Padraig Harrington lifts the Claret JugWhy are Europeans so good in the Ryder Cup and so poor in the 4 Majors?
At the start of today's final round of The Open, the BBC Commentators were wondering why the European golfers always do so well in the Ryder Cup but so poorly in the 4 'Grand Slam' events. A European hasn't won one of the big four tournaments (The Masters, The US Open, The British Open, or the PGA) since 1999. And yet, in that same time frame they have hammered their US counterparts in the bi-annual Ryder Cup. Earlier this week, Nick Faldo said that it was because European players are too chummy with one another.
I think it might be sociological. Most European countries are to a great or lesser degree socialist. The United States is capitalist. Europeans learn to handle problems cooperatively and stress teamwork and common goals. Capitalists stress individual initiative and competitiveness. So, an American golfer will tend to go out to play his 'own' game and beat his opponent. Whereas a European golfer might lack the killer instinct but will thrive on foursomes and best ball. Interesting theory.
Well, the drought ended today. And it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Padraig Harrington ended not only the European 8 year drought but was the first Irishman to win The Open in 60 years.
2 comments:
I would give more credit to your socialist verses capitalist idea if it were not for the fact the 12th member of the European Ryder Cup Team is a multi-millionaire, probably with a private plane, stays only in the finest establishments, and works on the average of 30 weeks per year.
On a different note Sergio couldn't close and open door.
When I woke up Sunday the only thought on my mind was, 'Anyone but Sergio.' If Steve Stricker would have hit a couple of early putts I think he would have won.
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