Working the Ryder Cup last week, I got a firsthand look at the raucous crowds that gathered each day to cheer their side to victory. I watched the golfers themselves display great emotion as the tide swung back and forth between Europe and the United States. I'll never forget Ian Poulter's fierce scowl after winning a hole, Anthony Kim's arms flapping upward to incite fans, Paddy Harrington's quick, ducky walk off of each green as if he'd just plucked a $20 bill off the sidewalk, or Boo Weekley's "giddyup!" ride on a driver off the tee.
It seems that every Ryder Cup and President's Cup competition brings disdain from the losing side, and the refrain is the same year after year. "Sure they won, but they weren't very gentlemanly about it! They're poor sports!" Uh...sorry, but I disagree.
This is EXACTLY what golf needs, people. If the Euros take the cup back in 2010 at Wales, I hope they give some "in your face" gestures as they enjoy the fruits of their victory. Let's face it - golf is often devoid of passion and drama. It's often quiet and boring, with those little proper golf claps awarded at the conclusion of each hole. The Ryder Cup is different however; the passion and drama are there, and the crowds help fuel the golfers' pride and patriotism. It's actually a joy to watch, and the tension felt by viewers is so un-golf that it locks viewers in for the entire duration. So don't squelch it, encourage it!
Think about this: a major league baseball player has a quarter of a second to determine whether he's going to swing at a 95mph fastball or not, with the entire stadium screaming and cheering as the ball comes toward him. So why do we have to be so quiet in golf?? What if we were allowed to scream and cheer throughout, like they do in baseball? And what if baseball marshalls held up "quiet please" signs before the pitcher began his windup? Would we see players hitting .500? Conversely, if we could make more noise in golf, would we see top scores be more along the lines of bogey golf? (90)
So join me in my Ryder cheer: "U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!" And let my Euro brethren enjoy theirs next time.
-Steve
