Sep
30
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Americans pummeled by Europeans in Paris
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

Just like in past Ryder Cups, the scene is always rather chaotic when the matches are coming down the stretch, and we (media people) are staring at the leaderboard trying to figure out which one will clinch the winning point, so we can be there to get what we need. Sunday at Le Golf National was no different. I usually let colleagues try to work out the math because if you’ve seen on Twitter this week, it’s not my strong suit — numbers have never really been my thing. However, strange to stay, but I have some experience now and you can never go wrong with the 16th or 17th greens.

And in this week’s case, the 16th green is the safer bet because you can see the 15th green and the 18th, as well. Meanwhile, the 17th goes out the other direction, so it’s a drag and a much further walk. It was the only and best bet I made all week.

It was only fitting that Francesco Molinari clinched the point for Europe to take back the Ryder Cup. Molinari, who became the first European player to win all five matches in Ryder Cup history, beat Phil Mickelson 4&2.

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Sep
29
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Europe steamrolls through Saturday
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

Check out my Insta-story.

Dude, we feel you, Tiger. We feel you. Rough couple of days for Tiger Woods and the vast majority of the American players.

As you probably know, the Europeans have a commanding 10-6 lead after Saturday’s fourball and foursomes sessions heading into Sunday’s 12 single sessions. You can check out the line-up here.

So you’re saying there’s still a chance… < > Yes, I have heard about 1999 and I certainly remember Medinah in 2012 because I was there and Sunday was like the most intense and electrifying day of golf I’ve ever witnessed. I know, never say never, but holy shit, if this American team pulls off a comeback tomorrow, then I’ll kiss Bubba Watson’s and Webb Simpson’s feet!

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Sep
29
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Sunday singles line-up
By Stephanie Wei under General

Team USA is going to need nothing short of a miracle to overcome a 6-10 deficit to the European squad heading into Sunday singles. With most of the American players out of form, they’re going to have to find something quickly and really special. The singles lineup has some potentially exciting matches, kicking off with Rory McIlroy vs. Justin Thomas, who might be the new Captain America after Patrick Reed’s crappy performance so far at Le Golf National.

Here’s the full list of singles matches:

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Sep
28
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Americans fizzle in afternoon sesh, Europeans sweep foursomes
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

The Europeans swept the Americans in Friday’s afternoon foursome matches to take a 5-3 lead after the opening day of the Ryder Cup. Team USA looked pretty good after taking three out of four points in the morning fourballs, but then they just completely tanked it in the afternoon session.

Phrases I hate hearing: There’s a lot of golf left; Can’t believe the captain paired player x and x (Bryson and Phil re: today; not that I don’t agree) together. Why did captain bench player x (Captain America Patrick Reed)? Well, that’s the problem with democracy.

And ugh, I feel you.

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Sep
27
2018
Watch: Tiger Woods stripes driver on the range at Le Golf National
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

Follow my Ryder Cup Insta-story…

I attended morning press conferences, watched the American groups tee off in their practice rounds, checked out the merchandise tent, went to more pressers, and then took a walk out to the practice areas and stumbled on the driving range, where Tiger Woods showed up shortly after.

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Sep
27
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Friday fourballs pairings set to go
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

 

So much good shit happening in the above photo during the huge and long standing ovation that Tiger Woods received from the away crowd when introduced by Captain Jim Furyk in the Ryder Cup opening ceremony. The smirks on the American players’ faces. Paulina in the background with the flag. Phil’s flow.

Well, after an hour of pomp and circumstance, including state-of-the-union-like speeches, the pairings for the opening fourball matches have been announced. And I liked European Tour player Eddie Pepperell’s reaction best:

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Sep
27
2018
Ryder Cup 2018 Pageantry, Palace of Versailles Gala edition
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

Let’s not kid ourselves, there’s always quite a bit of pageantry that comes along with the Ryder Cup. Perhaps it should feel more grandiose since we are in Paris and near Versailles — hell, the player gala was at the damn palace. It’s also fashion week, which is nearly as exciting as the golf.

On the media shuttle to Le Golf National this morning, I noticed that all the dudes around me were perusing — and even zooming in — on photos of the players and their wives from last night’s festivities. Then I opened up Instagram and my feed exploded with the same shots. This is shamelessly cheap, but man, there are so many potential classic captions…

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Sep
26
2018
Ryder Cup 2018: Bonjour from Paris
By Stephanie Wei under Ryder Cup

 

…well, kind of. Le Golf National is technically in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, but some sites are having their writers file from Paris in the byline. Close enough! It’s like 30 miles away. We’re closer to Versailles, but anyway, hello, I’m back…for the week. It feels so strange yet so familiar because apparently the only thing I’ve really missed is Tiger Woods being good again. Great news for all-around!

First things first, check out my Twitter and Insta-story (and regular IG). Please. So I don’t have to repost everything in five places. Thanks.

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Sep
7
2018
WUPdate: Namaste from India and see you in Paris at the Ryder Cup
By Stephanie Wei under General

Hey guys, it’s been a moment. I wish I could’ve written this post eight months ago when I began this journey, but I had no idea I’d be embarking on such a magical, healing adventure. When I left home — the good ol’ USA — it was from Kapalua, the Tournament of Champions, I ran into a player at the lobby bar and had an unexpectedly disturbing conversation that jolted me, like in seismic proportions. Luckily, I was getting ready to leave for the airport for my Mandarin immersion course in Taiwan, which turned out to be an even more of a blessing in disguise than I expected.

To have the privilege and opportunity to take a year away sounds and feels spoiled and selfish, and both are true. But I also consider it brave that having recognized I was in a bad place, a broken shell of my former self, I had the courage to change the path, move across the world, become literate in my parents’ native language, and backpack through some of the most beautiful “shithole” countries on the planet.

I tried so many times to write this update. I’m not sure why it’s been so hard. I think I’ve been scared to write publicly again. I’ve been tentative the past few years because I felt like I’ve lost my voice. I lost faith and trust in myself, but through a difficult, painful yet ultimately rewarding and beautiful journey, I’ve healed and I’m ready to kick some ass! (Not literally.)

Even though I’m not finished with this wonderful adventure filled with stories that will make you laugh cringe and perhaps cry, I feel whole again. I feel like, well, me.

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Jan
5
2018
Rickie Fowler played golf fearlessly in an untucked shirt and lived to talk about it
By Stephanie Wei under PGA Tour

Rickie Fowler once again opened the new year with a sartorial splash on the links. From the moment he turned professional in 2009, he’s never been afraid to push golf’s rigid and outdated dress codes. His “brand” has always been “edgy” and “disruptive,” but “classy” and “respectful” at the same time — it’s a fine line to toe, but he has managed to pull it off with perfection.
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When Fowler stepped up to the first tee at Kapalua’s Plantation Course on Thursday, you could hear the sound of thousands of dentures fall onto marble and hardwood parquet floors in clubhouses around the globe. His opening drive in 2018 was eclipsed by his Hawaiian style golf shirt that he wore UNTUCKED. Yes, he wore an untucked Aloha shirt at a PGA Tour event and it stayed untucked for all 18 holes. And holy shit, he got through the experience relatively unscathed. At 5pm local time, the game is still alive and well.

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