Ryder Cup Chat Thread

Machiavellian · Ryder Cup Chat Thread

Thought we could do with a thread to discuss the goings on at Valhalla over the next few days.

Nice putt from Harry there to put Europe one up in the first game. Long may it continue!

Rammy

Won the first hole with a par in the second match, good start by the Europeans just what we want to see

Flatz

Thanks for the updates guys, very useful for those of us who can't access the sports websites

Cheers

Flatz

Rammy

All square in the first match after 3 holes Harrington hit a poor tee shot to the par 3 3rd. 2 up after 2 in the second match with 2 pars! very poor golf from Leornard and Mahan. All square in the 3rd match after one hole and the final game is now underway.

Machiavellian

Europe all square in the first game, after five. All square in the second match also after Mahan holed a six footer for birdie. All square in the third match playing the third and the final game sees Europe one up after the first with Westwood holeing for birdie.

YAIYAM

I love it when you get a tournament like this and you get people trying to bet on golf who basically have no idea how to do it especially on betfair, it is like taking candy off baby's

MT VESSELS

YAIYAM

I have just done my first ever 1000.0 Lay because people(idiots) are putting up backs for Harrington/Mac. to win even though it is im[possible for them to do so.
DO THESE PEOPLE ACTUALLY KNOW THE RULES

Rammy

Not a good day for Europe, but they were far from outplayed with a number of games going down the 18th. They are still in the match but I fear the worst after seeing Faldo's foursome pairings. Unbelievable that you can leave out Westwood 12 matches unbeaten, and Garcia never lost a foursomes match, two of Europes most experienced players just when we need them most. I think Faldo's ego and his need to be controversial to make the headlines has taken over. I hope I am wrong but I see USA taking an unassailable lead today.

L.C.

Hi Rammy,

I know what you are saying, but i think the players let Faldo down yesterday, and for me, Garcia and Westwood were the 2 you really expected more from, and if they need a shock to the system to gee them up, then so be it.

Westwood at that press conference was pathetic, whingeing about Boo Weekly firing the crowd up - its called home advantage, Westwood should have been standing over his putt thinking 'i'll show these b******s' not crying his eyes out. He was clearly rattled if he was still going on about it after the match, and if Faldo knew that, then he was right to drop him. At least Faldo didnt use it as an excuse, he knew there was nothng wrong with it. Garcia for me has just played poorly.

Now we need them to respond in the right way, show us that Faldo was wrong to drop them, not take the huff.

If we win both sessions today, it's game on again - i really feel we threw points away yesterday (Harrington losing his 4 ball after being 3 up, Poulter and Rose their 4 some after being 3 up, both games should have been halved at worst).

Cheers

LC

geordie_racer

I know theres plenty left in this 4somes but I odon't think Faldo's selection can be fairly criticisied

a lot of the people on the bbc [bernard gallagher especially] are anti-faldo because he was just simply better than them and focussed on himself [in what is after all an individual sport] 6 majors, remember.

they are so keen on him to foul up; it drives me mad.

Rammy

Fair play the first three pairs for Europe played very well, a shame Harrington and Karlson have had a bad morning, because Furyk and Perry were there for the taking as well. If we can halve or win the afternoon session this could still go our way

L.C.

That 1/2 point Jimenez and McDowell picked up just now could be crucial.

Now the whole team need's to make sure we win this afternoon's session.

Cheers

LC

Machiavellian

Just took EVS on Hansen and Westwood to beat Holmes and Weekley. Think that's a knocking good bet.

L.C.

I quite like that Azinger has picked all 12 of his team to play on each day -i'd like that to be a rule, that the captain has to pick all 12 to play at least 1 game per day - i found it embarassing in 99 when James didnt play 3 players until the singles, what kind of a message did that send out to them.

So fair play to Oliver Wilson today - he must have been gutted he was the only 1 to miss out on Day 1, to win today was brilliant.

Cheers

LC

YAIYAM

I have only done one other bet before the actual match has started but think Curtis & Stricker cannot play any worse than they did yesterday and have taken 3.8>

Rammy

I am amazed Leornard isn't playing this afternoon he has been the best American player by some distance. If Europe are in touch for the singles we have a good chance because a few of the Americans arnt playing consistently well whereas most of the Europeans have been solid from tee to green without holing too many putts

geordie_racer

L.C.

Rammy

What a fantastic evenings golf. Ian Poulter has answered all his critics, me included what a huge contribution he has made. Lets hope we can turn it round tomorrow>

geordie_racer

spot on rammy

we need 7 points tomorrow

come on guys... we can pull this off

L.C.

