Furyk and Love both trying to right the ship in Sea Island

Could we have hoped for a better pairing in the final group on Sunday at the McGladrey Classic? Nope. Of course I’m talking about Ryder Cup captain and tournament host Davis Love III and Jim Furyk, who was one of Love’s four wildcard picks for the U.S. squad. Love and Furyk obviously have had to deal with the disappointing loss to Europe, and Furyk also faced unfortunate upsets at the U.S. Open and then at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Well, they’re tied for the 54-hole lead at 13-under. A win for either would probably feel like a bit of redemption, not to mention a sweet way to end the year and look forward to next season. Love and Furyk just teed off, so I’ve gotta head out to follow them, or another group, but please treat this as an open thread and share your comments below. (continue reading…)

…of course I’m talking about Europe’s magical comeback victory at the Ryder Cup.

OK, not really, but thanks to Reader Jim for passing along this incredible video of magician DMC performing tricks on the European Tour in their “Every Shot Imaginable” campaign. (continue reading…)

Oh no, I did it again...

Before the Ryder Cup matches started, Tiger Woods accepted responsibility for the American team’s shortcomings against Europe in the last few decades. After the U.S. blew a 10-6 lead heading into Sunday singles where the Europeans staged an epic comeback to win, he also expressed regret.

Woods apologized to Keegan Bradley, Jason Dufner, Brandt Snedeker and Webb Simpson, the four rookies on the U.S. squad, for failing to secure a full point in the 13 1/2 – 14 1/2 loss, according to Golf Channel’s Tim Rosaforte: (continue reading…)

Timeless

Wow, it doesn’t get much — actually, any better than the singles matches at the Ryder Cup and Team Europe’s unbelievable comeback. Well done. Kudos to the Europeans.

I’m sure you’re all itching to chime in on the epic loss and win. First, I’ll share the way Sunday unfolded from my viewpoint, and then I’ve posted the full transcripts of both teams press conferences. You may have heard about the legendary drunkenness of the European team. (Can anyone say best presser ever?!) (continue reading…)

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…)