The Ryder Cup

I spent the last few days watching the Ryder Club Golf tournament. It was a magnificent sporting contest. Unfortunately for America Europe retained the prestigious cup with a phenomenal come-from-behind win. It was 14 and a half for Europe and 13 and a half for America.

What I witnessed was sportsmanship at its best. I watched Phil Nicholson clap for and praise his opponent when his opponent made some great putts.  All of the players adhered to the rules of golf with gracious handshakes to winners and a camaraderie with opponents that you find in few other competitive sports.

I would also commend the commentators for NBC and the Golf Channel. They all did a fine job of describing the action as well as keeping the dramatic tension going.

Golf is one of those sports, if not the only sport, where individual ethics are crucial to the integrity of the game. It is also the only sport where the spectators, the crowd, or the gallery cheer and yell after a stroke is completed and remain silent during the process in order not to disturb the concentration of the golfer.

I love the game! Can’t you tell?