One For the Road to the Ryder Cup: A Brandt Snedeker Breakthrough

photo credit: GorillaGolfBlog via photopin cc 

Five years ago the Fedex Cup was in its infancy, and regarded by many with the kind of skepticism that so often accompanies change.

Half a decade later however, the once ridiculed change-up is seen by most to have been positive, and few could deny that in these past several weeks it's provided masses of exciting golf. 

But let's for a moment go back to those early years; 2007 to be exact. That's when this blog held a Fedex Cup Cocktail Contest in honor of golf's brave new postseason.  Interestingly enough, the winning drink was a concoction called the Snedeker Snickers Cocktail, inspired by none other than this year's Fedex Cup... and Tour Championship... winner: Brandt Snedeker.  I've reprinted the 2007 story... and the drink recipe... below.  And here's to hoping Lord Brandt and team USA can take back the Ryder Cup next weekend.

The Fedex Cup - Tiger Isn't The Only Winner

photo credit: Navaboo via photopin cc

September 16, 2007 - As the dust settles on the the first ever Fedex Cup I see more than one winner emerging.

There's Tiger Woods, that's for sure. Clinching the Tour Championship... and The Cup... with characteristic ease, he confirmed (as if confirmation was needed) that he's simply the best.

Then there's the event itself. Much maligned over the past months, in retrospect, even early doubters and naysayers now admit it produced some awesome late season golf and just about everyone agrees it's here to stay.

Finally, there's proud golf grandmom, Abby Clausen from Nashville, TN. She submitted the winning recipe in the Fedex Cup Cocktail Contest.  

Inspired by her hometown hero Brandt Snedeker, the PGA tour rookie who made it to the final 30. "Brandt is a sweet and delightful young man" Abby wrote, "...and this drink matches his fun-loving personality". She then told us an endearing tale of Brandt signing autographs at a local tournament and joking with her grandson, who, at that moment, decided to pursue golf seriously. Now he's co-captain of his high school golf team.

So The Snedeker Snickers Cocktail won for its imaginative combination of ingredients and for its compelling connection to the golfer who inspired it. 

Snedeker Snickers Cocktail

Ingredients:

1 ounce vodka
1 ounce white creme de cacao
1 ounce dark creme de cacao
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon chocolate syrup
Crushed ice

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth, serve in an old fashioned glass.

Many thanks to everyone who entered. All 48 recipes, and notes on the golfers who inspired them, will be featured in my book, Fedex Cup Cocktails. Look for it here later this year.