Despite being in "caddy mode" while visiting and caddying for Anya in Florida, I am, as every two years, pretty much in "Ryder Cup Mode".
With the FedEx Cup over, the last major 45 days behind and a whole new way to gain points for FedEx, Ryder Cup and President's Cup, all we should focus is on the American team and how they will win...
If you take the results of the Ryder Cup alone, Europe should be the favorite... on paper that is:
- Europe has won or retained the Ryder Cup six of the last eight years
- Europe has two rookies while the USA has four rookies in this cup
- The players in the European team have accumulated a Ryder Cup record of 77-39-21 (wins, loses, ties) in the biennial matches, while the U.S. players playing this cup have accumulated a record of 50-71-21. That is a 35.2% of possible points for the Americans, while the Europeans have a 56.2% of possible points won.
- Davis Love III, our captain has a Ryder Cup record of 9-12-5, against a very stellar record of Jose Maria Olazabal or 18-8-5.
- Europe has not lost the Cup as locals since... 1993! While the Europeans have won in three times in the United States during that period.
No question that the dynamics of the Ryder Cup, and particularly from the European team, have changed over the years. When Jose Maria arrived in Chicago on Sunday, he only arrived with 3 of his players... why? Because the rest of them were already in the United States! Five have homes in Florida, two more are about to bu a home in Florida, one, Luke Donald, has a home in Chicago (where the matches will be played), and the others not included here, had qualified for the FedEx Cup's Tour Championship played last week.
In addition, Europe has the #1 ranked player in the world (Rory McIlroy), along with nos. 3 (Luke Donald),4 (Lee Westwood) and 5 (Justin Rose). While the U.S. has #2 (Tiger Woods), 7 (Bubba Watson), 8 (Webb Simpson), 9 (Jason Dufner) & 10 (Brandt Snedeker).
If you ask anyone who looks at these records, you'd say Olazabal and company will take the cup back in the 767 Boeing that will take some of the players back.
That said, I believe that the following is as important, or even more important. First, the Americans are taking the role of "underdogs" and have learned to play good without their best. Two years ago, they almost brought the cup back without their best guns, and without those who played, playing at their best. The Americans are beginning to believe in themselves and as a team as well.
Here are other factors that I am looking at, and see if you agree with me:
- Wins (worldwide): USA 262 Europe 185;
- Wins without their most prolific winner (Woods 100 and Westwood 31): USA 162, Europe: 154;
- Majors: USA 24; Europe 7
- Major wins without their most prolific winner (Woods 14, McIlroy 2): USA 10, Europe 5
- Wins in 2012: USA 15; Europe 14 (all of USA's have been on the deeper PGA Tour while most of the
European wins have been against fields of lower world rankings.
To end, we have Woods, they have McIlroy, and while McIlroy is very hot, he is no Woods by any means. He has already missed as many cuts in two years, as Woods missed in 15! Don't sell Woods short, he will be there, and you can count on him.... So will be Phil Mickelson who has a losing record in Ryder Cup. Both will be there to prove they are not done... and you know what? THEY AREN'T!
THE RYDER CUP: A STEP ABOVE ALL OTHER TOURNAMENTS
This weekend, we will watch who of the 30 players who qualified for the Tour Championship will win the FedEx Cup along with the $10 million that comes with it. However, I can almost guarantee that many of the players who are there, but who didn't qualify for the Ryder Cup next week, would gladly exchange the chance to earn $10 million with the chance to play for their colors.
Samuel Ryder had a vision: make golf an ambassador for people while having a little competition, so, he donated the Ryder Cup so that the United States and the United Kingdom, would play, every two years, not for money, but for the sake of competition and camaraderie. He succeeded, except for one thing, by the time the first Ryder Cup was played, America already had the best and deepest pool of golfers to choose from, so, the matches were, for the most part, lopsided and attendance to the cup by spectators was getting low because in most cases, it was boring to know the results before hand.
In 1973, Great Britain added Ireland to the matches, but it was the same result. Then, Jack Nicklaus -who else!!-, suggested to the PGA of Great Britain, to include all European players in their team in order to make it more competitive. He too, had a vision, and it was that if the Ryder Cup became competitive, it would benefit golf, golfers and the interest in the sport in both sides of the ocean. He was right. In 1979, it was America vs all Europe for the first time, and the matches became very close -now you had a man by the name of Seve Ballesteros who reignited the spirit of competition, "give it all effort, take all matches if you can". By 1983, the matches, played in the United States that year, were very close, the Unites States winning 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 thanks to a timely shot by Lanny Wadkins that decided the Cup, had he lost his match, the result would have been the opposite by the same margin.
