SCORECARD: Solheim Cup VS Ryder Cup
Author: Bill Colvin | October, 2023
LEFT: Suzann Pettersen, Shane Lowry, Lexi Thompson, and Scottie Scheffler
CLEVELAND, OHIO | I attended my first Ryder Cup in 1991 when it was held at the Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course. There is something ironic about that event and the most recent event played just outside Rome at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.
Nicknamed ‘The War on the Shore’ by the media, the Americans found themselves in a state of all time high frustrations. After losing two straight Ryder Cups and then tying the third, tensions had reached a breaking point. A feud that started in 1989 between Paul Azinger and Seve Ballesteros only exacerbated the situation. Ultimately, the pivotal moment came when Bernhard Langer missed a crucial 6-foot par putt on the final hole of his singles match against Hale Irwin after giving him his bogey putt to halve the match and give the Cup back to the Americans.
This year’s event had a bit of angst involved as well.
With the Americans proverbial fixation with appearance fees, a five-week break for most team members and a perceived absence of team camaraderie, was again on full display. This allowed the Europeans to seize a huge lead that they never relinquished throughout the tournament.
Grasping at straws and the hope of a momentum swing, the Americans jumped on the Patrick Cantlay band wagon a little too aggressively during the last match on Saturday. They ultimately ended up squandering any psychological advantage they may have gained when Patrick’s caddy, Joe LaCava, refused to move out of Rory McIlroy’s line so he could try and make a tying putt.
I have attended 11 other Ryder Cups and two Solheim Cups, including one in the USA and the most recent one in Spain.
The size, scope, intensity, passion, and frustrations to a certain degree continue to get ratcheted up event by event. Below is how I would compare the Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup.
What began as a friendly competition between the USA and Britain, and then expanded in 1979 to include all of continental Europe, seems to be anything but friendly for at least one week.
The Solheim Cup is not without its drama, but for the most part, it seems to take place on the course. Passions run high at the Solheim Cup, but to somewhat generalize, the Solheim Cup in comparison, have their priorities aligned to the overall intended spirit of the matches.
I hope this spirit continues; it is a very enjoyable event to be part of.