4. The crowds
American crowds can be....rowdy, even when its only their favourite player in contention. When it is their countrys pride at stake the patriotic fever spreads quickly and loudly. This makes a great atmosphere, and even in Illinois, there will be plenty of support for the Europeans to add to noise. The passion can cross the level of decorum that golf demands, as seen at Brookline in 1999 when, after Justin Leonard had made a putt in the deciding match on the 17th hole, team members and supporters stormed the green despite Olazabal still having the chance to make his putt and save the hole. Brookline signalled the peak of the nationalism of the event and recent editions have been played in a much better spirit. But while in the majors fans applaud good play and reflect on skill, pluckiness, and the underdog spirit, in the Ryder Cup they really feel as if they are winning and losing with the players. This is not a case of wanting a fellow countryman to win, it is wanting your country to win, for you to win, and this adds to the magic of the Cup.
Alan Frost
Contributor
Reporting on football and sports at large since 2007. Written for Channel 5, BT, the PFA, the Football Ramble amongst many, many others.
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