In fact, from 1985 to 2010, Europe has won the Cup 8 times, the USA has won 4 times and there has been one tie. Of the 13 cups, in nine of them, the winner has not scored more than 15 points (it takes 14 1/2 to win the cup).
Europe is the defending champion, when they won in Ireland two years ago a very close competition. Graeme McDowell (U.S. Open Champion), beat Hunter Mahan in the last match of the day. Hunter cried after the match. That is how much these players want the cup. Grame is coming back, Hunter is out this year. He felt he lost it, but there were others who lost their match too, only his was the last and the one that viewers watched most. Maybe the captain should have put him in the middle, since he is not known to be a very solid player from 20 yards in, and the pressure of playing for your colors is far more than the pressure of playing for yourself.
Because of that, this is by far, my favorite golf weekend. Better than any major. First, the Ryder Cup is played only every two years; second, it only comes to the United States every four years; third, you are playing match play, not stroke play; fourth, you are not only playing for yourself, you are playing for your colors and fifth, you are not playing for money, but for pride and the competition.
Don't forget to watch and share with me your views. GO U.S.A. !!!
Samuel Ryder had a vision: make golf an ambassador for people while having a little competition, so, he donated the Ryder Cup so that the United States and the United Kingdom, would play, every two years, not for money, but for the sake of competition and camaraderie. He succeeded, except for one thing, by the time the first Ryder Cup was played, America already had the best and deepest pool of golfers to choose from, so, the matches were, for the most part, lopsided and attendance to the cup by spectators was getting low because in most cases, it was boring to know the results before hand.
In 1973, Great Britain added Ireland to the matches, but it was the same result. Then, Jack Nicklaus -who else!!-, suggested to the PGA of Great Britain, to include all European players in their team in order to make it more competitive. He too, had a vision, and it was that if the Ryder Cup became competitive, it would benefit golf, golfers and the interest in the sport in both sides of the ocean. He was right. In 1979, it was America vs all Europe for the first time, and the matches became very close -now you had a man by the name of Seve Ballesteros who reignited the spirit of competition, "give it all effort, take all matches if you can". By 1983, the matches, played in the United States that year, were very close, the Unites States winning 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 thanks to a timely shot by Lanny Wadkins that decided the Cup, had he lost his match, the result would have been the opposite by the same margin.
In fact, from 1985 to 2010, Europe has won the Cup 8 times, the USA has won 4 times and there has been one tie. Of the 13 cups, in nine of them, the winner has not scored more than 15 points (it takes 14 1/2 to win the cup).
Europe is the defending champion, when they won in Ireland two years ago a very close competition. Graeme McDowell (U.S. Open Champion), beat Hunter Mahan in the last match of the day. Hunter cried after the match. That is how much these players want the cup. Grame is coming back, Hunter is out this year. He felt he lost it, but there were others who lost their match too, only his was the last and the one that viewers watched most. Maybe the captain should have put him in the middle, since he is not known to be a very solid player from 20 yards in, and the pressure of playing for your colors is far more than the pressure of playing for yourself.
Because of that, this is by far, my favorite golf weekend. Better than any major. First, the Ryder Cup is played only every two years; second, it only comes to the United States every four years; third, you are playing match play, not stroke play; fourth, you are not only playing for yourself, you are playing for your colors and fifth, you are not playing for money, but for pride and the competition.
P.S. As for me, I will be doing something I actually like better than watching any Ryder Cup or any major championship: that weekend I will be carrying the bag for my youngest daughter, Anya, in her last Symetra Tour event of 2012. It is only fitting, I started her season by carrying the bag for her, I get to help her close her season. In her first one, she was in the hunt, but slipped to 21st with two late bogeys. This will be different, I assure you!
"FINAL" OF TUESDAY NIGHT SCRAMBLE
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| Last hole of last 2012 Scramble (#17): Alan Coleman, Rusty Wilson (hitting), Ricky Marr, Mike Clinton, Craig Martin, Roger Gunkel, Danny Teel and Brett Hutson. This picture will not be possible until next year! |
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| Leon Stuart, a regular on Tuesday, smiles at his putting! |
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| Brandon Thomas... does he always seem to be too serious? Nah! |
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| You'll never find color orange in his house or wardrobe! |
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| And you' won't find color red in his wardrobe either. |
In the 18 hole tournament, two teams tied for 1st at 59. Then you had two teams with 60 and two teams with 61. Pretty close competition which shows that a putt here or there was the difference between winning and "close, but no cigar".
