It was the best of times

As Charles Dickens would have written about the Ryder Cup, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” He was referring of course to the European and American teams respectively. The Tale of Two Cities can be resumed in the amazing day enjoyed by an Englishman and a Frenchman, Ian Poulter and Victor Dubuisson.

Poulter partnered world number one, Rory McIlroy in the fourballs. After registering a superb birdie on the first hole he was conspicuous by his absence. But with “Poults” as he is known in the business anything can happen and probably will, particularly in the Ryder Cup.

He was fifty yards short of the 15th hole after chipping out of the Scottish gorse. Now was Pouter-time and he delivered a body punch to the Americans by holing out! What a pleasure this must have been for him as he was one of Captain McGinley’s picks because of his passion and astonishing contribution to the Ryder Cup. Nobody can forget his succession of birdies at Medinah which single-handedly permitted the European team to snatch a final green victory.

His Captain, José Maria Olazabal, said that a statue should be erected in honour of Poulter for his outstanding contribution to the win.

This season has not been Poulter’s best but he was desperate to be included in this magic event which he prefers to all the majors combined!



The French hopes were resting on their third countryman to play Ryder Cup golf following in the footsteps of Jean van de Velde and Thomas Levet. Victor Dubuisson had such an impressive early season that his place was assured many months ago. Graeme McDowell had a quiet word with Captain McGinley saying that Victor would be a great partner for him as their strengths complemented each other; McDowell’s short game and Dubuisson’s exceptional long play.



The essential element of teamwork between these two stars worked superbly and as a result they won both their games with holes to spare.

For golf in France the arrival of Dubuisson as a top world player could not come at a better time. The Ryder Cup will be played near Paris at the Golf National in four years’ time. So a figurehead for golf is essential to attract the media interest in this global event which should have repercussions throughout the golf and tourism industries in France, the country which attracts the highest number of visitors in the world.

Now the stage is set for the dramatic climax to this wonderful event. Europe leads 10-6 and only need four points tomorrow to retain the Cup. Dickens will be setting his alarm clock for the festival which awaits the world of golf from the beautiful glens of Scotland which has organised a Ryder Cup which will enter the history books as one of the best ever.

Richard Wax





With sincere acknowledgements for the accompanying artwork to Yves Perron, the outstanding French artist , see:
http://www.yvesperronaquarelles.com