Ryder Cuptastic!

Europe, as predicted, demolished America in a brilliant Ryder Cup at Gleneagles. The golf by both teams was, at times, breath-taking and among some of the lowest scoring ever seen in the bi-annual event. Stars for Europe were a little more predicable than the USA, Rory led from the top along with Rosie, G-Mac and WELSH Rookie Jamie Donaldson - who carried an average Lee Westwood in all their matches as well as getting the winning point

America’s big surprises and stars were the points amassed by the Rookies; Jordan Spieth, Jimmy Walker and the ‘team baddie’, Patrick Reed.

The event was fantastic and each day there were defined moments that changed the course of the Trophy. USA came out the blocks with a great first mornings’ 4balls, even though Webb, who probably had some in his eyes (cob webs) at the time due to the early start, hit probably the worst shot ever off the 1st tee. An absolute beauty of a pop up skied ball! I could only imagine how embarrassed he must of felt, no problem forgetting the nerves after that one! It was as bad as his shank at Medinah and in front of just a couple of hundred million people! Rose and Stenson were simply awesome Saturday, Poulter nowhere near his best left it to Rory on the Saturday until he pitched in to make a half and then make a birdie out of the sand to level the match. McDowell and Rose making seemingly impossible comebacks in the singles showed momentum is so important to the team.

As close as America got, Europe always looked the stronger and better team. McGinley did a great job on the pairings with the exception of Gallacher, the whole of Scotland needed a lift after the week before and he was going to be the other ‘postman’ with Poulter in the pairing and get a first morning point. Sadly he didn`t do it or feature again until the singles and got drawn against Big Phil who obviously felt he had a point to prove to his Captain only to go public with his frustration of being beaten by the better team.

What a leg-end!

Phil Mickleson, what was he thinking going public on Tom Watson's Captaincy? That sort of thing should have stayed in the Team room. The Captain makes the decisions and the team go with them. Perhaps if Lefty had played a bit better he might not have been left sat on the bench!

At the end of the day, it was a fantastic spectacle, the third biggest watched sporting event in the world. The crowd were fair to both teams, the players in good humour (except Phil) and Europe won convincingly just as yours truly tipped.

Some of our members went to watch and here are some of their quotes….

Dan - “I have never experienced anything like the first tee. Packed grandstand, 15 deep on each side down the fairway on both sides and the players hardly seemed to notice when teeing off”

Steve - “Never been before, but will certainly try to be in France for the next one. It’s unbelievable being part of this occasion and the chance to get photographed with ‘Mr Ryder Cup’ was brilliant”

Bill - “apart from watching Scotland at 2 World Cups this is the most emotional I have ever been during a sporting event….and it was only the practice day!”

Surprised you can remember that far back Bill!

Andy, my head assistant, also attended on the final day and had a blast around the first tee. He got there at 8.30am to find he was nowhere near the first tee and about 6th row back 50 yards from the tee. Here`s some of the pre round atmosphere that the TV cameras missed:

“It was an unbelievable experience and so worth the road trip to get there. None of us had ever been and it was so much better than watching on the tele. The golf was fantastic, the crowd, the songs, even the American supporters! I might have to go for all three days next time!”

Take a look below and experience the atmosphere. Left we have G-Mac heading onto the first tee, right we have the crowd at 9am before the games kicked off.

This coming weekend is my first Pro’s day. With 190 plus people playing, I`m overwhelmed so many would come along to play for a cheese sandwich and a bag of crisps each! Just kidding...

I have some lovely prizes lined up as well as some hideous flag positions. So thank you for entering and I hope you all enjoy the day. Pictures next week!

For those thinking of getting their grips changed how about an offer too good to refuse. Get 10 grips changed and get a pair of shoes re-studded FREE.

Look out for the 2014 Ashworth autumn/winter range now available in store. Some lovely products with even better colours, so good they will “suit you sir!”

Autumn is a perfect time to get these done before it gets wetter and more difficult to keep control of both balance and the club in hand. Take advantage of this offer for the whole of October!

Ladies charity day

Next week is Lady Captain Margaret’s Charity day. It’s not too late to put a team in. Just £100 a team gets you on the tee. So get in the game and give to Macmillan for much needed support.

Have a great weekend