The two teams who tied for first were: Adam Lewellen, Grady Lantz, Charlie Kauk & Charlie Carr with Rusty Wilson, Mike Clinton, Brett Hutson & "Shorty" Coleman. The two teams went for a sudden death playoff on #18 and tied with a birdie 4 before deciding to share 1st place.
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| Adam Lewellen: "darn it! That putt cost us outright 1st" |
And the two teams who tied at 61 were: Jorey Price, Leon Stuart, Coy Hines & Terry Stone with Eddie Davis, Ricky Nagle, Al Koon & Matt Coleman.
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| "Grady" Lantz, another Tuesday regular |
The tournament was first followed by the putting contest which was won by Jordan Williamson with a 3 under par score of 15. In second place was Brandon Thomas with a 17, and then three players at 18: Charlie Kauk, Scott Hines & Jorey Price.
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| All smiles for Don Murphey after a good shot |
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| Can't believe I hit it that far! |
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| Concentration |
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| "Can I reach that?" |
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| I'm ready to see Seattle win! Enough golf for a day! |
The pitching contest was last, as the day's light ended, and again, Jordan Williamson tied for 1st with two other long hitters: Adam and Brandon. Now, who says that long hitters have no touch?
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| Almost! |
No daylight? No problem, that is why you have headlights on your vehicles and your golf carts, thus you could see the green pretty well.
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| Could not keep it in the grid to challenge his friend Jordan. |
With all that practice in the dark, these guys should not have any problem adapting to play the upcoming Shriner's Club scramble which will feature 9 holes in the dark with nite light golf balls?... we will have to see!)
TO CHILDREN WITH "LOVE'S"
Every year, Love's convenient stores, all 300 of them across the country, do a rally during the month of September to raise funds for their nearest Children's Miracle Network Hospital. In Elk City's case, it is the Children's Hospital Foundation Hospital located in the OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.
A little over a month ago we were approached by Billie McGowan, manager at the Love's store on exit 41, to see if we could host a fundraiser. Knowing that our schedule was already crowded, the possibility of yet another tournament that would tie up the golf course for a day for members or visitors, it would have to be approved by the Board so I approached them to see what they thought about it. In the August 20 meeting, they unanimously agreed to host it on September the 14th... only three and a half weeks away! Billie took the challenge.
A couple of days later, we had a meeting. By then, she had enrolled the help of Linn Energy, who in turn had not only offered a large donation that paid for the use of the course and facilities, but also named Curt Hayes, Paige Ballard and Paul Lamle to help her get teams and donations. After the meeting, each one of us had an assignment and our goal was to get 16-18 teams to participate and a net donation of $6K-$8k was expected.It turns out that we (I) had totally underestimated the well known generosity of Western Oklahoma and all of our neighbors in Texas, not to mention the enthusiasm with which Paul, Paige, Curt and Billie would approach the task, even though they had never done a tournament.
Between Billie who knocked on doors, made phone calls and visits, and Curt, who did everything in his power to enlist as many of those who do business with Linn Energy to participate, we ended up with 32 teams at $440ea. and over 30 co-sponsors! In the planning, we went from reserving 20 additional carts, to 30, then 40, and finally last week, I suggested we get 50 "just in case"... let's just say the 40 would not have been enough! The end result was that the net donation to the hospital will be $20K-$25K!! No telling what this group can do if you give them more than 24 days to host a benefit tournament! TALKING ABOUT "COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS" THAT DO NOT NEED TO BRAG ABOUT THEIR WORK!
AS far as the cause, I can say is: TRUST ME, IF YOU HAVE EVER HAD A SICK CHILD, AND MORE, IF IT IS A LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS, NO MATTER WHAT YOUR FINANCIAL STATUS IS, OR YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE, YOU BEGIN TO SENSE THAT USING THEIR HOSPITAL IS MORE ABOUT THE PEOPLE AND THE CHILDREN. IT IS A GREAT CAUSE AND YOU WILL WANT THOSE COMPETENT DOCTORS AND STAFF ON YOUR SIDE, BECUASE THEY ARE ALSO HUMAN BEINGS WHO UNDERSTAND YOUR PAIN AND KNOW THE RIGHT WORDS TO SAY, OR THE TIME TO BE QUIET....Among the hosts of the event, we had Dustin Smith whose infant son Aiden, was the recipient of such love, professionalism and care by the staff of the Oklahoma Children's Hospital... and among the players, we had Mark Simpson, Aiden's "grandpa".
