a chance to make a putt to tie the hole and potentially retain the cup for the European time.  The action by the U.S. team was viewed by many as total unsportsmanlike behavior.  Olazabal missed the putt and the U.S. won, but hard feelings were created which has carried over 20 years later.

Today the U.S. got off to a great start as they won 3 of 4 morning matches and 3 of 4 afternoon matches to take a 6 to 2 lead.  However, history tells us that the Ryder Cup is not won or lost on Friday.  As long as a team stays within striking distance going into Sunday’s 12 individual matches anything can happen and it usually does.   It is nice having a lead, but there is still plenty of golf left to play.  It will be fun to watch as the players are playing under different conditions than they are used to playing under.  Furthermore, a bad day or a bad shot is there for everyone to see. The TV coverage will be there whether you are playing good or bad.  There is no place to hide.

Here is the incredible shot pulled off by Jordan Spieth in his match during the morning matches. Enjoy.

A very strange thing happened on The View today.  Vice President Kamala Harris was schedule to be a live guest on the show.  “The View” co-host Sunny Hostin and contributor Ana Navarro tested positive for COVID-19 Friday moments before an in-studio interview with Vice President Kamala Harris. . However, plans were upended when the two co-hosts were pulled off the stage after testing positive, and Harris appeared virtually as a safety precaution. Host Joy Behar noticed something was awry, which she inquired about on-air. “Can someone please apprise me of the situation?” she asked at the table with her co-hosts Sara Haines and Hostin and Navarro.  “I need the two of you to step off for a second,” someone off-camera directed Hostin and Navarro. Behar told viewers their absence would be explained soon and began to introduce Harris but was stopped.  

A great night at Comerica Park tonight as it was Miggy celebration night.  It is one of the biggest crowds of the season as people came out to honor Miggy and his 500 homeruns.  The pregame ceremony included speeches by general manager Al Avila and former manager Jim Leyland, who called Miggy the greatest player he has ever coached.   

 

Stay safe.  Wash your hands regularly.  Schedule your vaccine and booster.  Wear your mask.  Social distance.

Orchid of the Day:  The U.S. first day at the Ryder Cup where they have taken a 6-2 lead.

Onion of the Day:  No onion today.

Quote of the Day: “From when we walked on the first tee today and finished this afternoon, the crowds have been amazing,”. “The fans have been great, and they have been pretty respectful, too, for both sides. It’s been so much fun. Obviously, the fans make this event.”  Dustin Johnson, 37, the No. 2-ranked player in the world and the oldest player on the American team

2 thoughts on “Thoughts for the Day, September 24, 2021: It is Ryder Cup weekend”

  1. boz

    Great blog!! Sports give us the opportunity to focus on the positive in the middle of all the junk in the news today! Thanks for your great reporting!! Go Blue!! boz

    • Thomasdbiggs Post author

      Thanx Boz,
      When I sat down I had no idea what I was going to write about. Usually I have notes from the day. Not last night. I just wrote what came to my mind.

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