Looking at the singles matches tonight, i think we'll win the later matches, but the early games look tough for us to me - if we can get through say, the first 8 matches, and not lose any more ground score wise on the USA, then we might just sneak this.

It's going to be difficult.

Cheers

LC

Rammy

Still can't get over the standard of golf last night absolutely fabulous stuff. I agree with you LC we need to hang in early and look for that strong finish. I take heart though that as well as the Americans have played there were many occasions yesterday in the fourballs when Europe had two players in the hole and America had only one left in competing but to their credit came up trumps . Jb Holmes must have failed to break 80 both days with his own ball in the fourballs but came up with 2 or 3 holes that really counted for his partner. It will be a different story in singles though when he hasn't got a partner to bail him out! I thought Azinger might have sent Weekley out first to get the crowd going plus he has looked very good so I am pleased he is in the middle of the pack. I really hope it comes down to the last few matches though as it will mean we are in for another fantastic rollercoaster of ride tonight

L.C.

Christ. listening to the radio again, and again it's Faldo getting it - this time, he has apparently put our big guns out at the end of the day, and by the time their games come to a finish, USA will be home and hosed.

So, lets look at what he has done - he leads with Garcia, the world number 5, second top ranked European. Next up Casey, okay world number 38, but only a fairly recent former World Matchplay champion!!! Next 3 games, Karlsson, Rose, Stenson, only the world ranked 17, 13 and 7!!! Well, apparently these players are now our weakest......

Doesnt matter what he does, come win or lose, Faldo is getting it. Its a disgrace - he's proven us wrong with Poulter, we need to back him, if we lose it is the players who have not done enough to win.

Cheers

LC

YAIYAM

There are some good bets in the singles today or at least they look good beforehand.

Kim to beat Garcia @ 6/4 looks cracking value, this game could be won or lost in the first 4/5 holes as if Kim gets a lead Garcia will not be able to peg him back as Kim will fire straight at those pins if of course Garcia gets a lead then firing straight at the pins can sometimes work against you.

The Mahan v Casey game i am going to wait and see what happens because Mahan can play brilliant one day then be no better than a 5 handicapper the next as long as they show some of his play could be a good game to trade in.

Leonard v Karlsson to close to call as Kar. has the length advantage but Leonard has be on fire around and on the greens

Perry to beat Stenson is a must bet @ 118> even though Stenson does have a good match play record home town advantage will be a big+

Wilson @ 6/4> to beat Weekley looks to be good value as well as Weekley does not seem like the type of player that would play well on his own in match play and considering he did not even know the rules of it early this year his experiance of it is certainly against him

Hansen @ 6/5> is the best bet of the Day Holmes has been pretty useless and Hansen is the type of steady player who will play each hole in turn and grind out a win.

Stricker @ 5/4 to beat Poulter would not be a confident choice because they are both battlers but Poulter can sometimes lose his head and it will cost him against Stricker.

The only other game that again could be a trade game is the Mcdowell v cink game as who ever goes ahead i will back against them because both players could come back as neither are that consistent.

Of the other games it looks like they will go towards the favourites who are odds on so no point in backing those if however the underdog goes ahead then again trades may come into it but i will stick to the above matches mentioned to start with

geordie_racer

kickingkyle

Anyone know if i can watch this online? got a few links but none working

YAIYAM

kickingkyle

Nope i have virgin but not sky sports. Iv watched the last 2 days at work but im home now.

YAIYAM

kickingkyle

yeh and pay for it, how much is your bill? i pay £30 for broadband phone and tv

YAIYAM

without the extra boxes £49

kickingkyle

yep thought it was £19 extra for skysports

JDFUNKY

Unfortunately, following this on the BBC updates

However, I think Hansen needs to win or Jimenex needs a half (with Hansen) and then it is down to the last 4 matches - so, basically it is all on Harrington (with the other results staying as they are) - he needs to win, simple as.

Can't see it happening though.............

YAIYAM

Jimenez probably going to pull one back here and i still think Hansen will win his match

JDFUNKY

Hansen has to at least half, has to.................

YAIYAM

JDFUNKY

Hope so mate!!!

Is Harrington playing like a drain or is Campbell playing really well?

harchiefan

Harrington playing very poor.

We somehow need Hansen to win,Westwood to win and then Harrington to get summit out of his match.Doesnt look good to be honest.

YAIYAM

harchiefan

Holmes just birdied 16 to go 1 up on Hansen.Looks like game over.

YAIYAM

he has also just hit one straight down the middle about 375yards on the 17th

harchiefan

Hansen made a mess of his approach to 17,flew the green.

harchiefan

And Holmes stitched his to a few feet.Need a miracle now.