Even though the doctors could not help Aiden come out of a severe attack of "whooping cough", the Smith family is forever grateful for all the care and professionalism that the doctors showed. Later, rather courageously, Dustin gave his account of his family's experience to over 50 people gathered inside the club as the inconsequential results of a golf outing were being posted outside... I wish I had been there, though he had already shared the same story with me a couple of hours before, a story that revived personal and distant memories of two occasions, one of which was a life victory....
With this, on behalf of the tournament, I want to thank the Board of Directors at Elk City Golf & C.C. for their understanding and permission to rent the facilities on a date that was not within their policies, you were part of this really good and happy ending success; I want to thank our membership for their understanding and support of this event, and of course, thank you to all those who donated to this worthy cause, and to Marcus Dupree, who after the event took the time to sign autographs and memorabilia for the participants (his participation was a total surprise for everyone!); I also want to thank Billie, Curt, Paul and Paige, for their hard work which made me, the country club, the businesses community and the golfers who participated look like the ones who made this happen, but we know better; I thank Ramona for her love, patience and tireless help, and last, but not least, thank you to Dustin Smith for reinforcing to us that courage and personal faith are something we all have to work on a daily basis. God knows well that some of us could we have dealt with the same pain without at the very least, expending or questioning our faith or the ability of those whom we trust our or our children's health to, even knowing that we cannot win ever single battle. Thank you Dustin!
Oh yes... the golfers! Even though the weather was overcast, a little damp and much cooler than most golfers like for a day of golf in Western Oklahoma, everyone had a great time being part of this great cause. Here are the results:
"A" Flight: (52) Sooner Oil Services; (54) Jack Christian; (56) Greg Dodson Construction;
"B" Flight: (58) Gallagher Welding & Construction; (58) Ranger Oilfield; (59) Anadarko Dozer; (59) Brad O'Hara Insurance
"C" Flight: (63) Phillip Byer Oil, (63) McCarty Equipment; (64) Crescent Services.
"D" Flight: (67) Top-O Texas Oil; (67) C-3 Inspection Services, (68) Rockwater Energy.
(note: for those who read this we will include players' names later in the day)
Thank you and we'll see you next year!
ELKS ANNUAL TOURNAMENT A DAY OF FUN... AND A LITTLE GOLF AS WELL
I am not sure if the Elks Tournament is an outing or a real tournament. Let's say it is both: you have some great golf and then you have groups that extend their time on the course on behalf of good company, nonetheless, everyone, regardless of the reason for their participation, has a great time, some may even play some golf as well!As it is her well known "MO", "professional volunteer" Ann Cowan, took charge of the event, approached sponsors and players, and despite two other tournaments being played in Western Oklahoma, she ended up with 22 teams (88 players) and a nice donation to the Elks Lodge for their operation and charities.
The tournament started at 1:00 p.m. after players hit range balls donated by Doug Gray Auto Complex and ate lunch prepared by Elks Lodge Manager, Don Birdwell, and other Elks volunteers who make these events a blast for everyone.
One group who came to have fun while getting serious about competition was the group who played for Great Plains Analytical Services ("G.A.S."): Jordan Williamson, Brad O'Hara, Ricky Nagle & Taylor Cameron. The group ended up with a 55 to win solo first (overall and "A" flight) over two teams who had 56's, "CHUCK'S" Charlie Kauk, Aaron Kauk, Cliff Campbell &Trey Campbell and the team headed by Dustin Gunkel who recruited Scott Watson, Clint Hughes & Blake Walker. Charlie Kauk, who putted "lights out" during the round, also made the winning putt during the playoff on the second hole by holing a birdie putt from 18 feet!
