The Ryder Cup - An Essential Team Game

This week September 19-21, the USA will take on the Europeans in golf for the right to win the Ryder Cup. The Ryder Cup is a team competition, emphasizing different two player and single game formats throughout the three day event, played every other year. Particular negative emphasis has been placed on the American team in recent years due to the fact they have lost 5 out of the last 6 Ryder Cups, with their last victory coming in 1999.




Why have the Americans faltered so often in the last several years? The answer...American golf culture is focused on winning Major Championships such as the Masters, US Open, and the PGA Championship. This means one person winning for one person. Team events are second. Europeans, on the other hand, look to the team game and events like the Ryder Cup as the highlight of their careers.




The difference in philosophy lies in the Europeans ability to put aside their egos and focus on each other. They do this rather easily. As a result, they have become consistent winners in the team game because the team, and more importantly the players, come first above all else. The Euros' great chemistry is apparent. It translates to their golf games in a positive way. The Americans often look like a line of individuals who are sandwiched together to force a team. They often look tight, uncomfortable with what is at hand. We all know how this turns out....into routs.




Let's look at history a little. The American team combined the world's two best players a few years ago to play together. On paper, it should have been a no-brainer. But World #1 Tiger Woods and World #2 Phil Mickelson looked very uncomfortable playing together. They lost and lost big. Why? They were two big time players who decided not to come together and give to each other. They were not able to efficiently switch gears and just play for something bigger than themselves. Even hearing in the interviews that they were honored to play for their country doesn't mean that the American players were willing to totally surrender to the team.




The Europeans know the value of the team concept. They simply put down their egos and give to each other. The result is usually victory, not because they were focused on the prize, but because they were focused on their teammates. The team game is usually a departure for the Americans. Team games are not promoted by the American golf culture and the PGA Tour. Comraderie and respect yes, team no. As a result, it hurts the Americans in a major team event such as the Ryder Cup.




Evidence in check, Kenny Perry gave up the right to play in the US Open and British Open this year in order to focus on making the Ryder Cup team. He was blasted in the media over and over for that decision, which is a clear indication that many expect Perry to play for himself over playing for his team. Not so fast my friend.




Fulfilling the Need to Grow...on any team, on any given day, in business, little league, or the Ryder Cup...positive results are measured by how much individuals are willing to give of themselves for the sake of their teams and the cause at hand. Success is measured by how well people can work together, support each other, and leave the individual agendas on the ground. The essence of true teamwork is in direct proportion to how unselfish the team players can be. Pay attention to how much the players give to each other and the team during play and you will clearly see the winner of the 2008 Ryder Cup long before the final match.