ShareThisBy TOM PATRI
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
You know I'm glad I did not have to write this column last week, I was still hot! I still can't believe how %$)*&**#@++ our American Team played at The Ryder Cup. It was all the worse for me.
I was in London teaching a student there that week; so of course, I have to listen to all the crap. On the European telecast one announcer openly, and with a hearty tone says, "Well, this just goes to show the world that the strongest tour in the world is clearly the European Tour; after all how many firm lashings will it take to prove it to our American friends?"
You know, folks, I have had some time to think this whole thing over. I have watched and re-watched the tape of all the matches, and here is my take (for all you arm chair experts, remember, I said my take, you don't have to agree).
In Europe, I think because of all the years we dominated The Cup, there is still a raw burning on that side of the pond. The Ryder Cup there in Europe has huge historical relevance, and is really placed just behind The Open Championship (British Open to others) in importance. Their players take The Cup on as a "major" of sorts. Also if you are a European Team member, and victorious, or the star of the matches, there are large financial rewards over there. You're instantly not only a sporting hero, but a celebrity of sorts.
On this side of the pond, it's a lot different. This generation of players does not view this competition, with the weight of history that this wonderful event deserves. They don't respect the history, the events, and players of the past, and what has transpired, as they truly should. This is nothing more then a glorified corporate outing with a pittance of a stipend for their efforts, based on the huge dollars that are generally waved in there faces.
If you think I'm calling them all spoiled brats, as a general outcry I am. I realize there are a few players out there thrilled and respectful of the Ryder Cup, but I feel they are in the minority. I think the situation is extremely sad. You will never convince me that Europe can put together a team of players stronger than The United States, but the last few Cups surely suggest that.
Just like our USA Basketball Team, and our USA Baseball Team have been outperformed, it, for me at least, is a very sad state of affairs. It is a microcosm of what is happening in this country with our youth, our future. Maybe Bobby Knight did have it totally wrong.
I'm proud of my country, my pride runs deep, and this situation and those like it need to be corrected, and corrected quickly.
(Tom Patri's teaching academy is at Lely Resort in Florida. Patri is one of Golf Magazine's Top 100 Teachers in America. His book "The Six Spoke Approach to Golf" is available at bookstores and online at www.tompatri.com. He can be reached at tpatri@mindspring.com.)
