 | |
|
| |
 |
|
 | |
| 6th December, 2006 RUSSELL & ROBERTS WIN MVP HONOURS Hardly a surprise to see that MVP honours for this years event went to the two players who managed to win all four of their matches. World captain David Russell was delighted to boost his Ryder Cup record, but would have been much happier to see the Ryder Cup itself on his mantlepiece for the next year. Roberts though was a revelation in his first Ryder Cup here, and thoroughly deserved picking up an MVP award for his flawless peformance. Reporters managed to catch up with Charlie, literally dragging him out of the bar to say a few words... "Thanks, guys, for the honor. As a first-timer, I have to say that this was the most fun I have had playing Links, and my hat goes off to Lee Harris for running a top-flight tour and an unbelievably fun-filled RC event. Of course it goes without saying, but I'll say it anyway, that 4-0 record does not belong to me alone. I had tremendous partners in Doug Casker, Neil Segotta and Mel Henry in the first 3 matches, they all played great, and we seemed to match up extremely well. But I am honored by the MVP award, and I hope to participate on another U.S. team in RC X. Congratulations to Captain Russell for securing the World MVP award and to the entire World team for making this year's event such a cliffhanger. The margin of victory could not have been narrower, and the competition could not have been friendlier, more spirited or more gentlemanly. I am confident that the World team will redouble its efforts to keep its lead in the RC series and to regain the Cup, so I look forward to another exciting and closely contested tournament when these teams next meet." David was obviously disappointed with the result, but was quick to praise his wild card selections of Rob Dickerson and Terry Pyhtila who both earned a couple of points each and showed some of the more experienced names to how to handle the pressure! As for the key moments which turned the tide, most experts selected the stunning upset of Dave Gale in the singles by US Open Champion Charles Belida, and the defeat of Ken Nicholls in the singles by Alan Riddle. The US captain and vice-captain really got the job done on the course, and everyone contributed something. It was amazing that not a single match was tied, and that means that if any one match had gone the other way, the cup would have stayed in Europe as a 14-14 tie. That should lead to a few sleepless nights for some players, particularly yours truly who let a 3 up lead after 9 holes slip away in the singles. The US team jointly selected Bill Moore's amazing comeback as the key victory that turned the tide. Well, that just about wraps things up for another year. What an incredible event, and I expect next year to be nothing less than spectacular as we complete our tenth annual showdown. All that remains is for you to check out the banner across the top of the Tour Site. Congratulations to the USA, and see you all in the end of season special events and of course next year too.
26th November, 2006 STAR SPANGLED BANNERS! USA REGAIN RYDER CUP In another thrilling day on the greens, the USA secured what had looked an unlikely victory by winning both singles matches today, Captain Alan Riddle was the inspiration taking down tough Canadian Ken Nicholls first up, and in a close match that went to the death, Charlie Roberts secured a 4-0 record and possible MVP awards by beating Andy Hope who gave it everything but just finished up short. With several key upsets in the singles, USA took the head to heads 8-4 to reverse the 8-7 (one pairs game not finished yet) result in the pairs to win in some style. Champagne was flying everywhere on the final green as Roberts tapped in for a 1 up win and the winning point amongst jubilant scenes and an appreciative crowd. Congratulations to Captain Riddle and his team, commiserations to Captain Russell and his team, and many thanks to everyone for making this a truly memorable event and a fantastic finish. The series is now 5-4 to the World team, with Ryder Cup X next year a chance for USA to level the series and defend their Cup. In the dead rubber, Nicholls and Miettinen beat Riddle and Chuba 4 up to make the final score 15-13. Amazingly, not a single match was tied out of the 28 closely contested battles. PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR YOUR MVPS AND HIGHLIGHTS
25th November, 2006 SMITH 'N' WEAPON! Just when it seemed lost for the blues, with a seemingly certain point by Lee Harris incredibly snatched by Bill Moore, Jay Hansen took a 3 up lead over World online maestro Paul Smith, but this time it was the home fans who were smiling as Smith fought like a deranged banshee over the back nine, tying it up, forging ahead, only to be pegged back going to the last. In a dramatic and cruel finish, Hansen'sapproach found the water and Smith pulled off the second incredible comeback win of the day, to put the world team back to within a point with the Canadian duo of Ken Nicholls and Don Miettinen out on the course in the 26th match. Game on!
