GolfOnline’s Favourite Ryder Cup Moments
Are you getting as excited about the Ryder Cup this weekend as we are? As Darren Clarke and Team Europe get ready to play in Minnesota we’re feeling a bit nostalgic at the office. Here’s a look at some of our favourite Ryder Cup memories. Bring on Hazeltine 2016!!!
Dublin, Ohio – 1987
The Europeans had finally beat the Americans two years before at The Belfry now the team, captained by Tony Jacklin were after their first win on U.S. soil. A difficult task considering the Americans were playing at Muirfield Village, a course designed and built by their captain, Jack Nicklaus.
First-time Ryder Cup player, Jose Maria Olazabal teamed up with fellow Spaniard, Seve Ballesteros to help propel Team Europe to its 15-13 victory. Olazabal’s dance across the 18th green was pure ecstasy!
Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland – 2006
Just weeks after the devastating loss of his wife Heather, Darren Clarke stepped up to the first tee at the Palmer Course of the K Club to a thunderous round of applause and cheers, from spectators and even his competitors. One of the captain’s wildcard picks, Clarke would go on to win 3 points for Team Europe as they beat the U.S. by a staggering 18 ½ - 9 ½.
Louisville, Kentucky – 2008
2008 marked the end of Europe’s winning streak. Having claimed victory over the U.S. during the past three Ryder Cups the Americans charged ahead at Valhalla to win 16 ½ - 11 ½. But what sticks out from this year the most might surprise you.
After an impressive drive off the first tee on Sunday, America’s Boo Weekley was ready to celebrate. And what better way then a little “bull ride,” Happy Gilmore style.
Here’s a clip of Weekley “riding the bull” and then explaining the incredible adrenalin that comes from playing in a team setting. When asked if he likes hunting and fishing better then the Ryder Cup the American answers, “No, not right now. Not with the adrenalin I got, it ain’t nothing like shooting a deer.” Classic!
Gleneagles, Scotland – 2014
Jamie Donaldson took the winning shot of the last Ryder Cup. Securing victory for Team Europe for the third consecutive time. While that shot and the fist pump to the crowd afterwards was excellent, what we all remember most is Donaldson’s interview the following morning in that yellow hoodie.
When asked by a reporter if he had taken in the fact he played the winning shot the day before, a bleary-eyed Donaldson replied, “No.” Before quickly explaining, “Because I’m still drunk.”