In the "B" Flight, two teams tied for 1st at 59: GREG DODSON CONSTRUCTION CO, with Greg Dodson, Brandon Thomas, Jeff Donaghey & James Ainsworth, and RUSTY'S FOURSOME represented by Rusty Wilson, Bret Matlock, Leon Stuart & Craig Martin. "Officially", Dodson Construction won because Rusty and one of his players had to leave, therefore, they were not able to participate in the playoff as per the rules, however, beforehand, the teams decided that if there was the need for a playoff, they would split the winnings, which they did... nice gesture! In 3rd place, with a 60, was the team of Kim Jordan, Heath Martin, Brandon Engleman & Will Malloy. |
| "I don't have to play good to have fun and good company!" |
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| "Ditto!" |
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| I'd be smiling too if I sunk the winning putt! |
Two more large events await the closing of the "tournament season"; the Inaugural Love's Children's Miracle Network Hospital to be held this coming Friday (Sept. 14) and the Tuesday Men's Scramble Final to be played in Saturday the 15th. CALL THE PRO-SHOP FOR DETAILS... and see you at the golf course!! |
| Jason: it doesn't do any good to hit your 8 iron 200 yards if you make your partner's hit out of the junk! |
LABOR DAY WEEKEND TOURNAMENT
Just four days before the Labor Day Tournament, we only had 14 teams signed up... sort of. Three or four, were waiting to see if there would be enough interest and have a tournament bigger than 28 players at best. By Sunday, the field grew to 23 teams, still small, but much better. By Monday morning, with the last sign ups on Sunday and the new ones on Monday, we ended up with 32 teams!
We went from two flights, to three and then to four. With the format being 6 holes "scramble", 6 holes "low ball" and 6 holes "shamble" counting both balls, the par went from 71 to 95, since both players had to add their score on holes 13-18. Not an easy format.
For the first time that we know of, 4 teams were seeded in the "A" flight, regardless of the score that they would come up with. We were fortunate that these teams ended up in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th... THANK YOU! You made us look good! (if could only predict that in the horse races with that accuracy!)
Because of the difference in scores (85 - 135), and only four flights, the flights ended up being by number of teams (8 to a flight) and the results are as follow (only the top three places received prizes):
"A": Rusty Wilson-Ricky Nagle (85), Mark Fairchild-Jeremy Greene (88), Matt Brown-Justin Brown (90) & Jordan Williamson-Brad O'Hara (92)
"B": Greg Dodson-Brandon Thomas (94); Craig Martin-Leon Stuart (95) tied with Mike Cowan-Ann Cowan; Rusty Ridling-Jack Coody (97)
"C": Brad Hargues-Dave Rogers (101); Joe Wynn-Grady Lantz (101 - lost score card playoff; Darrell Hood-Kyle Anderson (102) who won scorecard playoff with 3 other teams.
"D": Richard Harvey-Don Murphey (107); Shawn Wilson-Alan Bradley (108); Pete Stover-Sheri Stover (114).
Thank you to all those who donated to "Patriot Day". We raised $215.00 for military families (last year, Patriot Day with the PGA of America raised over $2,000,000 across the country, and this year it should be no less!!
We went from two flights, to three and then to four. With the format being 6 holes "scramble", 6 holes "low ball" and 6 holes "shamble" counting both balls, the par went from 71 to 95, since both players had to add their score on holes 13-18. Not an easy format.
For the first time that we know of, 4 teams were seeded in the "A" flight, regardless of the score that they would come up with. We were fortunate that these teams ended up in 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th... THANK YOU! You made us look good! (if could only predict that in the horse races with that accuracy!)
Because of the difference in scores (85 - 135), and only four flights, the flights ended up being by number of teams (8 to a flight) and the results are as follow (only the top three places received prizes):
"A": Rusty Wilson-Ricky Nagle (85), Mark Fairchild-Jeremy Greene (88), Matt Brown-Justin Brown (90) & Jordan Williamson-Brad O'Hara (92)
"B": Greg Dodson-Brandon Thomas (94); Craig Martin-Leon Stuart (95) tied with Mike Cowan-Ann Cowan; Rusty Ridling-Jack Coody (97)
"C": Brad Hargues-Dave Rogers (101); Joe Wynn-Grady Lantz (101 - lost score card playoff; Darrell Hood-Kyle Anderson (102) who won scorecard playoff with 3 other teams.
"D": Richard Harvey-Don Murphey (107); Shawn Wilson-Alan Bradley (108); Pete Stover-Sheri Stover (114).
Thank you to all those who donated to "Patriot Day". We raised $215.00 for military families (last year, Patriot Day with the PGA of America raised over $2,000,000 across the country, and this year it should be no less!!