Overnight, Australian time, videos appeared on social media of Zach Johnson and Billy Horschel scolding some fans who understandably rubbed them the wrong way.
As the sun dances behind the skyline of the Eternal City to send this match into the past, this feels like a Ryder Cup that was lost as much as it was won.
This sleepy 44th Ryder Cup now is about as lit as any in history, and although Europe has a commanding 10½-5 ½ lead, there’s no telling what fireworks await for the final session of 12 Sunday singles matches.
This is no eulogy because those are for the dead, and despite how dead they looked on Friday the Americans are still alive. But the US team and their Ryder Cup aspirations are on life support, and the priest is on call for last rights.
For the United States side to pull off something it hasn’t done in 30 years, its fate will probably rest on the Thomas of now remembering how to be the Thomas of old.
Golf has many different rules, but really only two different kinds of rules. Permanent rules, which exist for everyone everywhere, like that you’re only allowed 14 clubs in your bag. And local rules, which are specific rules for specific courses that don’t apply everywhere.
US Ryder Cup Zach Johnson has rounded out his Ryder Cup team with wildcards Sam Burns, Collin Morikawa, Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka.
Koepka, a three-time Ryder Cup participant, has only had opportunities to accrue points this year at the major championships as he plays on the LIV Golf League.
He was 16th in the US standings coming into the week and moved into the top 12 with this win, but he’s still far from securing one of the six ironclad automatic qualification spots.
Of the many uncertainties to come out of this month’s announcement that the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund plan to join forces, whether it might make it easier for LIV players to compete in this September’s Ryder Cup is one of the most curious. Shortly after the deal was Read more…