The RYDER CUP Look

As I walked the course over the past two days the one thing abundantly apparent that distinguishes the Ryder Cup from any other golf event is the number of fans dressed up in costumes. It is as if Halloween and the Olympics got together and had a baby at the golf course. As they say “a picture is worth a thousand words”. My best guess is that the English don’t have Halloween so perhaps this is why they enjoy dressing up at events. A notable characteristic of everyone I met, both Americans and Europeans is that like wolves they tend to travel in packs.

SAM I AM. These Uncle Sam’s are from Atlanta and have been playing their own Ryder Cup tournament for 8 years and noted “We play against real Europeans”. They consider the USA their home course. They run off citing ”We have to go Bubba needs us”

This is the first Ryder cup for Jason, 12 handicap, and Craig, 15 handicap, who traveled from Dubai to attend. They were watching Rugby, the Dubai Rugby Sevens, when we got the idea to come over for Ryder Cup. Both British they had the idea to come as “Redcoats”, the uniforms traditionally worn by soldiers of the British Army. “We thought The British are coming. The British are coming”

Ben, Rob, Chris came over from the UK and wanted to show their support so they decided to make a statement. “It has been great we have gotten a lot of attention”. When asked if they made their unique outfits they replied “no we bought them online- you can get anything online”

Bob, Lance, Gary and Evan are home town Chicago men representing the USA. It is the first Ryder Cup for all of them and they described it as ”electric”. They have been planning for six months, their shirts are from the Chicago District Golf Association and shorts are Loudmouth. “We wanted to compete with the Euros on dress. We like visiting Europe but there is no place like home”

David and Ed, came from London and said they are “Guardians of the Cup and here to protect it”

Miles, Lee and Craig flew over from Manchester England for the Ryder Cup and while they are very British they decided to dress as matadors out of respect for the European Ryder Cup Captain Jose Maria Olazabal a nataive of Spain. They also added “We look good as matadors”

Michael is from the USA and Richard is 74 years old and from Ireland, this is his first Ryder Cup and he came to the states specifically and came here specifically for the Ryder Cup they struck up a conversation while watching the matches as Michael is of Irish decent while they are rooting for opposing teams.

This is the first Ryder Cup for Eric, Michael, Michael, David and Peter representing the Chicago and Boston area. Michael is a Tiger Woods fan and they decided to dress up to express their patriotism and pride in America. “We love Tiger Woods, we love America and we love Bloody Marys”

KILTS ON CARTS. Robert, Alen, Kevin and Liem are from Scotland and came in kilts, the traditional Scottish dress. This traditional dress is commonly used to this day and often worn to major sporting events, weddings and special occasions. While here this week they played golf sis times including their own Ryder Cup with a group of American friends.

St George Crusaders have come to take back the Ryder Cup. “We need to protect it, but right now with the scores we are not doing a good job”. In 2010 Ashley, Chris, Colin and Barry, from Liverpool England, were sitting at a pub watching the Ryder Cup being played at Celtic Manor and got the idea and began to plan their trip to come over for this year’s Ryder Cup. “We decided to dress up so we would stand out. And my wife thinks I am working right now in Scotland working”

Given the Ryder Cup is being played on US soil this year it was nno surprise Americans are the dominant fan base. Tommy, Jeff Ryan and Charles just wanted to come out and support ‘Amerika as they put it and they were out rooting for “any American guy”