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2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah
So it has been a week since the USA Ryder Cup team lost to the Europeans. I was all set to post a big write-up recapping the tournament, but I was so upset last Sunday that I didn’t have it in me, and I still don’t. I do want to share a few thoughts about the Ryder Cup tournament though.
I am huge sports fan, and an avid watcher of all sporting events…..I’ve basically seen it all. Without a doubt in my mind, and I will argue this with anyone, the Ryder Cup is hands down the best sporting event on the planet. Golf?…..really? Yes!!!! I love the Super Bowl, I love the Stanley Cup, I love the NCAA basketball tourney, I love the World Cup…..but none compare to the Ryder Cup.
I sat in front of my TV for 3 days, and watched 20+ hours of golf, and wasn’t bored for one second. The crowd, the players, the excitement, the tension, the camaraderie, the competition, the intensity, the nerves, the passion, the skill…..this tournament had it all. These players were here for one reason, and one reason only…..to win for their country. No cash prize, no money at all. 24 golfers from the USA and Europe battling for the right to bring home the Ryder Cup trophy to their country. It’s plain and simple bragging rights.
If you had the chance to watch last weekend you would understand what I am talking about. The passion these players showed was unbelievable. Hearing how much the fans were cheering was amazing, and the players fed off the crowds intensity. Celebrities, professional athletes, former presidents, were just walking around Medinah cheering on their country. You just don’t see that at sporting events everyday. Again this was at a golf tournament. Not sure if everyone caught it, but on Saturday at the par 3 13th, Michael Jordan and President Bush were sitting next to each other right behind the tee box. When Tiger stuck it close to the pin, they both went crazy and stood up to cheer. It’s things like this that make this event the best.
I hope everyone had the chance to catch some of the tournament, regardless of the result, and experience why the event is like none other. I wish it was played every year, but we’ll just have to wait till 2014 to start cheering again. Here is a list of the future sites for the Ryder Cup…..looks like the Midwest will be its home for next the two in the USA!!!
2014: Gleneagles – Perthshire, Scotland
2016: Hazeltine National GC – Chaska, MN, USA
2018: Le Golf National – Paris, France
2020: Whistling Straits – Kohler, Wisconsin, USA
Tee it Up!!
Ryder Cup Practice Round
I had every intension of going to the 2012 Ryder Cup tournament over the weekend, but unfortunately was unable to make it. I wasn’t going to miss the action so I decided to attend one of the practice rounds, and I’m glad i did. It was an opportunity for me to get a great view of the course and an up close view of the golfers in a more laid back relaxed atmosphere. Even though it was a practice round the fans were still electric and plentiful. It looked amazing through the TV over the weekend, but I can only imagine what the atmosphere was like in person.
I decided to get there early because I wanted to walk around before the golfers took to the course. I know several people who have played the No. 3 course at Medinah, and have heard great things. This course really lived up to the accolades. It is apparent why Medinah No. 3 is ranked #2 in Illinois, and #23 in America according to Golf Digest. With all the heat we had this summer the grounds crew really had their work cut out for them, and they did a unbelievable job making the course look the way it did. The course was in absolute pristine condition. I took some great photos of the course and shared a few of my favorites below. Enjoy!
2012 Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks
Davis Love III’s pick are in. The four golfers that will be joing the other 8 are:
- Jim Furyk
- Dustin Johnson
- Brandt Snedeker
- Steve Stricker
I have to say I like his picks. Johnson brings his long ball, on this very long course. He also is a very popular player on tour, so he will have a great following which should help his confidence. Furyk is one of the more respected guys on tour, and has the experience you need on the team. Snedeker has been on fire as of late, and Love is hoping he brings that hot putter to Medinah. Brandt is the only one I question, but hopefully he proves me wrong. Stricker in my mind was a no-brainer. He is one of the best putters on tour and one of the most consistent golfers as well.
So here it is the 2012 US Ryder Cup Team:
- Keegan Bradley
- Jason Dufner
- Jim Furyk
- Dustin Johnson
- Zach Johnson
- Matt Kuchar
- Phil Mickelson
- Webb Simpson
- Brandt Snedeker
- Steve Stricker
- Bubba Watson
- Tiger Woods
Can’t wait for this tournament to start, just hoping I can get my hands on some tickets.
Tee it Up!!
BMW Championship back in Chicago…..
Sources say that it is a done deal. If that is correct the BMW Championship will return to Chicago in 2013, and Conway Farms Golf Club looks to be the host. Conway Farms is a private, links style club in Lake Forest and holds a strong reputation amongst Chicagoans. It is also a favorite of golf’s current #1 player in the world Luke Donald. Luke Donald attended Northwestern and considers Conway Farms as his home course in the area. I have never played Conway, but have heard nothing but great things. I really hope this is going to happen because Chicago hands down deserves a PGA Tour event every year.
After the PGA decided not to return to Cog Hill for the BMW, golfers and fans were disappointed because Chicago was a staple each year for the tour. Chicago has some of the greatest golf courses in the country and all within a convenient distance from the city. Tour players also love coming to Chicago, I can’t blame them…it is the best city in the world, right….
I know the PGA was also considering The Glen Club, which I think has the caliber to host a PGA event, but would definitely need some work to toughen up the course. Length is not an issue, but I feel the fairways would need to be tightened for the pros.
Chicago has the Ryder Cup coming to Medinah in September, which I personally can’t wait for, but I really want to see the BMW back here as well. I hope these “sources” are correct……we shall see.
Tee it Up!!
CHICAGO GOLF CENTRAL 