YAIYAM

Holmes going to win then Fuyrk will win the ryder cup on the next hole

BRETT

A lot of people were moaning about Poulter being selected but he has been the best player out of both teams.Casey has been terrible along with Garcia and Jimenez,Garcia today got shown up in my opinion for being gutless.No wonder he hasnt won a major.If you take the fact that Wilson didnt play on the first day,Harrington had looked jaded,Europe have tried to win this with 7 players.A great effort but some players need to take a look at themselves in the mirror and ask questions about their performance.

Another point that was made this week is the fact that the americans now have the fedex cup to play for after the PGA where in the past they didnt do much between the PGA and the Ryder Cup if anything,competition wise.

Im no expert on golf but i think the european golf heirarchy need to have a look at (a)the selection process and (b)the schedule of tournaments to keep the players competitive until the Ryder Cup.

YAIYAM

Jimenez 20 footer to save Ryder Cup

YAIYAM

Missed it

golfswing

The best team won it easily from day one.. half the european time werent at the races and big guns failed to perform.. I was wrong about my previous posts about Poulter he was outstanding...

I couldnt watch the last half hour, those bleeding yanks do my head in

Better luck in Wales in 2010 (hope it pours with rain and blows a gale)

Rammy

Well done to the Americans they have played well and deserved to win in the end, but I think some people on here are being a bit harsh on some of Europe finest golfers. Take out Strickers put on the 18th last night and Mahans on the 17th today and it could well have been very different!! To call Garcia gutless is ridiculous, yes he has had a poor week by his standards but have you seen his Ryder cup record. Nobody would have beaten Kim or Weekley today with the golf they played. I thought Faldo was spot on in his interview and has been a good captain despite losing. Poulter and Mcdowell have been outstanding and have gone up hugely in my estimations, but I don't think anyone has reason to be too down on themselves the standard of golf over 3 days has been exceptional

YAIYAM

Garcia's body language seemed a bit grumpy to me all week before he even got dropped normally he is jumping about and punching the air he was much more subdued right from the start.
His match today went exactly like i thought it would becuase if Kim gets infront he will fire at those flags and it would be very hard for anyone to peg him back.

Weekley was the big surprise for me tonight his golf was probably some of the best you would ever see not sure what his score on his back holes were but i am sure they said 29 for his front 9

L.C.

Well played USA, deserved the win in the end. Disagree with the previous comments about Kim, sure, he started off today like a house on fire, but Garcia didnt pressure him. When he hesitated before putting his ball in the water twice, i turned to my pal and said 'why the f... doesnt he just take another club, all he needs to do is clear the water and we win the hole, and get it back to 1 down' - then he puts 2 in the water, he gives up - pathetic - 5th best player in the world, gets arsed by a rookie. USA won, but our top guns - Westwood, Garcia and Harrington - one of them needed to be team leader like Monty or Sevvy did in the past, and they werent up to it.

And as for Westwood - here is the latest from his whingeing big gob, copied straight from the BBC website - "Westy doesn't hold back in his post-match interview: "I have been abused from start to finish and I just don't think that's golf. Some of the stuff that's been said has been shameful." He even said Brookline had nothing on this week" - Grow up you big blouse, the crowd did nothing we didnt or wouldnt do back home.

Faldo is going to cop it, but he has been let down badly by his big guns.

One last word - i totally disagreed with the decision to take Poulter - not because of his ability, but because he didnt go to Gleneagles to try and win his place - i still think he should have gone to Gleneagles, but fair play to the guy, he has been superb all week, i really hope all doubters now give him a break and give him some credit.

Cheers

LC

MT VESSELS

Well the best team won and what a fantastic match it was.
Poulter, Karlsson and McDowell were superb, Garcia had loser written all over his face after Kim posted a couple of birdies. Thought their match was out of context with the other games due to its unsporting nature.
Casey was crap and should never have gone, Lee 'sing when i am winning 'Westwood was his usual cheery self and Harrington looked out of sorts for all 3 days.
Thought the couse was set up an American with balls peppering the flag all today but thought that only added to the excitement. Boo Weekly redeemed himself not going over the top all the time and being the man of the tournament. Good to see Furyk get the winning point, looks a really nice bloke and was very gracious in victory afterwards.
Cracking Ryder Cup to watch.
All the rookies stole the show this year, about time there was a changing of the guard.

