PEdrag Harrington learned from Bernhard Langer. In 2004, those responsible for the Ryder Cup informed both teams that they would not have to give any autographs to the fans. While the Americans complied with this requirement, German captain Langer instructed his players, including Irishman Harrington, to do the exact opposite: to contact fans as often as possible to satisfy every request for signing.
The “Euros”, who went into this prestigious duel as a formidable underdog, defeated the American hosts in Michigan with an 18½:9½ result, the alleged “underdog”‘s highest ever victory, both at home and at home. Distant .
Cheese hats and special clothes
Fifty-year-old Harrington revived the successful concept at the 43rd edition at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin. On the second day of training he tried to win over American fans for his team with at least one flashy offensive.
Due to Covid restrictions, autographs are not allowed this time around, but Dubliner came up with something. On Wednesday morning twelve of his European players and their caddies came with huge caps of cheese, which they threw in front of enthusiastic spectators. In addition, “Team Europe” wore green and yellow striped clothing.
Following a tribute to the state of Wisconsin, which is famous for its dairy products – a tribute to the Green Bay Packers’ football team, who are at home about a hundred kilometers north of the Thousand-Spirit Village of Haven and compete in these colors. . “Our supplier wanted to bring me some Irish. But I told myself why not do something for Wisconsin.”
Captain Padraig Harrington (center) often seeks direct contact with the audience. In the Ryder Cup he would have to do without it.
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Image: AFP
Harrington went a step further: “Up until now I’ve been a fan of the New England Patriots, but from now on I’m one of the Packers.” Obviously it worked: “The American fans are great so far, but at least for now. They wished me all the best, not everything, but lots of good luck. It’s really cool because that’s not always the case,” said Ian Poulter said.
The 45-year-old Englishman was in the team 17 years ago, as were his teammates Lee Westwood (48/48), Paul Casey (44/both England) and Sergio Garcia (41/Spain) this year. In contrast, “Team USA” no longer has a single player who was part of the game at the time at Oakland Hills Golf Club. Former primus Dustin Johnson is the youngest on “Team USA” at age 37. But the experience is also the only point that speaks for the guests.
“Everything Speaks Against Us”
The Americans send eight players to the competition who are in the top ten in the world rankings. Apart from the Spanish world number one Jon Rahm, there is no other European in this select group. While the average ranking for Americans is nine, it is 31 for Europeans.
Therefore, Rory McIlroy believes that the successful title defense at Whistling Straits will be a bigger coup than the “Miracle of Medina” in Illinois in 2012, when “Euro” turned 14½ from foursome: converted 13½ victory. . .
“Winning the Ryder Cup away from home is even more meaningful. But if you look at the world rankings, everything speaks against us,” said the 32-year-old Northern Irishman. A surprising statement, as Europe won seven of the last nine doubles, most recently with a clear 17½:10½ in France – and even then the Americans were highly rated.
Europe’s defending champions do not see themselves as strong contenders to win the Ryder Cup.
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Build: AP
Nevertheless, even Captain Harrington emphasizes the underdog role of his twelve professionals. He tried to boost his confidence by making a short film to coincide with the European tour, which he showed to his players on Monday evening after arriving in the team room and which was later published on Twitter. This little bar is all about the number 164.
Very few have played professionally for teams in Great Britain and Ireland as well as Europe (since 1979) since 1927, doing little more than climbing Mount Everest (over 5000), even circling in space Less than putting (570) – and even more professionals won one in four modern majors (229).
“We belong to an absolute elite”, endorsed his captain, McIlroy, who spreads optimism in all the arguments against his selection: “The course plays out like a real links course.” And as a strong blow usually occurs on these traditional coastal courses in Scotland and Ireland, winds gusted up to 55 kph on Wednesday over Lake Michigan.
“It takes a little bit of wind to make golf interesting on a course like this. Then you have to keep the ball flat,” said Harrington. But there was something else that made Harrington and his compatriot Shane Lowry, the 2019 British Open winner, proud of their Irish homeland Reminded of: The temperature, which was only between twelve and 16 degrees on Wednesday: “It was like a beautiful Irish summer day,” said Ryder Cup freshman Lowry.
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