As darkness fell on the saturated Celtic Manor course, fans filed out via muddy footpaths, dodging massive puddles. Those with a flair for the dramatic called it a disaster. ~ However, watching the rain-delayed event from here on the east coast of the US, I was reminded... quite vividly... of the summer of 2009, when I spent a waterlogged week at the US Open at Bethpage Black. The meteorological conditions seemed remarkably similar, though I'd guess it's quite a bit colder in Wales right now than it was on Long Island that steamy week in June.
The action starts up again in about 15 minutes... at 3:00AM here... and there are myriad options for those who wish to watch live, receive updates or cheer on their respective teams and players via social networks and message boards. I'll see how much I can stay awake for. (this being on the heels of four-and-a-half hours of poker in a smoke-filled salon)
One recounting I refuse to miss, is Ben Dirs' blog for BBC Sport, and I particularly enjoy his Match of the Day live blogs. He's engaging and informative. And fun. The exchanges he has with his readers are often highly amusing. Yesterday there was this whimsical bit regarding American golf shouts.
“Re acceptable shouts, ‘get in the puddle’ or ‘get in the casual water’ could maybe work after a US tee shot?”
"... you don’t shout 'go in the hole', you drop the 'go' and scream the rest very, very loud.
“I once heard an American scream ’swallow the apple’ just after Faldo hit a drive. Never quite been able to work out what he meant.”
Other than the requisite ‘Europe, Europe, Europe’ and ‘Go in the hole’ what else are acceptable golf shouts?”
“As a Europe fan, please, please definitely do not shout 'go in the hole’. Leave this to our American cousins at all costs!”
We yanks do get a bit
I call it GITH disease. But I've never heard "mashed potato" before. I do appreciate the creativity though.
ReplyDeleteThe Ben Dir stuff is stellar, thanks for the tip off.
ReplyDeleteDating myself with this, but there was a song Mashed Potatos in my youth. There was even a dance. And no- I was not using a mashee or niblick or spoon at the time (golf clubs of yesteryear.
ReplyDeleteEldrick duffs, skulls, leaves in trap and still wins match. Spray painted by Stricker, but still golden I guess.
Hope the US can keep the lead. It's going take some steely nerves tomorrow... or Monday. GO USA!!!
ReplyDeleteUS will have to come out swinging tomorrow, and keep swinging. And I agree, love the quirky take Ben Dirs gives to the proceedings.
ReplyDeleteThe first tee banter at the Ryder Cup was excellent with players and fans having a laugh together though I haven't seen it reported what Tiger's response to the chant "Erin is a Euro! Erin is a Euro!" was.
ReplyDeleteOn second thoughts -9 after 15 holes was the best response.