Well, the weekends golf was no fun!
A few days after the dust has settled from Wisconsin, reflecting on the dominant US performance as the Ryder Cup is at the fore front of every golfer’s mind.
The display put on by Captain Stricker’s team was beyond impressive, one that could set the tone for Ryder Cups to come if, in my opinion, the format of the Europeans qualification process doesn’t change, which will allow the European captain to choose more wildcard picks. It was a brutal battering, a changing of the ‘old guard’ and uniting a very strong, young, US team.
The course was, without question, set up to suit the power hitting American team, birdies were the order of the week and boy did the American players deliver. Superb from word go, and never really allowed us to get any momentum going to silent the very partisan home crowd.
Big Name Players Out of Form for Europe
That being said, our ‘big game’ players were not quite on form and the drubbing of Poulter and McIlroy on day one surely hurt the confidence of the team. Rahm rallied alongside Sergio, which I am sure will be the story of the years to come. Sadly, those efforts were in vain, as he too was battered by a Scheffler birdie barrage in the singles matches.
I do feel the result flattered the match, I don’t feel there was such a big gulf in class, momentum was gained and carried throughout. I also feel the booing of good shots isn’t something that golf should entertain, neither should we allow opposing teams family members to be abused as golf is a gentleman’s sport to its roots. Those fans should not be welcomed at such a prestigious and historic event, if drink makes fans (as small a proportion as it may be) react in that manner then maybe that’s something that should be addressed.
Team Europe will be back in 2023, I have no doubt to restamp their authority on the Ryder Cup… I can already hear the chants, “It’s coming Rome!”
An 800-yard Par 6 in Slovakia
Moving onto my own golf, the ‘Alps de Andalucia’ didn’t go to plan. Having to withdraw following round 1 due to an extremely tight lower back, meant it wasn’t the week I was expecting given my form the weeks prior. I then flew to play the Slovakian Open at the Paneti Resort in Northern Slovakia. The commute was an interesting one having to fly to Vienna, then get a taxi across the border to Bratislava. From there myself and a fellow pro switched taxis to head to Penati which was a further 90 minutes commute in taxi.
No doubting the big talking point this week: Hole 15!
– Par 6
6⃣
– 783 yards
– Longest golf hole in Europepic.twitter.com/GJIhRfSJl6
— Challenge Tour (@Challenge_Tour) July 5, 2016
Got to say, the event was a fantastic experience. My first time in Slovakia and the people were amazing, the course even better. Hole 15 gave me my first experience of a par 6 totalling almost 800 yards, which is why it’s the longest hole in Europe! The tournament for me though was one that got away, finishing 24th with rounds of 72 and 76. Both rounds I was under par but strangely both rounds I turned what were solid under par rounds into over par ones. Frustrations of tournament golf reminding me of where I need to improve during the winter months.
In truth, my body was still not 100%. It’s an area that’s not fully appreciated in terms of what professional golfers need to do in terms of traveling commutes. This is a common area where we can get injured, it’s vital to all young players aspiring to be tour pros take note of. Travel well to play well!
In the coming months, I will be participating in the Alps Tour Qualifying school to gain my card for 2022 and hopefully the return of the Mena Tour in the Middle East.
Stay tuned!