MOORE's LAW as HARRIS CRUMBLES When you're 3 up through the turn you expect to win, and when your team is 1 point behind and desperate for a boost to make it 12-12, you expect to win. When your swing is working pretty well and the other guy has to panic, you expect to win, however, this time was not one of those times, as Lee Harris somehow let a 3 up lead slip to Bill Moore, who played an exceptional back nine, and would not make a mistake at all, saving a half at the 17th that was the talk of everyone who saw it, and now the American team need just 2 more points out of the last 4 games to secure a famous win.
FIRST BLOW TO USA Neil Segotta, a former US Ryder Cup captain strikes the first blow for his team as he comprehensively and somewhat surprisingly routs Don Miettinen 6 up in his singles game. Flawless play left the crowd and his opponent gasping, and there was no denying a full point for the Americans, now leading 12-11, with at least two more matches to play today, meaning we're guaranteed to go into the final Sunday with the result still to be decided!
24th November, 2006 WEEKEND SIX PACK TO SPLIT! In keeping with the ongoing theme of this amazing Ryder Cup, the teams continued to trade heavyweight blow after blow, this time Jason Chuba stepped up and levelled the scores once again as he outlasted Kurt Ristl who didn't enjoy the rub of the green and was disappointed to finish the event without a win but could hold his head up high as he'd given 100% effort in his games and just not had the breaks. Chuba was thrilled with another win, and a fantastic debut in the event which can play havoc with the most rock steady of nerves. This leaves us with an amazing weekend six pack of games to resolve the fate of this event. The Canadian hitmen Nicholls and Miettinen are in charge of 3 of those points, with the English trio of Harris, Smith and Hope looking after the other 3. Three points is what the World team need to retain the trophy, and it's going to go to the very last point! P.S. Correction from yesterday - Pyhtila's win in the singles was his second win, having teamed up with Don Miettinen to score a vital pairs victory as well.
OH CANADA! Terry Pyhtila got the weekend off to a great start for the World team as he flew the Canadian flag for victory, taking out larry Walker to the tune of 3 up. Pyhtila picks up his first win of the event, while Walker was most unlucky with the flat stick on the greens today. Full report on the matches/preview pages, this sets the weekend up beautifully with a magnificent seven games to go. Let's hope it's not the last time we see the maple leaf flying high over the next couple of days!!!!
23rd November, 2006 PERFECT TENS!!!! Happy Thanksgiving day indeed for the American fans as they wake to the news that Doug Casker has pulled off an incredible shock victory over RTS powerhouse Robert Bjornsson, winning easily by 5 up, to level the scores at 10-10. After running out to an early lead, the US team was blitzed away but fought back valiantly to 10-8, but with the top two RTS world players up in the singles, 12-8 was looking likely, now it's 10-10 and the World team wondering where their next ONE point will come from, much less the FOUR they need to retain the Cup. Captain Russell must be a worried man, and he'll need to do everything he can to rally his team, despite his own perfect 4-0 efforts, it's now down to the final 8 games, and everything to play for. Harris and Ristl, both winless, are due up in the singles. The Canadians you feel will play the key part here, as Ken Nicholls and Don Miettinen are involved in 3 games between them that could see the balance of power swing one way or the other. How exciting is this! MAJOR kudos to Charles and Doug for their wins, and to captain Riddle and his team for not giving up when it looked like a promising start had been thrown away.
22nd November, 2006 BELIDA SENDS SHOCKWAVES ACROSS K CLUB Despite the respect held for US Open Champion Charles Belida, few betting men were taking him in the singles against powerhouse RTS legend Dave Gale, and after holding an early lead, all looked good for Europe's #1. Belida clawed it back to level, but Gale forged ahead, only to see Gale regain the lead, and at 1 up with 2 to play looked safe. Think again! Belida somehow found the will to wrest the 17th from Gales grasp and with the players now playing sudden death effectively on the 18th, the pressure got to Gale first, whose super approach shot somehow caught a bank and rolled back to the front of the green - and into the water. Belida held his nerve to complete a remarkable comeback and secure a hugely important point for the USA, now down only 1 point,but one against the head for sure, and it really is all to play for!!!!
