Ryder Cup Preview

Now that we have the Tour Championship behind us, and Brandt Snedeker is a rich man, it’s time to turn our attention to the 2012 Ryder Cup. Festivities begin today in The 39th Ryder Cup at The Medinah Country Club, just outside of Chicago, in a much anticipated match between Europe and The United States. Actual play begins on Friday morning. Team Europe has possession of the Ryder Cup, and if Team USA wants it back, they will have to score 14.5 points, Europe needs only 14 points in order to take the Cup back home.

Oct. 4, 2010; Newport, WALES; Graeme McDowell hits his tee shot on the 17th hole during the fourth session of the 38th Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor Resort. Mandatory Credit: Allan Henry-US PRESSWIRE /

Medinah Country Club is another grand old golf course, much like we have seen since leaving Kiawah Island in August, and is rich in golf history. It has hosted three US Opens, a US Senior Open, and two PGA Championships. This will be the first Ryder Cup at this private Country Club which was established in 1924. It is a 54 hole layout on 640 acres near Lake Kadish which was designed by Tom Bendelow.

Golf Course 3 is a 7657 yard layout that plays to a par of 72, which was redesigned in 1986, in preparation for the 1990 US Open by Roger Packard, and again by Rees Jones, which brought it up to it’s current length for the 2006 PGA Championship. Rees Jones, as you might recall, also re-designed East Lake, which was the site of last weeks Tour Championship. The Course Rating at Meninah #3 is 78.3, and the Slope is 152.

Ryder Cup Week begins today with team practices, and various events, but actual competition starts Friday morning at 7AM, as the teams face-off with Foursomes. Four Balls tees off after lunch. Saturday is a repeat of the Friday schedule. Sunday is the Singles competition. Opening ceremonies are Thursday evening between 4 and 5 PM.

Thursday’s Opening Ceremonies will be broadcast by the Golf Channel starting at 5 PM, Friday coverage is provided by ESPN, and runs from 8 AM until 7:30 PM. Saturday and Sunday coverage will be handled by the NBC crew, and begin at 9AM Saturday, and Noon on Sunday. Both days will run to completion of events. Be sure to check in with the Golf Channel for updates and news.

Team Europe:

Captain: Jose Maria Olazabal

Nicolas Colsaerts Sergio Garcia Martin Kaymer Graeme McDowell

Francisco Molinari Justin Rose Luke Donald Peter Hanson

Paul Lawrie Rory McIlroy Ian Poulter Lee Westwood

Team USA:

Captain: Davis Love III

Keegan Bradley Jim Furyk Zach Johnson Phil Mickelson

Brandt Snedeker Bubba Watson Jason Dufner Dustin Johnson

Matt Kuchar Webb Simpson Steve Stricker Tiger Woods

The Ryder Cup had been a gentlemen’s affair, and somewhat boring until the 1991 War at the Shore. Teams and fans alike became boisterous, and for my opinion, added some flavor to this event. It is now fun, and with the competition for the cup having some flare, it has become a must watch tournament for fans. It is the old us against them scenario that we Americans embrace.

I love Match Play competition, add in the international competition, and we have a tournament I can’t wait to see started. The Ryder Cup is contested every two years(the even years) on alternating sites between the US and Europe. The Presidents Cup is between the US and the rest of the world, and is played played on alternating sites every two years(the odd years). The Presidents Cup does not include Europeans. Enjoy!

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