Ryder Cup 2010: Colin Montgomerie and European Team Win Raingear Battle

Round one of the Ryder Cup battle goes to Colin Montgomerie over Corey Pavin. No, not the first day of competition. Rain won that battle. No, the first battle won was that in the choice of rain gear for the players.

Everyone knew (well, everyone maybe except U.S. captain Corey Pavin) that rain was going to be a huge factor in this Ryder Cup, based on the early fall weather history in this part of Wales.

Day one lived up to its wet billing. Montgomerie had been ready for it. Monty had reportedly met several times with the head of Proquip, the rain gear supplier to team Europe. They picked the rain gear and then tested it.

Apparently the U.S, didn't go to these measures, as the American team came out in their rain gear for the first day of play at the Ryder Cup. The rain was coming down good. The grumblings started quietly and slowly. They grew as the rain kept up and play began.

With the rain coming down heavily Tiger Woods went as far as to take his jacket off for his first shot of the day on the opening tee, feeling restricted by the heavy jacket.

Apparently the rain gear, from the company Sun Mountain, which has a great history of golf wear, was absorbing the water more than deflecting it, which is kind of an important part of rain gear.

Something had to be done as the rain and play continued. The American delegation had to do something. So, swallowing their pride, someone was sent into the Celtic Manor clubhouse with credit card in hand.

Yahoo Sports reported an employee in the clubhouse said the U.S. team bought more than 20 pairs of rain pants.

What brand did they buy? Why, the official brand of the European Ryder Cup team, of course; Proquip.

You could just feel the wry smile Monty was trying to conceal.

Monty 1, Pavin 0.