The 2012 Ryder Cup starts just outside Chicago today. It is an event that has brought some great moments on the past and usually brought out the best in both players and spectators. I hope we see more this weekend and I sense the signs are good.
For those that don't know, this is an event in which some of the highest paid sportsmen in the world who spend most if the time competing as individuals, come together to play for each other as a team (USA or Europe) for nothing other than pride and comradery.
Of course there have been some questionable moments including Corey Pavin's camouflage cap and aggressive antics winding up a partisan US crowd at the "war on the shore" at Kiawah Island in 1991. While is was reportedly intended to demonstrate support for US troops in the first Gulf War, it did not come across that way.
So I find reports of this year's opening statements by the respective team captains encouraging.
Olazabal, the European Captain, remembered the contribution and spirit of Seve Ballasteros, his long term friend and golf partner, who died last year. The 2012 Ryder Cup is the first without Seve's touch for a long, long while. Even though too sick to travel in 2010 he was contact with the team and served as inspiration.
Jose-Maria said that his friend had demonstrated the core Ryder Cup values of never quitting and being prepared to chase any adversity. Not a bad motto in the world we occupy today.
Davis Love III said something even more valuable in my mind and that was to remind everyone that the Ryder Cup is not a matter of life or death, not a battle, but an athletic competition between sportsmen. Keeping a proper perspective is so important these days.
So as the first fourballs set off my hopes for a great weekend are high. I want to seen keen competition, fine sportsmanship and real friendship. Fingers crossed.
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