THE STARTER SHACK
USA — 6 EUROPE — 2
⛏ Seve wanted to bury his competitors
1️⃣ Padraig assigns team individual numbers
🥃 Team Euro shaking off day one
⛳️ Probably the best shot of the tournament
PGA TOUR
"I am going to bury you " (or something like that) — Seve
The early years of the Ryder Cup were more lopsided than a peg-legged wino.
From the first exhibition in 1927 through 1977, the Americans owned a record of 19-3 over the poor sods from Great Britain & Ireland, aka the United Kingdom (who said your history classes wouldn’t come in handy….finally!).
Tired of being beaten more than Nicky Santoro in Casino, the lads from across the pond expanded their team, starting in 1979, to include players from Continental Europe.
This move was aimed at one man, and one man only, Severiano Ballesteros Sota, or simply, Seve.
Seve’s inclusion to the proceedings brought a sea change to the event:
- Americans still won handily in 1979 and 1981
- Seve missed the 1981 event after a dispute with the European Tour leaving him short of team qualification
- The tide began turning in 1983; Europe lost by a point, only after one of the most clutch wedges (and truly pathetic celebrations) of all time from Lanny “All Systems Firing on Go” Watkins
- The 1983 event also featured Seve’s highlighted 3-wood out of a bunker to salvage a half against Fuzzy Zoeller
Starting in 1985, Seve would be the gasoline on the tire fire that ignited the the recent European Ryder Cup dominance:
- Teamed with countryman Jose Maria Olazabal from 1987 - 1993 in all pairs matches
- The Spanish Armada had a team record of 11-2-2 (two losses….ever!)
- Europe has won 12 of the last 20 Ryder Cups
Not only did Seve bring undying passion to the Ryder Cup (yes, we see you Ian “Crazy Eyes” Poulter!), he ushered in a magical era of European golf that remains unmatched to this day:
- Leader of the “Big 5” in 1980s European golf (Seve, Faldo, Langer, Lyle, Woosnam)
- All born within 12 months of each other, all Masters winners (among other majors)
- All five have been key to Ryder Cup rebirth (only Lyle hasn’t been a captain)
- Played a seminal role in evolution of Spanish and continental European golf
Seve’s legacy is long, complicated and, most importantly, irrefutable.
Love him or hate him, he remains an integral part of the international influence on professional golf. We’re sure he’s smiling down watching the carnival that is the Ryder Cup today!
GIMME
- Shot of the tournament: this shot from Jordon Speith could be the shot of the tournament and it happened in the first round of the first day. We probably wouldn't even have looked for our ball in the first place...drop one on the fringe...two put par with an asterisk on the card.
- Don't make him putt: Team Jortin (Jordan and Justin) made Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia putt out a 2.5 footer on the 6th hole. That 2.5 footer gave them momentum and they drained all the other putts.
- Ryder Cup Trophy Facts: did you know that the Ryder Cup is about the size of a large bottle of ketchup? Neither did we. Nor would we ever compare it to a bottle of ketchup. Maybe a nice bottle of Colt 45? Here are some interesting facts.
- Ian's the worst: according to Brandel Chamblee (everyone's favorite broadcaster to hate), Ian Poulter is the worst ball-striker at the Ryder Cup...by far. We would take Ian's worst day on the golf course any day over our best day on the golf course.
PIC OF THE DAY
Team Europe trying to shake off day one of the Ryder Cup.
OUTSIDE THE ROPES
"Uh, Bryson, we understand those muscles might be sucking up all the blood that's supposed to be feeding your brain so just an FYI, the fairway's over here."
"Yeah, it's also over here."
"Touche"
*This is in the Outside The Ropes category because Bryson had to aim outside the ropes. Also, this is probably not the conversation that happened on the tee box.
INSIDE THE ROPES
Europe put together a video. The purpose of this video...? Beats us, but we love it. It makes us feel like we've been drinking without actually drinking.
Nothing like weird, dry humor while drinking a PBR and having a biscuit.
STILL INSIDE THE ROPES
Padraig Harrington knows how to make a guy feel special.
He gave each of his team a number. Their number in history. This is a must-watch even if you're cheering on the US. This hits us in all the feeling places. I'm not crying, you're crying!
GOLF GEAR
Wrap your game in cashmere:
If you're like us, you have hands of stone that can create problems not only two putting a three-footer but also trying to flip the ball up with the back of your putter. That, and that alone, can crush the ego of the most confident golfer. So why not soften your hands and your game with a Ryder Cup cashmere sweater from Ralph Lauren.
*not a sponsored post
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Today's email was brought to you by: Nolan Filipenko & Colby Johannson
