Europe 1-up after Keegan Bradley makes opening ceremony blunder
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The Ryder Cup opening ceremony provided a number of moments to forget – most notably for the US captain. Rob Jerram was there to soak it all in…
Ah, the Ryder Cup opening ceremony. Forty hours before the Ryder Cup actually opens. And, thanks to the weather, minus the best bit… the pairings.
TV and radio host Carson Daly fronted proceedings but looked like he could have done with Thursday’s practice day as he stumbled over his lines and spoke over the top of Golf Channel’s Kira Dixon as she tried to pump a crowd that was flatter than one of Tom Brady’s footballs.
Even the introduction of one of their own in Cam Young only managed to wake the roof rather than raise it. In fact, the New York fans who we’ve been warned so heavily about in the build-up to this Ryder Cup continued their relatively subdued start to the week. “Tame,” as Collin Morikawa had described them earlier in the day.
Only the multiple mentions of New York Governor Kathy Hochul (a Democrat, if you didn’t know) created any true noise as the boos rang out.
With the awkward intros out of the way, the teams were welcomed with montages and a soundtrack that seemed to be the Strictly Come Dancing band doing their take on New York music.
Then the players arrived. USA looked like they’d dressed for the gala dinner. Europe looked like they’d dressed as USA at the gala dinner.
If we look at it as a boxing match, albeit a really slow one that you regret paying the box office fee for, Europe won comfortably on points.
Luke Donald, the veteran entering his last fight, looked assured as he landed two early blows, both of which targeted the US players being paid for this year’s title clash.
“The Ryder Cup is not about prize money… it’s about the legacy you leave behind.” Ouch, a left-handed jab that went straight through the guard. But then the unexpected right followed. “We know it won’t be easy, but we are fuelled by something money cannot buy. Purpose, brotherhood and a responsibility to honour those who came before us.”
Bang. And just like that, the US were on the ropes.
Luckily, Bradley has a strong chin and bounced out of his seat to address those who’d decided, having spent $255 on a practice ticket, they needed to stay and watch some golfers looking uncomfortable on an expensively assembled stage. Just as he has throughout his tenure, Captain Keegs delivered an assured speech, full of heart, respect and passion.
And one glaring error.
Telling a story of how he fell in love with the Ryder Cup, Bradley reflected on the moment Justin Leonard’s putt dropped on the 17th at Brookline in 1999. Unfortunately, he didn’t say Leonard. He said Rose. And the Europeans enjoyed a chuckle. 1-up.
With the speeches done, we were treated to the playing of the European anthem. No, you weren’t alone, it was also my biennial reminder that this exists. A host of Americans stand and remove their caps in respect as Donald and his men smiled politely, clearly trying to remember if there were words we should all be singing.
Then it was time for the American national anthem. The entire crowd rose and clasped their hands to their hearts as Mike DelGuidice, a Long Islander and member of Billy Joel’s band belted out an admittedly brilliant rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner that briefly threatened to draw a show of emotion from Patty ‘Ice’ Cantlay.
As the final notes sounded, the three helicopters that had been circling in the distance flew over in formation. I expected red, white and blue smoke to follow behind, inspired by the jets that blew Europe’s colours in Rome. But no. They just flew over and were gone, no doubt relieved that they didn’t have to watch any more.
With the only saving grace for any Ryder Cup ceremony, the pairings for the opening morning’s play, not happening until the following day, things got awkward. The two teams remained in place, looking blankly at each other as fans started to drift off in all directions and another VT played on the huge screen. Finally, and clearly off script, Dixon released the men back to their team rooms, Donald smiling knowing he’d taken this opening round on points.
Thankfully, it’s two more years until we have to go through it all again in Ireland… hopefully with aircraft that have been loaded with smoke and the excitement of pairings to get us through it.
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Keegan Bradley addressing the crowd at the Ryder Cup opening ceremony.
