The Ryder Cup, founded in 1927, matches the 12 best American male golfers with the 12 best from Europe. The competition, held alternately in the United States and Europe, features a combination of alternate shot, fourball, and single stroke matches.

The US team is made up of the top 8 players (using the criteria below) and four team captain’s picks. The top players are determined using the following formula:

• Prize money earned in 2007 major tournaments (US Open, Open Championship, PGA Championship, and Masters) at a rate of $1000 equals one point
• Prize money earned in 2008 from January 1 through August 11 in official events at a rate of $1000 equals one point
• Prize money earned in 2008 at major tournaments (see above) at a rate of $1000 equals two points.

The 2008 Ryder Cup Matches will be held in the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, KY. Paul Azinger is the team captain for the Americans. Nick Faldo is the team captain for the European team.

^{(photo © Newscom)}

Post from: Green Posse

Non or casual golf fans, might ask, “The President’s … what?

And although I’m a golf nut, when these “cups” are played, I couldn’t care less, and often I don’t even remember that they are being played that week.

The Ryder Cup is a particular turn off for me, probably because the American media likes to hype it so such. They build it up like it’s the second coming of “you know who”.

The hype, in fact is probably why I’m less than interested, and probably because of my stubborn side, the more I’m told I “have” to watch this, or at least get that message from the media, the more cynical I’ll become.

But the endless discussons of how the captain is going to pick the teams,.. who should he pair with who … all the so called “strategy”, makes me laugh.

And the whole “team camaraderie” ” thing, is enough to want me bring out the air sickness barf bag. The rest of the year these guys don’t give a rat’s a** about each other, but suddenly at Ryder Cup time their all best buddies.

Oh, and the walkie talkies / headphones in the Captain’s ears as they keep up to date with the action, so that they can do … what? … zoom over in their cart and ??? AFAIK the rules of golf only allow a player to receive advice from their caddie or their partner / their caddie (in team play).

Edit: Upon further (cough .. cough) research, I see that Rule 8-1 does permit the captain (or any other person designated by the team to give advice to the team members. (This btw I believe falls into my personal category of “dumb” rules. Stay tuned for an upcoming post on that subject !

Golf, and tennis and a few other “rich man’s” sports and activities can be pretentious beyond belief, but these “Golf Cup” events, are just too much for me to bear.

Don’t get me started on “reality T.V.” shows !

Mike

Post from: Green Posse