This may sound odd, but if I had to choose just one golf tournament to attend, I think it might be the Ryder Cup. I’ve been to a couple of them now, and I like the fact that the event not only draws many of the world’s best players, it also presents the game from a team perspective – something uncommon in such an individual sport, and an exciting change for both players and fans.
Jack Fry's, Louisville
Tasty Local Eats
My trip to the 2008 Ryder Cup in Louisville began with the usual setup chores in the PGA Merchandise Tent, after which I headed downtown to do a little recon. In my travels I always like to find a friendly, home-grown spot where local color is readily dispensed. (Clue: I’ve found bartenders are usually the best sources of information.) I certainly wasn’t disappointed when I found Jack Fry’s – a locally-owned eatery that serves both great food and the inside scoop on where to go and what to see. (Jack Fry’s, *****, $$$)
Weathering the Weather
The PGA opened the Merchandise Tent on the Saturday before the Ryder Cup officially started, but the remnants of Hurricane Ike were blowing through, so it looked like rain any minute. Unfortunately the wind really picked up too, and on Sunday the gusts were 90+ mph. Bent poles forced us to evacuate the tent, and the gale took down some trees, grandstands and a TV tower on one of the greens. Fortunately over 100 volunteers from surrounding golf courses showed up Monday to help the greens crew repair the damage, and by Tuesday morning Valhalla was ready for play – a remarkable feat considering nearly 300,000 people were still without power.
Valhalla 13
Different Team Dynamics
It’s interesting to observe the differences in style between the two Ryder Cup teams: The Euros tend to travel together and seem to get along well; you might even spot them eating together at local restaurants, having a good time with fans. The American team, on the other hand, usually arrives on separate, private jets with personal chefs and trainers in tow. They tend to keep a certain distance from fans until the event, although local favorites Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes were an exception – both went out of their way to sign autographs and encourage fan participation. And I don’t know whether it was the atmosphere or the bourbon, but Floridian Boo Weekley was a huge favorite, embraced by the Kentuckians as one of their own.
Practice Rounds Set the Stage
If you’re fortunate enough to attend a Ryder Cup, be sure to catch the practice rounds. That’s where you witness how each team will interact as players and teammates.
At Valhalla this was particularly apparent on No. 13, the signature hole with a raised island green. At 350 yards, this green was drivable, and everyone gave it a shot in practice. However, during competition only the big hitters gave it a swat – if they missed, their teammates played it safe, leaving a well-aimed chip shot to get up and down.
Valhalla 18
The 18th was interesting, too. Fans on the 545-yard par 5 came alive when Boo, J.B. and Kenny made an appearance. The stadium course moguls that line the edges of the fairway were crowded at least six deep, and I heard rumors of human waves going up one side and down the other.
Only one chance to see a PGA event? My advice is make it a Ryder Cup… and bring your loudest cheering voice, a good autograph pen and an appetite for some really competitive golf.
Oh, and stop by the PGA Merchandise Tent to say “Hi.”