OPINION: Looking forward to the Ryder Cup

With a matter of minutes until the first foursome match kicks off in Chicago, I wanted to explain why I’m more excited than usual to watch the battle between USA and Europe rekindled once again (and yes it may have something to do with the rather long spell since my last post). The truth is that since the high emotions and superhuman efforts of the Olympic and Paralympic athletes, it has been difficult to find that same level of sporting drama and entertainment.

Of course, when I say this to other sports fans they stare in some disbelief, as if I’m not aware that the new football season is well under way. This is true and, so far, both the English Premier League and Champions League have started from where they left off, with plenty of goals and unexpected comebacks already. Real Madrid’s dramatic 3-2 victory in the Bernabeu has been one of the highlights. 

US Open final day

Fans at The Olympic Club in San Francisco should prepare themselves for a great US Open showdown today. Last year, the script was already written for an imperious Rory McIlroy to win his first major and come back from his Augusta disaster.

Most golf fans would agree that McIlroy’s skill and flair was simply breathtaking. However, this year will be different. With Graeme McDowell and Jim Furyk tied at -1 and two shots ahead of the rest of the field, it could become a two-horse race.

The Masters Top Two

With only three days left to go, the world of golf is waiting in anticipation for The Masters at Augusta National. After a final day to remember in 2011, the excitement surrounding the 2012 tournament has been building. If you’re a Master’s rookie here are two clips, chosen by Play with Flair, to show you why Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy are seen as the main contenders to be wearing this year’s green jacket.

Tiger Woods

Some might say that the focus on him since his win at Bay Hill has been over the top. I think that a man who has won The Masters tournament four times (1997, 2001, 2002, 2005) deserves the hype. His mind has been ‘distracted’, lets say, for the past couple of years but he is in good form and if anyone can bring some magic this year it is him

Hot shot: He won The Masters in 1997 with the lowest score ever, 270 in total

His Masters moment:

Rory McIlroy

His 2011 ‘Masters Meltdown’ will go down in golfing history but his rapid recovery to win the US Open was even more remarkable. With one Major already under his belt, McIlroy will be determined to win at Augusta National and put that final day in 2011 far behind him.

Hot Shot: He won last year’s US Open with a shot total of 268, the lowest in US Open history.

His US Open moment: