I don't really like to end any of my Blogs on a negative or a critical note but with this final dispatch, written during a coffee break on my 400 mile drive back to Chicago and my overnight flight home, I must raise a couple of contentious issues.
Before getting back to golf, the drive this morning through Minnesota and Wisconsin has been stunning with ever increasing Autumnal colours reflecting against a backdrop of the most beautiful crystal blue sky. It's magical and during the next two weeks, I simply can't imagine how stunning these States will become.
But alas, back to the golf although my first comment relates to a term used in many sports for able bodied people. That term is hero and Davis Love used it in the closing ceremony to describe his twelve team members! It infuriates me and I can't believe that I am the only person in the world who gets so incensed at the frequent use of this term!
Putting the record straight, they aren't heroes in any way, shape or form. They are highly paid golfers who through their own incredible hard work, dedication and determination have become the best in the world and the rewards that come with that effort are well merited. But please, please, please, they aren't heroes! Heroes are people who have lost limbs in the service of their Country's military. Heroes are people who have overcome dreadful lifelong disability to represent their country with such pride and success at the Paralympics. Heroes are the people who have lost their lives volunteering to deliver aid to those suffering in Aleppo. They aren't golfers!
The second criticism is aimed at Danny Willett and at Lee Westwood and their performance at the after event news conference but again, I need to pre-empt my comments by saying Lee Westwood has been a golfing idol of mine for many years and I remain optimistic that he will win the Major he truly deserves. Danny on the other hand is a very gritty, and very straight talking Yorkshireman whose victory in this year's Masters was brilliant in every respect. On the last few holes, you would almost have believed he had ice rather than blood running through his veins. It was a proud moment for British golf when he received that Green Jacket.
He had a bad Ryder Cup as did Lee but these guys are PGA Professionals. The term Professionals should be underlined and in bold but my IPad doesn't allow me to do that! For me they demonstrated a lack of professionalism at that press conference by drinking beer, laughing and when asked how he had played, Danny replied, "shit", no, "really shit"!
Some people clearly found it funny but I didn't because I see these two as genuine role models in their sport, influencing a new breed of enthusiastic and passionate young golfers who copy the every move of their sporting idols. This sent a poor message. I am certain they were hurting badly inside from the defeat and I would have liked them to demonstrate a touch more disappointment. Boorishness is no substitute in my mind.
The game lost one of its most most popular and consummate Professionals last week. Arnold Palmer or Mr Palmer as he was known by most, was the epitome of everything good about a Golf Professional. Charming, charismatic and loved and respected by everyone in the game. I hope I'm not wrong but I can't believe he or indeed Jack Nicklaus of Gary Player would have taken beer into a press conference or used the term "shit" to describe his playing performance. I excuse the Americans and the drink in their press conference. They won. They were entitled. Rant over but I would be interested if anybody reading this agrees? I can take criticism as well as praise so use the comment button below to let me know your own thoughts.
It has been a brilliant experience and I would recommend it to any golfer if they ever get the chance. Well done to the Americans for recapturing our beloved Samuel Ryder Trophy and enjoy it for the next two years. It will be returning to the European Team in Paris.
Thank you for reading.
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