The PGA should consider drawing 12 players out of a hat, excluding Woods and Mickelson from the pool. The U.S. might have a better chance of getting a team that is enthusiastic about playing and winning. Instead of posturing and whinning.
This opinion comes from first hand observation, at the K Club. Furyk and DiMarco carried thier playning partners around for two days. Tiger looked like he'ld would rather have been somewhere else. Phil looked like a man trying not to lose rather than a trying to win. His play was very indecisive.
Perhaps Azininger will have an advantage in addition to home field. He will not be faced with the decision to bench the best player in the world (galaxy), for lackluster play in foursomes and fourball matches. Other captians have failed to exercise or even consider this option.
Hopefully this years Ryder Cup will end the "Curse of the $". The U.S. Team has faired woefully since asking to be compensated for thier play in the Ryder Cup. I belive Mark O'Meara was very outspoken in his opinion that the players be compensated. The Euro's have sought no such monetary compensation. Representing thier respective countries, and recently thrashing highly overrated US teams, seems to be more than adequate reward for thier participation.
As a PGA of America member, I sincerely hope that the organization remembers Mr. O'Meara's leadership role in asking that players be compensated. If the PGA ever makes him a Capitain it would be a great mistake.
Almost as great an injustice as overlooking Larry Nelson as a Team Capitain. His quiet confidence and proven leadership as a player, and in service to his country, are qualities sorely missing from the US Team. See Yoda's post #20 in this thread for more details about a remarkable man. Well worth the read IMHO.
What if the American players were paid according to their performance and not just for showing up...I wonder if that would make a difference. I think its fair for some compensation...they are professionals making a living...without the players there is no event. Where does all the money go from TV coverage etc for the Ryder Cup? Some should go back to the players on both sides. Do baseball players get paid for their All-Star event or football player in the Pro Bowl event?...I think they do
Surely making the Ryder Cup team increases their off course endorsements. That should be recompense enough.
Anyone who wants paying for playing for their country (or continent) should just 'do one'.
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
So soccer teams members playing in the World Cup for their country should not be compensated...interesting concept.
IMHO they shouldn't be. The honour is standing there singing your national anthem with your hand on your heart and knowing your nation wants you to succeed.
I think it is one of the reasons the US team do so badly - they are not playing for their country!
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
HG, do you also think that athletes should get paid to represent their country at the Olympics?
__________________ The student senses his teacher’s steadfast belief and quiet resolve: “This is doable. It is doable by you. The pathway is there. All you need is determination and time.” And together, they make it happen.
No....I think that the Olympics should be strictly for amateurs...but that has all changed and will never return to its purest form. By allowing professional players to participate in the various sports has in my opinion changed the intent of the Olympics. The Americans have to use its professional players in some sports in order to compete with other countries who subsidize & groom their athletes from an early age.
I think we will start splitting hairs on whether the Ryder Cup players are paid or not to participate since neither side pays for their own expenses for travel, lodging and meals etc. We can only debate about the level of compensation on each side.
What if the American players were paid according to their performance and not just for showing up...I wonder if that would make a difference. I think its fair for some compensation...they are professionals making a living...without the players there is no event. Where does all the money go from TV coverage etc for the Ryder Cup? Some should go back to the players on both sides. Do baseball players get paid for their All-Star event or football player in the Pro Bowl event?...I think they do
Back in the early 70's, there was much talk within the PGA of America as to whether the membership should continue to support the Ryder Cup. The US had dominated the Great Britain and Ireland (GB & I), for decades. Interest in the event had wained and was being heavily subsidised by the PGA, not the PGA Tour. The matches had the appeal of US Mid Ametuer. No offense to the USGA, but I challenge you to find ten people, at your course, who can name last years champion.
A desicion was made to add the the continental Europe to the GB & I side. This decision was likey made to get a dynamic young Spaniard into the Ryder Cup. It was not until Europe started winning the Ryder Cup that the event became the event that it is today.
The players are independent contractors and can play in the Ryder Cup or not. It is obviously to there benefit to play (i.e. endorsement ad other revenues). The players and thier families incur zero expense (travel, food, lodging, etc.) to play in this event and live quite well, on the PGA's nickel.
The money raised from the Ryder Cup goes to growing the game of golf. The PGA of America. You can go to pga.com to see some of the work this non-profit organization does.
If the players do not want to play for thier country or give back to the game that has given them so much, than there are more than enough out there that are willing to take thier place. If such players do not exist then I am afraid our game is headed for the same scandal ridden behaviour that has plagued the other aforementioned sports.
Almost as great an injustice as overlooking Larry Nelson as a Team Captain. His quiet confidence and proven leadership as a player, and in service to his country, are qualities sorely missing from the US Team. See Yoda's post #20 in this thread for more details about a remarkable man. Well worth the read IMHO.
Passing over Larry Nelson for U.S. Ryder Cup captain remains one of the most inexplicable omissions in the event's history. Thanks, Sligo33, for referencing my post #20 on page 2 of this thread. It was written 'from the heart' and is one of my personal favorites. http://www.lynnblakegolf.com/forum/s...?t=3505&page=2
Hybrid Mode
