Ryder Cup - love or loathe ?

[Macster]

Following on from MWJon's post about who 'should' or 'shouldnt' get a pick, it makes me think.......

Sure I love the competetive aspect of the Ryder Cup, and its great to see the 'best' of Europe & the US battle it out, but on the other hand, I absolutely hate the way it brings out the worst in people too.

Particularly when played in the States, whose crowds are bad enough to start with, it simply brings out waaaayyyyy too much Patriotism and bad feeling, and jeering/applauding when the opposition (us) miss a putt or find water etc.
I find all of that just against the code of Golf, and as a result, particularly when played 'over there', just not attractive to even watch.

Even when played here, the Team Colours and all that rubbish just seem a little crass, and again, against the ethics of Golf etc.

I think what I'm trying to say is, - Has the whole RC thing just got too out of Proportion and over hyped, and simply a Money-Machine for the Media & Fans ?

I might be away for this years event, but to be honest, I wont lose sleep over it nowadays.

 

[birdieman]

I think every 2 years is too often, one finishes and they're already talking about points lists for the next one.

Every 4 years would be better but as you say the money making corporate lot wouldn't accept that.

It is largely media driven to make money I'm afraid.

It is a good spectacle of golf however and lets non-golfers enjoy a golf event. It never says to me Europe are better than US or vice-versa, despite who wins. It's just which team putts best on the week. In that respect it is just an exhibition match.

The courses in Europe are getting pretty drab for the event too. Belfry was always poor except for 10th and 18th. Celtic Manor looks naff as does Gleneagles centenary course.

Take it to Castle Stuart, Birkdale or Carnoustie next time!

 

[GB72]

I really enjoy it put part of that is due to the fact that I like watching matchplay golf. I feel you tend to get more in the way of risk/reward shots rather than the safer golf played every week.

If there were more high profile matchplay tournaments in the season or better coverage and participation in the world cup then I would miss it less.

 

[Farneyman]

If there were more high profile matchplay tournaments in the season or better coverage and participation in the world cup then I would miss it less.

Couldnt agree more. There is a lack of matchplay events at my club also and I would like to play in and watch more.

For me the ryder cup is great to watch and I feel every 2 years is enough but wouldnt fancy going to the course to watch it. Much cosier on the couch.

 

[USER1999]

I love watching it, as I love the competitive side, the passion, match play in general, and the yanks not 'getting' foursomes.

I could do without the hype though.

And ban the wags. What do they contribute? Leave them at home.

I don't think Samuel Ryder wanted it to become the monster that it has.

 

[TheEdge]

Love it, cannot wait, TV booked for 3 days solid with her indoors, kids can amuse themselves, dog can walk itself etc etc etc...

American supporters are loud and annoying, lets stick it right up em!!!

 

[Aztecs27]

Love it, cannot wait, TV booked for 3 days solid with her indoors, kids can amuse themselves, dog can walk itself etc etc etc...

American supporters are loud and annoying, lets stick it right up em!!!

This (except the dog and kids part!)

 

[bluenose10]

I have only just started to get into to golf seriously, joined club, practice, play comps (over the last year) and have been watching alot of golf on TV so couldn't wait to watch the Ryder Cup. . . but then I found out what date it kicks off on, cue the next conversation;

(Me)"erm babe what day are we getting married?"
(HID)"Friday 1st October, 3pm!!!!!! Why??????"
(Me)"oh no no reason, just can't wait thats all!?!?!

Sky + i suppose!?!?!?!

 

[freddielong]

I love it we dont get enough matchplay on telly

Wales in October doesn't sound warm though

 

[medwayjon]

I love it, primarily because it sees competition with the yanks, and Im not renowned for my love of yanks.

 

[lucan]

personally i have come to loathe it due to the greed of the european tour selling the tv rights to sky i will only get to see highlights a lot of chat and seeing the wags parading round the course i think the club golfer deserves more than that i will not subscribe to sky tv just to line the pockets of overpaid football players.
at least i can look forward to the masters next year and the wonderfull coverage on the bbc listning to the great peter allis.
pesonally i hope it rains on the parade.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I like the event itself i.e. the actual matches but can't be fussed on all this patriotism which has got out of proportion and leaves a nasty taste especially when its in the US. Even the SOlheim Cup is going the same way which is a shame.

I don't think a switch to four years would work as the US in particular would lose interest in it and start promoting the Presidents Cup ahead of the RC. I think it needs two capatains with some balls to come out together and sort out the jingoistic crowds. I don't mind the team uniforms apart from the US one at Brookline. If both sides could agree on say a set team colour (blue and variations for Europe and Red/White for the US) then they could still have a load of different designs without the need to carry national pride too far.

 

[RGDave]

I love watching it, as I love the competitive side, the passion, match play in general, and the yanks not 'getting' foursomes.

I could do without the hype though.

And ban the wags. What do they contribute? Leave them at home.

I don't think Samuel Ryder wanted it to become the monster that it has.

I agree.

Then again, I don't often watch it.
Unless I can get it on PPV, I shan't see any of it.