The Ryder Cup is almost here, but is it the best event in professional golf? If not, then it’s extremely close.
The Ryder Cup is one of the great biennial traditions in sports. Dating back to 1927, it’s the best team event in golf.
But where does the Ryder Cup rank in terms of all golf tournaments? Is it bigger than the majors?
What makes the Ryder Cup such a great event is the fact that it is team-based, an element which sports fans simply adore. It also features the best rivalry in golf: Team USA vs. Team Europe. It’s in some ways comparable to a heated college football or basketball game.
It’s certainly a departure from the norm, and it’s the one event where fans can go crazy, wear face paint and rock their team’s colors. Who knows — maybe you’ll want to wear a USA basketball jersey with your favorite golfer’s name on the back.
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That sort of thing is not only fair game at the Ryder Cup — it’s encouraged. The joys of rooting for a team, and the passion that the players show, make it a legendary event.
It’s something that you don’t see quite as much in other tournaments (with the possible exception of the Waste Management Phoenix Open, which is basically an Arizona State home game at TPC Scottsdale). But despite all of the wonderful things that the Ryder Cup showcases, it’s hard to say if it’s the best event in golf.
That said, if it’s not, then it’s in second place for me. Only the Masters or The Open Championship might — and I say might — be better.
The Ryder Cup is one of the only events in golf that can reel in sports fans from all over. It also brings the U.S. and Europe together in ways that other events can’t.
Now, in recent years, Team USA has been competitive, but not good enough to win. Prior to the years of European dominance, it was the U.S. that habitually dominated Team Europe (formerly Team Great Britain and Ireland).
But this is what adds to the fun and excitement of the rivalry. Team USA and captain Davis Love III are hungry to get revenge on the European squad, while European captain Darren Clarke and his crew will hope to continue their reign.
Certainly, anyone who follows the sport hopes that it becomes a back-and-forth affair between the teams. If that happens, the Ryder Cup would simply be that much better and more unpredictable.
The event also gives fans and analysts the chance to break down which team has the biggest strengths and weaknesses. For example: the U.S. squad has Dustin Johnson, one of the longest hitters in the game. How will Hazeltine play to his strength?
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
On the European side, captain’s pick Martin Kaymer can heat up like a microwave at any given moment, especially with his putter. But how will Hazeltine’s greens treat the two-time major champion?
These are the type of questions that come up at the Ryder Cup — unless we want to be jerks and just say, “Team USA is going to lose again, oh well.” But we won’t do that.
The Ryder Cup is such a big deal that it catches the eye of even the general sports fan — rare for a golf event. Longtime sportswriter Rick Reilly once ranked it as the eighth-best sporting event to attend in person.
Ironically, the Masters was number one on that list. And although there are some events we can disagree with on that list (which was compiled in 2009), I believe that the Ryder Cup is still one of the best sporting events around.
In a sport that focuses so much on etiquette, exclusivity and dress codes, the Ryder Cup is the one event where we, as sports fans, can enjoy top-quality golf without having to worry about these things. We also have something to root for.
On the PGA Tour, there are certain players we love to watch, and many of us may be fans of those players. However, there’s nothing like rooting for a team and rocking the colors of your nation as you soak in the fun of alternate shot or the pressure of Sunday singles, whether it be in person or on the TV or radio.
If this year’s Ryder Cup is a dandy, then it very well could be the best event in all of golf. It’s held every other year for a reason: the anticipation is real.
So, in short, break out your best U.S. or European fan gear. It’s almost time for another exciting week of Ryder Cup golf.
What do you think: is the Ryder Cup the best event in golf? Let us know in the comments, and keep it here at Pro Golf Now for more updates as we get closer to this year’s matches.
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