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Michigan Golf News September 29, 2006 Vol. 6, No. 39 _/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/ __/__/ __/ __/ __/
AMERICA'S VALUE GOLF DESTINATION
FALL GOLF AT THE OTSEGO CLUB & RESORT-GAYLORD
SHANTY CREEK RESORT & CLUB
IRELAND 2007: YOUR GOLF TRIP OF A LIFETIME
FALL GOLF AT "THE NATURAL": A JERRY MATTHEWS COURSE
__/ RYDER CUP-WHAT A WEEK IT WAS-BY PAUL BAIRLEY
THE RYDER CUP- WHAT A WEEK IT WAS Itıs seems all adventures must come to an end, if not only to make room for new ones. But our week in Ireland what a week it was! Another very large triumph by the Europeans, and this time it seemed a matter of destiny. Even if the talented Americans made those five-footers, avoided the watery graves, found the passion for team golf, the outcome still may have been unchanged. Destiny. The wonderful Irish fans, phenomenal in number and spirit, gave immense support and lifted Darren Clarke during the entire tourney, including his emotional 3 & 2 win over Zach Johnson on Sunday. Billed as Irelandıs largest-ever sporting event, each one in the crowd of 45,000 was making history. The excitement that permeated the gallery on Sunday morning was incredible: American fans, still hopeful that their team would catch fire, remembering the improbable finish at Brookline in 1999; European backers, despite a four-point lead going into singles, seemed cautious and anxious as the day unfolded. Things could turn in a hurry in match play, and momentum is everything. And, after days of clouds and wind and rain, even the sun wouldnıt miss making it a glorious day. Indeed, it was going to Europeıs Day. And when all was said and done, a well-prepared American team with a purposeful, dedicated captain in Tom Lehman, on a course which should have favored the American game of golf was simply and flatly outplayed. And it was a day with many memorable moments like when caddie Steve Williams slipped on the bank of the 7th green and lost Tigerıs 9-iron, or when a streaker ran across the 18th green and into the lake, disrupting the match between Paul McGinley and J.J. Henry. Then there was the celebrating Darren Clarke, downing a pint of Guinness in 7 seconds, followed by European skipper Ian Woosnam, still the competitor, draining his pint of the creamy black stuff in one long swallow. The day, as it was written, indeed belonged to Ireland. Iıll miss that beautiful place, and its charming people. Hereıs a pint to how well they hosted the world, and for providing us with an absolutely unforgettable Ryder Cup experience.
*** The rain fell heavy on Tuesday & Wednesday and looking at the weather forecast all we could see was Hurricane Gordonı moving slowly up the French Coast in a direct line for the K Club. The Tournament organizers were planning a Monday finish but just in time for the Opening Ceremony, the Sun shone over the K Club and that was the way it stayed for the weekend apart from the occasional shower which lasted Four Hours each time! In the end, the result does not matter - what matters was that 24 Golfers put on a great show and the 40,000 Fans that were in the K Club yesterday made sure that this was the best Ryder Cup that was ever staged. It was full of tension and emotion throughout, in a week that shows the World that Ireland can throw one hell of a party! Each of the Golfers stated that the noise on the first tee when they arrived for yesterdays singles was something that none of them had witnessed in their Careers. The Irish are a passionate bunch! Everyone has their memories of the Week my own memory is of Tiger congratulating Darren Clarke on the 16th Green yesterday it has been a tough year for both of them but it sums up what the Ryder Cup is all about. Our Guests in Ireland for the last week included 12 Golfers and their Partners, the Backroom Staff, the PGA of America, Past Presidents Clinton & Bush, Past Basketball Superstars (Mikey Jordon and Charlie Barkley their new Irish names) as well as over 5,000 American Supporters. Regards from a Sunny Ireland it never rains here!!
Cathal
Tel: + 353 69 77377 Sullivan Golf & Travel is an Official Industry Partner of the IGTOA (Irish Golf Tour Operators Association)
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Sarnia
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"THE HEATHER AT BOYNE HIGHLANDS: 40 YEARS YOUNG"
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