19th November, 2006 CAPTAIN's INNINGS! Just as the American team celebrate closing the gap to just a point when Charlie Roberts makes his record a perfect 3-0 alongside trusty partner Mel Henry, when the World teams inspirational captain David Russell hammers Randy Short in the singles to extend the lead back to 2 points again, with just 10 points left to decide the fate of this Ryder Cup, it's still anyone's competition, but with a lead now, the World team tails are up, thanks to the fantastic example set by the man with the armband. The Blues now need just 4 points out of those 10 matches to retain the trophy, and at 4-0, Russell is an early front runner for possible MVP honours!
19th November, 2006 EARLY MVP CANDIDATES We might have expected Dave Gale to go out and do the business, winning his first three games has certainly put forward his case for an MVP award, but David Russell merits a mention, winning this afternoon again with faithful sidekick and onlikne maestro Paul Smith, jumping out to a 4 up early lead on Charles Belida and Doug Casker, seeing the Americans come all the way back by the 12th but still having the tenacity to dig it out again and win the match 2 up, the 6th match in a row won by the Blues and 8th out of 9 points. Just when it looked like doom and gloom all round though, Paul Klodzen matched the feat of Gale and Russell to run his record to a perfect 3-0, beating Jag Gutierres in the singles, and with one match out on the course slightly favouring the Americans, a win by them puts everything back within a point again and all to play for.
19th November, 2006 BLUE TIDE ROLLS ON Nervous chatter amongst the American galleries as the World team take the first two points of this final pairs weekend, with two more matches scheduled later today. As expected the top World pairing of Dave Gale and Robert Bjornsson were unstoppable and routed the Hansen/Segotta pairing at the top of the foursomes, while in a singles match brought forward to compensate for one of the pairs games being delayed, Robert Dickerson struck a huge blow for the World team as he won one of the close games that winning teams need to pull out to ensure victory, this time a squeaker against Mel Henry who could not find his best putting form when he needed it. All is not lost though, the American pairings are considered favourites in both of today's games, and that would level the scores quite nicely going into the final week of Ryder Cup action. Now the real tension starts to build...
16th November, 2006 HEAD TO HEAD MATCHES ON HORIZON This will be the last weekend of pairs games, with three of the four outstanding games scheduled to be played, one on Saturday as the big hitting combination of Dave Gale and Robert Bjornsson will be hoping to put the World team ahead for the first time in this match, while Neil Segotta and Jay Hansen know they'll need to play the match of their lives to regain the lead for the shell shocked US team. On Sunday, the tough and successful British pairing of Paul Smith with captain David Russell will be up against a formidable duo in US Open Champion Charles Belida and Matchplay winner Doug Casker in what could be yet another 18th hole finish for the English Lions. Finally, Charlie Roberts will hope to continue his amazing debut run here by teaming up with Mel Henry to take out Andy Hope and Kurt Ristl who's been very unlucky in coming up against some of the opponents top players in great form. All three games look pretty close, and the bookies have predicted that while an 8-7 lead is probably most likely, a 7½ tie would also be a real possibility. The outstanding pairs game should be completed next weekend and sees Alan Riddle with Jason Chuba hoping to hold off the so-far inspired play of the Canadian pairing Ken Nicholls and Don Miettinen. And then it will all boil down to those singles. Every single half point is going to come into play on this one!
12th November, 2006 ALL SQUARE!!! WOW! A fantastic weekend's action for the Blues, as they reel off three of the four games to level the series at 6 points each. With just one more weekend of pairs games to go, this could be the closest competition we've ever had, and the longer this goes on, the more tense and nervous each and every shot becomes!. Captain David Russell and vice skipper Andy Hope played the anchor role to perfection, picking up a (flattering) 3 up win over Jason Chuba and Larry Walker. After running off to a 5-1 start, the USA have seen it reversed completely and need to regroup before next weekends action. But there's still a long way to go and every chance this is going to go down to those last few singles games out on the course.
11th November, 2006 GETTING KIND OF SWEATY! Another blue point is added to the board, and the crowd are starting to really become a factor again. Dave Gale and Robert Dickerson take a point off Alan Riddle and Bill Moore, in a see-saw match that both teams led, and neither team was ever more than 2 up. Holding a narrow lead on 18, a dramatic last hole birdie by Dickerson sealed the deal and brought the scores back to within one point, with just the World captain/vice captain pairing of David Russell and Andy Hope due out tomorrow, with a great chance to tie it up against Larry Walker and Jason Chuba, who will be just as confident of restoring a 2 point lead going into the final pairs games next weekend. Magic!