MT jnr

YAIYAM

I do not understand Westwoods comments at all becuase any player has the power to ask officials to remove a spectator so if he honestly believed he was getting personal Insults then he should have said something during the day, it sounds like he is just making excuses and Faldo was right to drop him on the Saturday morning.
Casey should never have gone but then i would not have taken Clarke or that Scotish whinger i would have probably had Petterson as he plays in America nearly all the time

geordie_racer

personally I would have liked to see Boo Weekley disqualified for his stupid hore-riding gallop up the first fairway

that wuld have shut them up

ps only joking; he played superb golf yesterday and Faldo's bigget problem was the underperformance of his top players - Garcia and Westwood in particular

The criticism Faldo got for his playing order yesterday was badly misplaceed; we won the top 4 2 1/2 to 1 1/2; it was the guys in the middle who could't match the [frankly] brilliant play of the US middle order.

poulter's selection was utterly vindicated; he has the right attitude for this type of golf. Casey turned out to be soewhat less inpired a pick, but it would be wrong to lay the blame with one of the captain's picks

I think next time round the Europeans need to look carefully at the slection criteria and having 4 picks as the Americans do would be sensible; Oliver Wilson was a ridiculous team member, a man who has not won an individual tournament as a professional? There needs to be (I would say) a minimum of 2 wins in the preceding 2 years; finishing second is a lot easier than winning and in match play, winning is everything.

Flatz

Binge

I disagree and don't think the European's need to change the selection criteria.

This is only the second Ryder Cup that the Europeans have used this method (5 World Rankings / 5 European Money List not qualified via WR's / 2 Captain's picks.) The first one resulted in a record equalling (would've been record breaking but for a gallant piece of sportsmanship from McGinley) points margin defeat of the USA, and okay the second has resulted in a loss in the States, and a loss in my opinion where the points margin is a little bigger than perhaps was the true reflection as is always the way, as soon as the winning putt is sunk all either team ever want to do is get off the course and celebrate / commiserate.

Azinger had 4 picks for the first time and he was confident that this system would allow him to pick 'hot' golfers. By his own admission it came to the point where he had to decide on the wildcards and he in fact had no one who he hoped would've met his criteria to strengthen his team. However, and here is where Azinger deserves as much credit as any winning Captain ever has, he made his 4 picks and from that point on his Captaincy has been majestic.

He formulated plans for every session, reverted back to Foursomes in the morning, set the course up long with an emphasis on a birdie shoot out, bonded that team and inspired both them and the crowd. Finally he surrounded himself with two past Captains, Stockton and Floyd (neither of them a losing Captain although Floyd could only tie) both with fierceome reputations as competitors. We had DJ Spooney!

Yes Azinger has always worn his heart on his sleeve and has had his fair share of Ryder Cup controversey in past Cups, but he was just the character the USA needed after consecutive record defeats but it was his Ryder Cup brain that made him such a success rather than his brashness.

I'm sure we can wrestle the Cup back in two years time down the road in Newport and I'm sure we will under our existing selection policy. Personally I believe Oliver Wilson had every right to be there and the way he secured his qualification in the final tournament should have made him a natural pick for the 4 balls on the first day but, and again this is just my opinion, Faldo having based himself in the USA for the last 8 years, didn't know enough about him before this week to fully trust him.

As for our Captain in 2010, personally I hope they give it to Sandy Lyle. Sentimental, possibly, probably some will argue I'm sure. However he deserves it and if he doesn't get it in 2010 he'll miss out all together. He'll be the only one of his generation's golden golfers not to have had that honour bestowed upon him (Ballesteros, Langer, Woosnam & Faldo) and that's wrong. The first British golfer to win The Masters and the first since Tony Jacklin in 1970 to even win a Major when he won The Open in 1985. A veteran of 5 Ryder Cups he is still in and around the European Tour and crucially, as Azinger did, if Lyle is Captain I'm sure you're likely to see Woosnam as a Deputy and more than likely Torrance too, two winning European Captains. Woosie was the 'brains' behind Torrance's win (Woosie and brains in the same sentance!) and Lyle played a part for Woosnam two years ago.

I understand the argument that we are now Europe and if Lyle were to get the Captaincy that would be 5 out of the last 6 Captains from our shores but, with Olazabal ruling himself out this morning, I believe Lyle deserves it more than Thomas Bjorn.

BRETT

[quote="Rammy"][b]To call Garcia gutless is ridiculous[/b

Why?How many chokes has he had when in contention for majors?2007 Open,big lead at start and blows it,par the last to win,bogeys it and loses playoff to Harrington.2008 PGA he's in front at the 10th and blows it again to Harrington.

He has won 6 tournaments since 2002 and 1 since 2005!!!!

Not exactly the record of the superstar he is made out to be.

Rammy

[quote="BRETT"]

BRETT

So what was the excuse last night for Garcia?I didn't see it but read that he lost in a playoff again after leading at the start of the final round.

YAIYAM

Rammy

[quote="BRETT"]