Let battle commence!

Why is the Ryder Cup compulsive viewing from the dew-covered first tee on Friday morning to the packed eighteenth green on Sunday evening?

I feel that it is the magic ingredient of team spirit which differentiates this event from the run-of-the-mill weekly grind of the tour.

A couple of weeks ago some chap whose name escapes me won over eleven million dollars for his success. Am I alone in thinking that this amount is somewhat obscene? Many of the top professionals have their own charitable foundations and contribute their time and part of their winnings to worthy causes.

But the motivation for the Ryder Cup players is not calculated in dollars or euros but the pride of participating. Ian Poulter comes alive every two years after the ceremonial national anthems. His five successive birdies at Medinah two years ago were the turning point of the match.

Colin Montgomerie might be short of major titles but his Ryder Cup record is second to none.

The world of golf is hushed as Ivor Robson, the starter, prepares to announce..."On the tee representing..."

Let battle commence!



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