UNITED STATES BATTLES EUROPE TO VICTORY AT VALHALLA
REDDING RECREATION
September 22nd, 2008
The rolling hills of Louisville Kentucky’s Valhalla Golf Club were packed with golf fans rooting for the dozen US golfers challenging the best Europe could muster for the 37th Ryder Cup Championship. This is a tournament where prestige, not money, is the prize. The Americans have not won the cup since 1999.The first informal Ryder Cup Match took place in 1921at Gleneagles, Scotland where the British soundly defeated the US team, 9-3.
Samuel Ryder, who made a fortune selling penny seed packets, worked himself so hard he was told by his doctor to take it easy and get some exercise. At the age of 50, he took up golf and one year later he was a 6 handicap! His personal golf tutor, Abe Mitchell, had played in one of those informal US vs. Britain competitions. Samuel would muse, over tea with his golf buddies, about the world’s best golfers saying “why can’t they all get to know each other!” He relished watching the informal international matches and organized the first official match held in Massachusetts in 1927. The US Team won, 9 1/2 -2 1/2.
In 1977, rules were changed and players from the European Tour could play on the British Team. This year, besides a number of players from England, Ireland and Northern Ireland, their team includes golfers from Spain, Denmark and Sweden. The tournament has been played only on even years since Sept. 11, 2001.
Match play, including fourball, best ball and singles matches make for an exciting multi-day tournament. You can’t help but feel patriotic as you watch and cheer the US Team as they take on the some of the best golfers in the world. The gallery was roaring with jubilation every time an American knocked a shot close or sank a critical putt. Unfortunately, there were instances as well when the gallery cheered when a European player choked. There was a lot of booing too. However, that was directed at the stellar play by our one and only, Boo Weekley. Overall, the players and gallery showed good sportsmanship even as the US clinched the cup in the final holes. Including today’s win, the US team has won 25 times and tied twice.
You don’t have to be a golfer to appreciate some of the best athletes in their respective sport battling for the
right to say their team is number one. If nothing else, this event has provided a pleasant distraction in light of all the turmoil our country is going through politically and economically.
530-941-7492 or 530-224-6767
BRAD GARBUTT
REALTOR/BROKER ASSOCIATE
REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS GMAC
QUARTER CENTURY LOCAL REAL ESTATE EXPERIENCE
