The United States wrestled back the Ryder Cup from Europe on Sunday when they dominated the singles to win the contest 17-11. Here are some of the main talking points from three days of action:
‘Committee’ up to the task
Since its announcement, the US Ryder Cup Task Force was derided by some, a desperate last attempt to correct a blatantly broken system. Eight defeats from 10, one victory in seven: the US were at their lowest ebb and needed fixing. So they came together and laid foundations for the victory they craved, a victory the team and the competition required. Crucial to that was an apparently newfound team ethos, blueprinted from Europe and built upon a young, hungry and talented team. It was evident all week. Assistant captain Jim Furyk made a point afterwards of saying the task force should now be referred to as a “committee”. That reinforces the transition from a mishmash of individuals to a collective. It bodes well.
Westwood a black mark on Clarke
Darren Clarke’s preparations for his captaincy of Team Europe were meticulous, as expected. The Northern Irishman threw himself into the role and after defeat said, even with hindsight, he would not have changed anything about his leadership. However, Lee Westwood’s selection as a captain’s pick backfired spectacularly, with the Englishman going 0-3. The missed two-footer on the 18th green on Saturday night, which gifted the Americans a victory and shifted the tie inexorably in their favour, represented the nadir. Choosing wildcards is always precarious, and in selecting close friend Westwood, Clarke was obviously seeking real Ryder Cup experience in a team that contained six rookies. Yet Westwood wilted when his colleagues needed him most. Given his poor Friday performance, he should have sat out Saturday.
More Ryder Cup
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• Rory McIlroy: Left everything he had on the course and has no regrets over loss
Captain America v Euro Lone Star
At times on Sunday, Patrick Reed against Rory McIlroy felt more like a boxing match. The two, leading out their respective teams in the opening slot, traded blow for blow through the first eight holes in what was one of the most gripping Ryder Cup duels in history. The histrionics from both, in which Reed taunted McIlroy and McIlroy the American crowd, all amid commendable sportsmanship between the prize fighters, simply added to its box-office feel. Each was their team’s catalyst for most of the week, with Reed promptly adopting the “Captain America” moniker and McIlroy more pumped than ever seen before. These two can continue that rivalry for many match-ups to come. The fact they possess the brilliance to go with the bravado only amplifies the appeal.
Fine line between patriotic and pitiless
Hazeltine National Golf Club was always going to provide a raucous setting, especially given the home side’s recent record and the desire of all associated to rectify it. There were times throughout the three days, though, that crossed into the unsavoury: McIlroy had to have one spectator ejected, Danny Willett became an obvious target after his brother’s ill-advised article, while frequent calls for a European ball to find water or whatever other trouble existed did not exemplify a sport that prides itself on being a gentleman’s game. Yet let’s not go overboard – the unruly Americans were the minority, and the European support cannot claim to be squeaky clean either. Paris, in two years’ time, should be interesting.
Rookies can appear old hands
Much was made about the composition of a European team that included six Ryder Cup debutants. The US, meanwhile, had Brooks Koepka and Ryan Moore. However, while Willett, Chris Wood, Andy Sullivan and Matt Fitzpatrick offered far less than anticipated – they collected one point between them – Thomas Pieters and Rafa Cabrera Bello excelled. Pieters captured four points - more than any other European rookie in history. Also, his partnership with McIlroy hinted at sustained success going forward. Likewise, Cabrera Bello and Sergio Garcia, who suggested they could add another layer to Spain’s heralded affiliation with the competition. Cabrera Bello looked at home all week, as did Koepka in winning three points for the US. Moore, a late call-up, grabbed the half-point on Sunday that reclaimed the trophy.
jmcauley@thenational.ae
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