2010 Ryder Cup: A Comic Book Battle Between Heroes and Villains

The Ryder Cup is arguably the pinnacle of the professional golf calendar, and undoubtedly the most prestigious team event available to the European and American elite. However, with it being a team event the emergence of heroes and villains was to be expected, and indeed some stars shone while others trudged along at a pedestrian pace, as if bogged down by the waterlogged Twenty Ten course.

HEROES

Perhaps the best player over the extended four days was Luke Donald. Some questioned his inclusion in the team, believing Paul Casey or Justin Rose were more deserving of a captains pick, however Monty was completely justified in his decision. Donald, despite losing his opening fourball, was impressive throughout.

Another star was the USA’s Steve Stricker, who played an integral part not only in the singles but in his effective partnership with the ailing Tiger Woods. While thoroughly defeated 6&5 in Foursomes, their partnership garnered a vital point in the fourballs. His victory over Lee Westwood was important too, him being perhaps the only player in the US team that could overcome an otherwise inspired Westwood.

Ian Poulter, the hero of Valhalla, was equally impressive in Wales. Winning three points out of a possible four, his play was vital in the European team reclaiming the Ryder Cup.

Graeme McDowell, affectionately known as “G-Mac” to his fans, carried Europe over the line to cap an exceptional year for the Portrush man. Presumably set to play last as a precaution for a close finish, cometh the hour, cometh the man seems appropriate. His nerve was there for all to see through his US Open triumph, and his unflinching determination to defeat Hunter Mahan was essential to Monty’s cause.

VILLAINS

Phil Mickelson should be noted as one of the biggest villains of the tournament. Never a great lover of the Ryder Cup, he struggled at Celtic Manor until the singles kicked off, where he defeated an easy opponent in Peter Hanson 4&2. One point out of a possible four is simply not acceptable for a player of his calibre.

Similarly weak was Jim Furyk, garnering only 0.5 points out of a possible three. The usually solid and dependable veteran never truly got going.

The most villainous of the European players was certainly Padraig Harrington. While the pick of Luke Donald justified, it’s very hard to argue that Paul Casey or Justin Rose would have fared worse off than the out of form Irishman. While two points out of a possible four certainly wasn’t disastrous form, he looked pedestrian throughout and showed none of the flair that won him three major tournaments just two years ago.

Rory McIlroy gets an honourable, or rather dishonourable, mention. “Little Mac” was outplayed by “G-Mac”, despite making a number of vital putts. The performance wasn’t stellar, fortunately this is one man with time on his side.