There are four set if four pairs games (two different formats) on the opening days with one point available from each, ie 16 in total. The final day is then 12 head-to-head singles matches. Traditional wisdom says that the Europeans are better at the pairs matches and the Americans better at the singles. With this in mind the strategy for a European Captain is to build a lead in the pairs and hope to hold on in the singles.
With this in mind it is easy to see why many considered this a hopeless cause when after half the points had been decided the US led by 10-4; the Europeans were playing well but being consistently beaten. There were two remaining pairs matches and the "weaker" singles to come. Additionally, Davis Love III, as the host/home captain, had the course set up in such a way as he thought favoured his players, wider fairways, harder greens and other subtle aspects. What hope for a European victory?
The Europeans, led by Ian Poulter in the field, then won the next seven points; the last two pairs matches (that include Poulter's run of five birdies) and the first five singles. The momentum had certainly swung and glued spectators,commentators and viewers alike. In the end Martin Kaymer's final putt on the final hole of the penultimate match secured Europe's 14th point and ensured retention of the cup, and then Tiger Wood's missed putt on the same green and subsequent concession secured victory.
The shock and emotion broke through. The Europeans had been playing in "Seve (Ballasteros) blue" on this last day with reminders on bags on sleeves. Olzaobal broke, looking to ths sky and dedicating the win to his late friend before hiding his face and emotions inside his cap.
I admit I stayed to the end of the closing ceremony after this amazing day. I thought Tiger, who has had difficult times and lost some admirers carried himself well. His concession at the last showed the true spirit as did his demeanour towards the European players, as caught on TV, afterwards did.
If there was a slight disappointment it was the rather wooden and stilted behaviour of the US players on the podium at the closing ceremony. In the speeches they were repeatedly thanked for being gracious losers, but as far as silence can be hostile, I failed to spot much good grace other than from Tiger. (see postscript below)
Maybe they were in shock after losing what most had thought to be an unassailable lead or maybe the we're coach/stage-managed to be passively neutral. Either way I thought they could have smiled, supported each other.......just played a better part at the end.
Olzaobal teetered on the edge of losing out to his emotions, but just stayed in control. He had been able supported by his vice captains and I wonder who will take on the mantle for Gleneagles in 2014.
Scotland has a lot to live up to, but I for one will be happy if it is just half as exciting, half as good, but just as sporting!
Postscript: I will take back what I said about the demeanour of the US players at the end. Having seen the write up and texts send by those same players I will accept that it was shock that was affecting them at the closing ceremony. The comments of Bibba Watson et al were generous and much more in keeping with the spirit of the Ryder Cup.
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