The Miracle takes place
If the spirit of Seve had deserted the European side during the foursomes of the early stages of the tournament, it came back with a blast for the final day of singles match-ups. The reversal of fortunes was both sensational and lethal - for every European birdie unholed in the days gone by was a beauty of a sinker. Every dominant point taken by the US became a near miss.
Bubba Watson, so commanding throughout the tournament, was the first to fall, succumbing to the guile of Luke Donald to narrow the gulf to three points. The talismanic shape of Ian Poulter won the next, completing a phenomenal four point to nothing rout in Illinois. McIlroy, who almost missed his tee-off, took the third scalp, the score set at 10-9. Hope was beginning to filter through to the Europeans. Justin Rose delivered a series of phenomenal putts to see off Phil Mickelson and draw the two sides even as the booze-soaked crowd grew restless with anxiety.
Was it because they were witnessing the biggest choke in American golfing history? Two consecutive Johnson (Dustin and Zach) wins put US snouts ahead once again but it was short-lived - a victory each for Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood left score tied at 13-13 with just two games remaining, with Europe taking an incredible seven points from a possible 10. Martin Kaymer one up on the 18th, Tiger Woods leading Molinari a hole behind. If Kaymer capitulated and Tiger held his nerve, Europe’s very-own version of Brookline was finished.
We all know how this movie ends – Kaymer nailed his six-foot putt, while Tiger threw away his slender lead on the 18th, the crowd aghast amid European jubilation. The scenes following have become Ryder Cup memories to last a lifetime – Justin Rose fizzing champagne across his turf-spattered compatriots, Ian Poulter dancing, wrapped in the Union Jack. The miracle of Medinah had come true.
Who will victor in 2014?
As the battle for Ryder Cup glory recommences in Gleneagles in just a few weeks, who will reign victorious? History and form lies with the Europeans, incredibly remaining unbeaten on home soil for 21 years. Yes, you have to cast your mind back to the ’93 Belfry to find the last US win, and duly note the psychological disadvantage that poses to the dozen American’s travelling over to Scotland this Autumn.
