Just get on with it and make out!

The U.S. dominated in morning foursomes, highlighted by Keegan Bradley/Phil Mickelson romping Lee Westwood/Luke Donald 7&6, and the pattern looked to continue in the afternoon four-balls with the Americans winning three of the four matches until a late charge by the Europeans put them in the game again. (continue reading…)

I love you, man!

Change has been a major theme all year in one of golf’s most thrilling seasons. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise that the Americans dominated the afternoon four-ball matches on Friday at the Ryder Cup.

The U.S. and Europe split the morning foursomes, earning two points a piece. The Americans were led by the dynamic duo of Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, who handed the previously indomitable Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia their first loss in the alternate shot format (going into Friday, Donald-Garcia were a combined 14-0-1 in that format and as partners they were 4-0). (continue reading…)

Crooner and light entertainer Justin Timberlake helmed the Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony™ this evening, and commenced the speechifying with a reading of “Golf”, a poem by laureate-in-waiting-indefinitely Randy Sabados.

His path was not eased by the portentous stylings of Chicago’s Youth Symphony Orchestra. (continue reading…)

DL3 and Ollie announce pairings in the Pomp and Circumstance

It’s about time. Balls will finally be in the air in about 13 hours when the foursomes get underway with the first match starting at 7:20am. I might stand up in the middle of the press room and perform a cheer. Or not. But wow, now I know what all the veteran scribes were warning me about. The lead-up to the Ryder Cup is a somewhat tedious, drawn-out event. I’m guessing you’re all just as excited for the talk to stop and the golf to commence. (continue reading…)

Best dressed American couple at the RC Gala: Jason anad Amanda Dufner

Covering the Ryder Cup Gala was probably the most fun I’ve had in a long time (working-wise). It was quite the spectacle, but a nice change of pace. I live-tweeted and ‘grammed the festivities, so I recommend going through my timelines, along with Alan Shipnuck’s Twitter. I missed the first hour or so of the Gala, including the introduction hosted by Chicago sports legends Scottie Pippen and Ernie Banks, and Blues Brothers cover band.

I arrived just as Jean Van de Velde strolled down the red carpet. Perfect timing. (continue reading…)

The crowds came out in hordes to watch the Ryder Cup team practice rounds on Wednesday. There was so many people that it was almost scary (but this is a good thing, of course). I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when the matches actually start on Friday, no less the singles on Sunday! Can anyone say bedlam? (continue reading…)

Baying mob: these children were later ejected for yelling obscenities at Nicolas Colsaerts.

Trading on the questionable reputation of American golf fans abroad — harsh, I know — and European bemusement at the shouting of ironic catchphrases on PGA Tour teeboxes, British bookmaker Betfair has formulated a unique Ryder Cup promotion. (continue reading…)

Scarlet fever: the US team struts its stuff in practice.

Keegan has gone for full colour coordination here — notice the red-trimmed shoes. That’s admirable attention to detail, and it marks him out as a team player. Plus, the Ivy League dandy look is very on trend.

Furthermore: (possibly NSFW)

Conor Nagle

Jack: not a member of the 47%.

Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney is campaigning in Ohio this afternoon in the hope he can prise some of the swing state’s coveted baby boomers from the clutches of Team Obama.

Along for the ride is 18-time major champion and Upper Arlington native Jack Nicklaus, who shared the stage with Romney during a routine rally at Westerville High School. (continue reading…)

Alison Lee (L) and Quirine Eijkenboom embrace. British Amateur runner-up Matthias Schwab can be seen in the background.

The United States team made the most its home advantage at Olympia Fields yesterday to retain the Junior Ryder Cup by a margin of five-points (14.5-9.5). (continue reading…)