Medinah's amazing clubhouse...and you cannot see all of it in this photo!
I thought at the Opens it was difficult to write…The Ryder Cup has been a challenge.
First of all I am here without my hubby…he had to hold down the fort and spend the weekend in Nashville listening to great music. I am here instead with my golfing buddy Nancy and my friend and golfing buddy from Houston, Tony. We have had a fabulous time. We played golf twice – once at Cog Hill #2 and at Park Ridge CC. Both courses lots of fun and we all played pretty well.
We were certain to get out to Medinah on Thursday so we could see opening ceremonies. Our tickets included the International Pavilion which has been a godsend for two reasons. One there are good bathrooms and two there are a hundred tvs to watch when you come in for food or drink or to sit somewhere comfortable. The ceremony stage is right next to the pavilion so we were beyond lucky when Nancy made immediate friends with people who were going to sit outside the entire afternoon just so they could see the ceremonies. Turns out they were from Renton (next town from us) and were happy to save space for us while we toured the course. We were blessed.
Medinah is absolutely gorgeous and it is in truly magnificent shape. I can easily understand why it has hosted multiple majors and now the Ryder Cup. Three of the par threes that are over water have wonderful amphitheatre areas for seating. A good thing because the bleachers are very small and there are not enough of them for sure. There are so many trees that they would have to remove many to have more seating. That and oh, the VIP bleachers on some holes. I am not a fan of VIP bleachers…not necessary here or at the Open where it is also happening.
Thursday we wandered around prior to ceremonies…saw a few of the players but they had to get early to get ready. We watched Matt Kuchar on 12 and 13 tee all by himself…last guy standing.
We returned to the pavilion to find what seemed to be millions of fans. The deck was packed but true to their word our buddies had kept a little space for us to stand. A few people were not happy about it but they were not smart enough to make friends with people early like we did.
The ceremonies were lovely…just enough pomp and circumstance – without the song. I thought both teams were beautifully dressed; the US wives were dressed in matching outfits as well. I was surprised to see the Euro wives were not. Props to Brandt Snedeker’s wife for being here – she is so very pregnant. I’m sure she would rather be home with her feet up. Saw her yesterday sitting on the ground watching.
Both captain’s remarks were well-done and poignant especially Jose Maria’s. You could tell that both teams took everything seriously and were very respectful. There were just enough USA USA choruses as well as the Ole Ole’s.
I believe they sell 40,000 tickets per day. That does not include the volunteers or the VIPs. So at least 45,000 are on site each day. If you spread those people out over 18 holes it isn’t too bad – like at the Open. Trying putting them on four holes. It is not possible so the only way to see anything is to get there early and get in a bleacher … and wait … and wait … and wait. But, thanks to American Express and the little TVs they provide free to card holders we could see everything going on.
Friday we almost froze to death. Saturday we were melting in the sun. We chose hole 12 because if we got high enough into the bleacher we could see the par 3 13th behind us. Worked out well. I guarantee you all had way better viewing all around but…being there is incredible.
There is so much passion in the fans you can feel it immediately. On both sides of course. And so far fans have been great…hope it stays that way today.
The first four pairings today will be amazing…I figured that Europe would definitely send out the guns first to get something going. But Davis did the same thing so the fireworks will begin early no doubt. And if they beat each other up it could come down to the middle of the field to decide the 2012 Ryder Cup. It is going to be exciting for sure.
More later…
Some of the Euros having fun on 12!
