Ryder Cup 2012: Medinah

Okay, so I'll come clean. This is NOT the actual/actual Ryder Cup.

It is a "genuine replica" in memorabilia terms.

Which means it's a Ryder Cup ISSUED trophy that goes to the winning Captain each year. This particular item belonged to Dave Marr Jr. who captained the 1981 US Team at Walton Heath. His son, Dave Marr III - who does work for the Golf Channel - was walking around outside our hotel with it, as the item is now in his care since his father passed away

I even kissed it.

Which made Mr. Marr a wee bit uneasy. (I wiped it off... come on!)

I always thought that there was a huge market for TRUE replica trophies (i.e. cheap) that could be sold to fans. However, after doing some research, I realized that such items are heavily suppressed by lawyers for the entities who award such trophies (i.e. NFL for the Lombardi, the PGA for the Ryder Cup, the Academy of the Oscars etc.) so that you just can't find good trophy replicas on the web.

Which is, I suppose, a good thing. It would only cheapen the real trophy, if every jackshine Steeler fan had 6 really good aluminum replicas of the Lombardi in his basement, as a cost of $199 each.

That's why when I saw this lovely "genuine replica" of the Ryder Cup, I bum rushed it for a photo, much to the embarrassment of Scott Linn who kept saying: "It's not the REAL thing, come on! Dinner time!"

The whole event has gone super-nuclear in terms of hype, money, and prestige.



And that's great. The Ryder Cup hyperspaces the sport into a format that is wholly unlike anything else in the game of golf. It is instant pressure from the first shot of the first tee. It is incredibly raucous crowds who are openly partisan, cheering good shots for the home team, and likewise bad shots for the visitors.

It is an international party. It is pomp and circumstance. It is a bunch of lone wolf players, suddenly getting to know each other a little better and compete shoulder to shoulder.

On the regular tour, there are big paychecks and even bigger paychecks.

Here, they get nothing.

(except a modest amount they can direct to a preferred charity of their choosing).

If you finish a big tournament in the top-10, you can say "hey, not bad."

At the Ryder Cup, there are winners and losers. Period. (and halves.... but you get the point)

These guys play for total pride and competitive juices. They dance when they win, and cry when they lose.

These are grown men. Millionaires.

Ridiculous. But true.

This, is the Ryder Cup.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>.

Here's some more from the broadcast location. Big THANKS to Yahoo! Sports Radio and David Gow, Craig Larson, and Josh Vexler for making this remote broadcast possible. When I suggested it for our show as an alternative to dreary and played out "Radio Row" at the Super Bowl, they said "great idea." When I actually asked to execute it, to my pleasant shock, they did not blink.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

And some cool videos.....



The Ryder Cup back in the quaint 1970's, where Europe couldn't hang with the US, and team uniforms were "brown" and "white."



Mark Calcavecchia's most devastating moment. Falling apart at Kiawah, in the War By the Shore.

Epic Showdown at Medinah: Reliving the Ryder Cup 2012

Introduction

In the world of golf, few events rival the intensity, passion, and drama of the Ryder Cup. The biennial competition between teams from the United States and Europe is a showcase of skill, camaraderie, and national pride. The 2012 Ryder Cup held at Medinah Country Club in Illinois stands as one of the most iconic and memorable editions in the tournament's history. This article delves into the highlights, significance, and lasting impact of the Ryder Cup 2012 at Medinah, capturing the essence of golf's ultimate team event.

The Venue: Medinah Country Club

The picturesque Medinah Country Club, located in suburban Chicago, played host to the 2012 Ryder Cup. With its historic reputation and challenging course, Medinah provided the perfect backdrop for the intense competition that was about to unfold. The course layout, featuring tight fairways, undulating greens, and strategically placed hazards, tested the skills and decision-making of both American and European players.

The Dramatic Build-Up

As the 2012 Ryder Cup approached, the United States team was eager to reclaim the prestigious trophy after a series of European victories. The American team, led by captain Davis Love III, boasted a strong lineup that included golfing legends like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, and Bubba Watson. On the other side, the European team, captained by José María Olazábal, was determined to defend their title and continue their dominance in the tournament.

Highlights of Ryder Cup 2012

The Ryder Cup 2012 at Medinah was an exhibition of remarkable performances, thrilling comebacks, and heart-stopping moments:

1. The "Miracle at Medinah": The final day of singles matches saw Europe staging a remarkable comeback. Trailing 10-6, the Europeans rallied to win 8.5 out of 12 points, securing a dramatic victory with a score of 14.5 to 13.5. The term "Miracle at Medinah" aptly captures the astonishing turn of events that led to Europe's unlikely triumph.

2. Justin Rose's Clinching Putt: In the closing moments of the Ryder Cup, it was English golfer Justin Rose who secured victory for the European team. His clutch birdie putt on the 17th hole against Phil Mickelson sealed the deal and sent waves of jubilation through the European contingent.

3. Ian Poulter's Inspiring Performance: Ian Poulter emerged as a hero for Team Europe with his unwavering determination and exceptional play. His fervent passion and incredible shotmaking earned him the nickname "The Postman" for his ability to consistently deliver crucial points for his team.

4. Emotional Tribute to Seve Ballesteros: The 2012 Ryder Cup was marked by heartfelt tributes to the late Seve Ballesteros, the legendary Spanish golfer and Ryder Cup icon. Ballesteros' memory served as a source of inspiration for the European team, further fueling their determination to reclaim the cup.

Significance and Legacy

The Ryder Cup 2012 left an indelible mark on the world of golf, showcasing the emotional rollercoaster that the competition can offer. The event demonstrated the power of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship, reminding fans of the human stories that unfold on the course. The stunning comeback by Team Europe served as a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports, proving that no lead is insurmountable and no outcome is certain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Ryder Cup? The Ryder Cup is a biennial golf competition between teams representing the United States and Europe. It features match play format and is renowned for its intense rivalry and team dynamics.

2. How is the Ryder Cup different from other golf tournaments? Unlike individual stroke-play tournaments, the Ryder Cup is a team event where players compete in various match formats. The focus is on earning points for the team rather than individual scores.

3. What is the format of the Ryder Cup matches? The Ryder Cup consists of various match formats, including foursomes, fourballs, and singles matches. Foursomes involve pairs from each team alternating shots, while fourballs feature pairs playing their own balls with the lowest score counting. In singles matches, players compete one-on-one.

4. Why is the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah significant? The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah is remembered for Europe's stunning comeback on the final day, where they overcame a substantial deficit to secure victory. This "Miracle at Medinah" is considered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Ryder Cup history.

5. How has the Ryder Cup 2012 influenced subsequent editions? The Ryder Cup 2012 highlighted the emotional intensity and camaraderie of the event, setting a benchmark for future editions. It reinforced the unpredictable nature of match play golf and the impact of teamwork on the outcome.

Conclusion

The Ryder Cup 2012 at Medinah stands as a testament to the unpredictability and drama that make golf's ultimate team event a riveting spectacle. The "Miracle at Medinah" showcased the power of resilience, sportsmanship, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. As fans look back on this historic edition, they are reminded of the enduring allure of the Ryder Cup and the unforgettable moments that define its legacy.