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The chants of ‘Mighty Europe’ from the players could not have been more appropriate at the K Club clubhouse in Ireland.
To say that Europe thrashed USA by 18.5 to 9.5 in the 36th edition of the Ryder Cup would be a mere understatement. The Americans were simply done in by the skills and excellent teamwork of the European golfers.
Team spirit was the key to the European triumph. The players fed off each other, showed enthusiasm and moved positively forward to clinch their fifth cup in six outings.
The spirit of the Europeans was best illustrated by the performance of Irishman Darren Clark. Having lost his wife just six weeks ago, he put everything behind him to finish with a perfect three-out-of-three in the event.
Chosen as a wildcard by captain Ian Woosnam, Clark’s inclusion was questioned and criticised. By the end of it, the Europeans dedicated the win to an emotional Clark for his outstanding display.
The Europeans were given the right momentum when Colin Montgomerie secured a crucial putt on the first day. Monty continues his fine streak at the Ryder Cup and ended up with an unbeaten eight match spell in the singles.
Another to come through with flying colours was the Spaniard Sergio Garcia. His simply sizzled on the first two days and a magnificent shot to come out of the rough on the 16th summed up his game.
His partnership with Luke Donald was superb and both youngsters showed loads of enthusiasm which was in stark contrast to the often grim and subdued Americans.
Paul Casey also carried his good form of a week earlier into the event while wildcard Lee Westwood repaid the faith shown by Woosnam. Jose Maria Olazabal returned after seven years and did well.
As the rain and gloom lifted finally at the K-Club on the final evening, it continued to haunt the Americans.
With three top-ranked players in their team, the Americans seemed like a rudderless ship. Match after match was lost and there hardly seemed to be any inspired performances.
World number one Tiger Woods continued to fail in team situations and only showed his form in the singles event.
Much was expected from Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk and all three gave subs-standard performances. Only Scott Verplank showed fight but he hardly played in the event.
The Americans will have to do a lot of soul searching before the next edition of the Ryder Cup gets under way in Kentucky in 2008.
By having the best players in the world just cannot be enough in a team situation. Team spirit is the key.
The smiling faces of Garcia, Donald and Clark underlined the joy for the game and teamwork. Relax and enjoy — that’s the way to go for USA.
