US up for the Cup but first it's time to talk
Fears that the United States is losing interest in the Ryder Cup at the start of the week of the 37th running of .
has certainly bought into the staging of the latest US v Euro clash at Valhalla.
Neon signs at greeted Ryder Cup fans as well as welcomed home and reminding us that this is .
Now the parochial hope is that will be the one to pack the knock-out punch that renders Europe dopes inside the ropes and denies an unprecedented fourth straight victory.
and a giant poster drapes from the Louisville University's Cardinals Stadium close to the airport to wish him well this week.
A series of events are planned in the city and the feeling is that they are there to whip up fervour among the American fans.
Captain has talked about for the US team.
When I asked him whether he would be looking to further generate excitement among his team's fans he needed no second invitation to encourage them.
"I think those fans are already motivated. We'll do everything we can to get those fans ready. They've been waiting two years for this and I think they've embraced the Ryder Cup," Azinger said.
"I feel like they have made me one of their own here and I couldn't think of a better place to play the 37th Ryder Cup than Louisville, Kentucky. If I were to hand pick any place in the country I think this would be the spot.
"I think they'll be behind us and the message to the crowd is be enthusiastic, be raucous, crazy if you like but keep it all within the realm of good sportsmanship."
In 2004 of the galleries by sending his team on a charm offensive during the practice days.
Suddenly it was Europe who were signing the autographs and they, rather than the Americans, became . It worked a treat.
So is Faldo planning something similar, especially with likely to be somewhat more vocal than their Michigan counterparts?
It doesn't sound like he feels the need to set that as an out and out objective. "You know my guys are real characters," he told 5 Live. "They like engaging with the crowds.
"I don't think it has to be a strained effort to do that. and they're more than comfortable being themselves out there."
Faldo didn't reveal much at his first news conference of the week, other than that is a good sleeper on transatlantic flights. "I counted he had four sleeps on the journey," Faldo said.
He also stated that it is his hope to give all twelve players a run out on the first day if Europe get off to a good start.
Faldo says he has certain but that nothing is yet set in stone. He will be watching closely the form of players in practice over the next two days.
For all concerned they are perhaps the most tortuous of times in any Ryder Cup.
is like no other golf tournament. There is so much interest and intrigue yet usually not much substance. .
Reporters will try to get captains and players to say things that will expose underlying tensions while the interviewees will be doing their level best to avoid saying the wrong thing.
It is a phoney war that stirs up the contest - yet almost all of what will be said will be of little relevance once the first balls are struck in anger.
And that's the moment for which all concerned can't wait.
So far the only real news is that ripped through Valhalla on Sunday and .
Damage was done and the back right corner resembles a bit of a patchwork quilt as fresh turf has been stitched into the gouged areas. They've been robbed of one potential pin position, but it'll have little bearing on the match.
We wait to see whether we will be able to say the same about the crowd's influence.
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Comment number 1.
At 16th Sep 2008, LuigiGLFC wrote:Coping with boisterous and perhaps over-zealous fans will be crucial if the European team hopes to win again.
I'd love to see the crowd silenced by a combination of charm and brilliant golf, but I fear certain players, such as Ian Poulter, may prefer to incite and antagonise the crowd to feed off the atmosphere.
It could be a lively contest!
Here's hoping Europe make it four in a row! Kentucky Fried Chicken? Nah...King Faldo's Cup!
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Comment number 2.
At 16th Sep 2008, stuzroz wrote:I never thought I would see the words 'charm offensive' and Nick Faldo in the same sentence. I can't stand the man but I will be shouting for our boys (even without Clarke, which still annoys me)
The crowd will be their usual silly selves, screaming 'get in the hole' for drives off all the par 4's and 5's but the European guys just need to smile and tip the cap as they beat the Americans BADLY.
That will be the best way to keep the crowd quiet. I predict an easy European win, USA have 6 rookies and cannot live with our boys in my opinion.
COME ON EUROPE.
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Comment number 3.
At 16th Sep 2008, Ryushinku wrote:"screaming 'get in the hole' for drives off all the par 4's and 5's"
Ha! Funny and true...like you say, it'll be important for the European team to keep the lid on as much as possible. A dominating start would be perfect, of course. If it's close going into the last day then that's a potential powder keg.
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Comment number 4.
At 16th Sep 2008, goalie_up_front wrote:I think that the lack of TW and the number of rookies in the US team might actually help them out. The problem with having Woods in your side is that in the Ryder cup format, he can lose and if the cup starts with him losing, I would imagine that a lot of wind would be taken out of the US sails. Now without Woods anyone in the team can lose a game and it not be seen as a catastrophe.
The rookies might actually create a greater team spirit - a togetherness that the US team has lacked in previous Ryder Cups. They are all in it for the first time and want to upset the odds.
Europe have in the past 15-20 years been strong in the Foursomes and Fourballs but weaker on Sunday in the matchplay format. The last 2 Ryder cups have turned that around. I think that as long as Europe has a 2 point lead going into Sunday they will win it... don't bank on it though.
Europe 15 - 12 USA
G_U_F
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Comment number 5.
At 16th Sep 2008, WibsK9 wrote:However much I would like to see us give the americans another big beating I think for the good of the event we need a really close contest which goes to the final couple of groups on the last day.
Hopefully if that does occur we will still win, but I fear another massive beating for the americans will lead to a lot of there stars starting to think about boycotting the event next time.
I may be wrong but look at tennis and the davis cup , many top players miss the eto concentrate on themselves, hopefully as the ryder cup is so massive this wont happen.
Come on Europe
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Comment number 6.
At 16th Sep 2008, jamesfbuk wrote:I can't see players starting to boycott it personally- as you say, it just is too big an event, there's no other tournament played this weekend. And, well, if they do end up doing so, just think of the bragging rights. Will be fantastic.
On a side note, G.U.F.- 15-13 or 16-12? 'Cos 15-12 doesn't quite work. For me, I'm a bit torn. Europe will either win it comfortably (16.5-11.5 sort of region) or US will pip it. Am a bit concerned it might be the latter...
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Comment number 7.
At 16th Sep 2008, The PGA Tourist wrote:Resplendent in Pale Blue and Charcoal grey, the Euroboys have "winners" written all over them. Faldo has me convinced, all he has to do is pick a decent suit for the opening ceremony and I will never doubt him again. Ian Poulter has said before that if he is happy with the clothes he's wearing, he's happy with his game. In those duds he must be loving it!
The pairings are for the most part fairly obvious, and as there will ne bit of mixing and matching going on to get all twelve guys out on the first day, it's a bit of a no-brainer for Faldo. Let's hope they do work on the crowd during practice, cause if they get rowdy, there's a few real young'uns who could get unsettled by it. Still, come on Europe!
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Comment number 8.
At 16th Sep 2008, stephensta wrote:can't wait for it all to start.
Just a little bit nervous that the competition might take a step backwards towards the the 'Brookline Days'. That would be a real disaster for the tournament.
When Azinger talks about the 13th man,
is he talking about Brookline ?
The Europeans may need very cool heads and there is none cooler than Mr Faldo.
Good Luck Europe.
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Comment number 9.
At 16th Sep 2008, Alex Trickett - wrote:Half way through my first day at the course and I can confirm that the charm offensive is well and truly on. Team America have made 10,000 badges and are rapidly circulating them (I haven't snared one myself but then again I'm not the target audience).
Not to be outdone, Paul Casey's caddie Craig Connelly is handing out golf balls with a smile. Game on! You can read more about this in golf editor Rob Hodgetts' blog: /blogs/robhodgetts/2008/09/valhalla_braced_for_epic_battl.html
I'm off to find a badge...
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