Is the media down playing the bitter rival of the Ryder Cup?

It seems to be a trend for the media to down play the bitter rival of the Ryder Cup.  A lot of articles are pointing out that the Ryder Cup this is an exhibition and not a major championship, saying things like how golf is such an international sport now so the Ryder Cup is becoming irreverent because a lot of the top players in the world are left out.  Does anyone who reads these articles believe this?  Who cares if some players would rather win a major championship, this event is made for the fans.  Sport fans tune into the Ryder Cup not to watch an exhibition of the world’s best golfers, they can see that 10 times a year, they tune in to watch the most intense, dramatic, patriotic event in golf.  They love the format, you don’t have to be golf fan to appreciate the Ryder Cup.

So why is there that trend to down play the Ryder Cup? Is it because when the US doesn’t excel in a certain event they down play the significance of that event?  Is it because the world’s number one golfer doesn’t do well in the event?  I think that has a lot to do it, but more that a lot of the golfers would preferred if it was more of a friendly less intense week.  I say who cares what the golfers want? What about what the fans want?  Most golf fans that love to watch golf, the Ryder Cup is their favorite event to watch, so why change anything?  If you change anything why not improve on what makes this event so popular? Why don’t the media start writing articles about how devastating it would be for US if Europe kicks America in the back side for the four straight time?  It seems all Paul Azinger is worried about is making sure the world knows that the Americans are underdogs.  What kind of leader is that?  What would the media write if George Bush said ‘ok we’re going to war, but I want everyone to know that odds are we will lose’?  Is that what you want Ryder Cup to be?  As a fan I want both captains to come out and say ‘we have the better team, we are the favorites!’  I wish the media did what they do for every other sporting event – exaggerate the intensity of this tournament, not downed played it.  I think every time Ryder Cup is finished one team should be devastated.  The last thing fans what to hear / read about when their side loses from a player is ‘I had a good time’.  I love the Ryder Cup and wish all parties involved would just embrace more the things that make this event so special for the fans.