by Jim Irving
What a bunch of conceited know-it-alls who have the answer to why the USA lost the Ryder Cup matches!! The facts are that team Europe had a bunch of good golfers who played very well. USA did not play as well; not because they did not care, were not motivated, or were not team players. They just did not play as well. If anyone of the critics has ever had to play a match against someone of comparable skills then he or she has the experience to know that some days you have it and some days you don't. The USA team was made up of mortals. They tried hard and, as anyone who competes will attest, when one falls behind in a match one tends to try too hard. Thanks Team USA!!

by Mickey Dong
Jim,
You say "Facts" and then say "good" which is an opinion and open to debate. Facts cannot be debated.
Then you use double exclamation points on several ocassions, like we were about to pee on your couch or something.
And don't get me started on critics who don't have the skill level of athletes they're debating. If we all followed that rule, pro sports wouldn't exist.
Were you a cheerleader in college? Horray for USA! Give me a break.
Fairy.

by Lester Hinson
>>>>>Jim Irving writes: "What a bunch of conceited know-it-alls who have the answer to why the USA lost the Ryder Cup matches!! The facts are that team Europe had a bunch of good golfers who played very well. USA did not play as well; not because they did not care, were not motivated, or were not team players. They just did not play as well."
Nice job, Jim. I like how you blast the "conceited know-it-alls who have the answer to why the USA lost the Ryder Cup matches" and then go on to tell us all just why the USA lost the Ryder Cup matches. I remember some saying about the pot calling the kettle black. But what do I know? I'm just a conceited know-it-all.

by casey
The US loses the Ryder Cup for a few reasons. Number one, they are not a team. They are a highly paid bunch of individuals who rarely associate with one another. When the Europeans are in the US they spend time together because they are away from home. The US players finish their round, find their agent, grab their laptop and head to the hotel to be with their families. Long gone are the days of having a beer and a sandwich in the clubhouse together to enjoy some friendship.
Number two. The Ryder Cup means nothing to this generation of players. It doesn't compensate them nor whether they win or lose does it really matter to them. This is the Ryder Cup, not the Olympics or a World War. It is an exhibition no different than a skins game with uniforms.
If the US really wanted to win the Ryder Cup they would select a team after the British Open, practice together several times and most of all select players by a PAIR of captains instead of this stupid process in which we send rookies to the Ryder Cup.
Bottom line.....NOBODY CARES except the press who have to have something to write about. The best US thing about this Ryder Cup was seeing Tiger's wife in a bunch of photos. He is a very lucky man.

by Sherman
says it all: "Somehow you just know the European team had a lot more fun at their victory party than the Americans would have had. Watching our guys propped up next to the free-swinging, happy-go-lucky European players, I suddenly realized why so many fans cheer for that buffoon John Daly. Watching this robotic bunch, I just couldn't imagine tossing back stouts with them in a pub somewhere."

by Nial O Reilly, Ireland
One American I would not mind throwing back a pint with is the US Captain Tom Lehman. The American Team may have lost but in defeat Tom Lehman was a credit to himself and his Country. What humility and courage, he was a revelation. A fantastic Captain and an inspiration. Hats off to you Tom!!

by Friendofgolf
You still don't get it {understand the concept of a team game} and that is why the yellow-bellied Americans got so soundly beaten again.

by Bazza
I think in this case the comments are taken out of conext. A journalist asked of another European player "do you think that you would be just as fired up if you were not playing America" reply, " that is impossible to answer". Sergio was asked to comment and said " as we only play America in the Ryder Cup, then yes its good to beat America. My point, it was a pretty stupid question designed to get the responce it did. We in the UK and Europe have the greatest of respect for the American players and I don't like when jounalists stoop to this kind of reporting.

by John
Mark, go a little easier on JD--OK it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that smoking is a killer/incapacitator. He doesn't sound too bright with comments like that, but this guy became a legend in one week, even to the pros, after winning the PGA. When you're 7th alternate, get to the course at 2:00am the day of the tournament, no practice rounds, and then destroy the course in long game and short and win a major---well that's an accomplishment. And then win the British on a completely different layout--wow...
He ain't perfect, but is a nice guy who has some high points in his professional life that guys like Colin Montgomerie can appreciate.

by Robert
Actually, having Big John on the Ryder Cup would be a boost. The fans would love him and he might raise his game a notch when (a) national pride is at stake; (b) his opponent is in his face, and; (c) after we tell him that the Europeans were personally resopnsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt....
Exit stage left, laughing all the way.

by Robert
Well, the predictions were spot on. Team USA got blown out of the water, nothing surprising about that. Hal Sutton will NEVER forgive McGinley for giving JJ Henry the halve, so the money remains on his back, but now it also jumps on Lehman too.
If the USA wants to really win the Ryder Cup, then leave Woods, Mickelson and all the other prima donnas at home. Pick some kids who are REALLY hungry and not scared of anyone. Hey, with nothing to lose, everything is possible. Lastly, make sure the kids have character. Sadly, Americans will learn NOTHING from this Ryder Cup, same as they learned NOTHING from experiences in IRAQ, or Vietnam. Americans PREFER the comfort of their delusions because reality is too painful to face. BTW - I am an American, so I can say it.

by Robert
Make that "Monkey" not "money". I have a seriously deranged keyboard...see I'm American. I always find someone or something to blame other than myself!
Heehee!

by Clayton
A comment a while back said that a butt kicking by the americans was what was needed to keep the anti-amierican voices quiet especially in Canada.
I don't really cheer against the americans but I can't stand the way golf has gone in terms of a spectator sport. The European model is far easier to take than the loud, boorish, beer guzzling yank yelling "get in the hole" as soon as the ball is struck, even on par 4's and 5's.
Chants of USA USA are getting on my nerves and the media showing far too many americans on tv is not good for the sport considering that there are more international players in the top 25 than americans.
Golf is a world sport and having a match like the Ryder Cup prove that is no longer dominated by the US the media should follow suit and show the best in the world not just the best of american golfers. It makes the coverage that much more interesting.

by Garry
Being a canadian I have players on both sides of the ocean,that I cheer for on a regular basis.The main reason I tuned into the Ryder cup,was for the golf and I wasn't disappointed.The U.S.team impressed for the first time in a while.How about Jimmy carring Tiger on saturday,Stewart Cink played some fantastic golf with a good attitude to boot.Take another look at Chad Campbell,JJ Henry,Zach Johnson and the oldtimer Verplank.Fantastic golf with great attitudes.From an entertainment point of view,The Americans and Europeans did their job and in my opinion the Ryder cup was a complete success.

by Brian
Tom Lehman isn't to blame because the USA played terribly but I think they need a manager from outside the pro golf community. Lehman has to live with these guys which makes it easy to play his Captains picks over young guys who've earned a spot. Also, a captain from outside that social circle might have sat Phil down when it was obvious he was playing awful.
Lastly, are we going to hear about the value of experience again in '08, when for most of them that experience is getting crushed by the Euros ?