Men’s Golf Makes Ryder Cup Picks
September 26, 2014 09:31 AM | General
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| Easton Renwick had the opportunity to attend the 2012 Ryder Cup in Medinah, Illinois. |
| Photo courtesy of WVU Athletic Communications |
On Friday, one of the most thrilling events on the professional golf schedule will kick off as the 2014 Ryder Cup opens play at the PGA Centenary Course at the Gleneagles Hotel in Auchterarder, Scotland. No one on campus is looking forward to the event more than the members West Virginia University golf team.
Held biennially on alternating continents, the Ryder Cup is one of the few golf tournaments that features the exciting match play style with 13 players from each side with member of Team U.S.A squaring off against Team Europe. The European team is made up of four players on the Ryder Cup European Points List and the leading five players, not qualified on the previous list, on the Ryder Cup World Points List as well as three additional captain’s picks. Team U.S.A is comprised of the nine leading players on the Ryder Cup points list as well as three captain’s picks. The 2014 captains are Paul McGinley (Europe) and Tom Watson (U.S.A).
Team U.S.A features Bubba Watson, Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson and Jim Furyk, among others. The European team is highlighted by Rory McIlroy, Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood.
What makes the event so thrilling? Some say the atmosphere.
“I’ve never been to one, although I’d love to go,” said coach Sean Covich. “It’s the closest thing to a college football atmosphere that golf has. Any time you’re playing for your country, it’s a special thing. I think the players realize that and take their intensity to a whole new level.”
Junior Easton Renwick is lucky enough to have felt that atmosphere in person, having attended the 2012 Ryder Cup at the Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois.
“What makes it most exciting is the electric atmosphere,” said Renwick. “It was as loud as a WVU football game.”
For others, like sophomore Jon Ransone, it’s the team aspect. The Ryder Cup is one of the only golf events that groups players into teams instead of individual finishes. When the team is wearing red, white and blue, it takes things to an even higher level.
“Golf is an individual sport once you leave college,” said Ransone. “Whenever team play is involved, golf fans pay even more attention to the event. And whenever you get to represent your country it’s always a special tournament for the guys and gets the crown more into the event.”
Covich echoes that sentiment, and has tried to bring the style to his previous teams. He hopes to continue the tradition in the future with the Mountaineers.
“In the past when we’ve had a full roster we’ve had a Ryder Cup intra-squad match,” he said. “We typically try to get the international players or players from far off against the in-state or local players to try and recreate that feel. Anytime bragging rights are on the line, it’s always fun!”
Another interesting note that separates the Ryder Cup from other golf events is the purse – or lack thereof.
“The event is so rare because the players aren’t paid for it,” said senior Mason Short. “The Ryder Cup isn’t about money, it’s about representing your country. It’s a fun event for players and their families, but at the same time is one of the most competitive events of the year.”
With the event crossing the Atlantic Ocean every other time it’s held, fans don’t always have the convenience of watching the play at a reasonable hour. For example, Auchterarder is five hours ahead of Morgantown. Nevertheless, everyone seems to have their favorite tournament memory.
For Renwick, it’s Justin Leonard’s putt at the 1999 Ryder Cup held at the Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts. After Leonard’s stroke, the U.S. team invaded the 17th green, keeping Jose Maria Olazabal from attempting a shorter putt to keep the European hopes alive. It was one of the largest-and most impressive- come from behind victories in tournament history.
However, Short argues it was the 2008 Ryder Cup at the Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky. Team U.S.A. took home the trophy by their largest margin of victory since the early 80s, but it was more for sentimental reasons.
“I remember watching the entire event with my younger brother,” said Short. “It was awesome, and of course, Team U.S.A. took home the cup!”
Now to the most important question… who will win? Freshman Tae Wan Lee can give an unbiased opinion on that one. As a native of Seoul, Korea, he doesn’t have a dog in the fight.
“I wish the American’s would win, but I feel like Europe will win this time,” said Lee. “Tiger Woods isn’t playing and Rory McIlroy is playing unbelievably right now.”
His teammate disagrees.
“The U.S. is going to win because we don’t have any team conflicts like the Europeans do with Rory and Graeme McDowell,” said Renwick. “We also don’t have the pressure of playing with Tiger right now, which bodes well for us because Tiger always has a terrible Ryder Cup.”
Though both will obviously cheering for the red, white & blue, Ransone can’t seem to make up his mind on who will take it.
“I think the European team has the advantage based on how their team has played this year,” said Ransone. “But I think the young guys on Team U.S.A. are going to lead the way and pull out the victory!”
Short agrees that though not the trendy pick at the moment, the Americans will get it done.
“Even though they’re underdogs, I think Team U.S.A. will show up with great energy and come away with the win.”
Having spent some recent time in Scotland, Covich also knows who the popular pick is. However, it doesn’t mean he agrees with it.
“I was in Scotland a month or so ago talking with the locals, and let’s just say they’re very confident in their European team – and rightly so,” he said. “However, golf plays no favorites and every round is unique in its own right. “I’m going with Team U.S.A because of the young stars and former Big 12 standouts Rickie Fowler (Oklahoma State), Jordan Spieth (Texas) and Jimmy Walker (Baylor). You’ve got to support Team U.S.A and the Big 12!”
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