BUT NOT FOR LONG - WORLD TEAM GET ONE BACK Just moments after the USA won their 6th point, the World team struck back with a killer blow as Don Miettinen became the first blue with 2 points, teaming with Ken Nicholls, back in form, as they hung on for a grim 1 up victory over Doug Casker and Jay Hansen. A full report is to follow, but at 6-4, this could still turn out to be all square when the dust settles on another great days action from the K Club.
LEAD BACK TO THREE FOR USA Charles Belida and Paul Klodzen proved to be too strong for the PS pairing of Lee Harris and Jag Gutierres in an enthralling encounter at the K Club, the match was much closer than the final 3 up scoreline suggests, USA just edged the front 9 one up, and then never really let the blues back in it, despite some very close misses over the closing holes. A knee knocking sidehill 6 foot putt by Klodzen on the 16th green was enough to seal the deal and leave the World team needing a sweep of the remaining three games this weekend to level the scores at 6 each.
7th November, 2006 FANS POISED FOR WEEKEND CLASSIC After a horrible opening for the home fans in terms of the scoreboard at least, the prospect of a tremendous comeback has been the talk of the town in the run up to Day 3 of action to be played out primarily on Saturday, November 11th. With power combo Dave Gale and Robert Bjornsson picking up their expected point, and then the tremendous win by the Canadian pairing of Don Miettinen and Terry Pyhtila, the gap is down to 2 points and every chance things could get a lot closer before the final days action unfolds. A huge game between Ken Nicholls and Don Miettinen against Doug Casker and Jay Hansen may go a long way to determine where the Cup ends up at the end of this great competition. Nicholls struggled in his opening match, falling to his first ever Ryder Cup defeat, and will be keen to get back to his form of old for this one. A win by the US team here would reopen the three point lead and make things look a lot more comfortable from their perspective Charles Belida and Paul Klodzen will start out favourites over the PS pairing of Jag Gutierres and Lee Harris, but it could be closer than some people think, and the longer the match stays close, the bigger the chance that a home town hero will be found on the greens over the closing holes. If the US take this and the previous game, the resulting 4 point lead might send a demoralising shock wave around the course that might make it very difficult for the World team to hold their nerve Help is at hand though, as Gale and Dickerson will be expected to rack up another point against Alan Riddle and Bill Moore, though it might not be as easy as it could look on paper, and then the captain and his assistant, David Russell and Andy Hope must secure a win over Larry Walker, struggling with a back injury and Jason Chuba. If the matches go to form, it looks likely that the top game will be pivotal and will determine whether it's a 6-6 tie going into the last set of pairs games, or if the Americans can hold a 2 point lead. As the Day 4 games are also pretty even, and the singles look close throughout, it's obvious that the Blues must do everything they can to make it 6-6 this weekend, and then we're in for a truly incredible finish. A two point lead won't be enough to make it safe, but it would then require an amazing comeback by the World team to get back into the contest. Saturday can't come soon enough....
5th November, 2006 THE FIGHTBACK GATHERS STEAM... The Canadian pairing of Don Miettinen and Terry Pyhtila secure a vital win for the Blues, to bring the scores back to 5-3 this weekend, beating Mel Henry and Randy Short 3 up in a well contested game that was closer than the final score reflectes... Check out the matches/preview page for details of the match...
4th November, 2006 AMERICAN TEAM THREATEN ROUT... The scoreline is already looking very uncomfortable for captain David Russell and the World Team, now trailing by 4 points after the Americans win the first two Day Two foursomes games with dominant performances. Check out the matches page for details and click the score for a full report from each match, suffice it to say the World Team has its back against the wall now, and needs a win in todays other foursomes match out on the course, and for big Ken Nicholls to get back to his dominant best for the final alt shot game. At least with a 2 point deficit, things would look a bit more manageable with the second set of both fourballs and foursomes still to come. American confidence is sky high though, and this could be the start of a real battering! update: Dave Gale and Robert Bjornsson reel off a big win over Alan Riddle and Larry Walker. If Ken and Don can win their outstanding Foursomes match, the damage will be limited to a 2 point lead for the American team.
1st November, 2006 AMERICAN TEAM CONTINUES DOMINANT START There's nothing to stop the USA at the moment as they come back and win the final fourballs match on the opening day of this Ryder Cup, with a last hole victory in an epic match with Jay Hansen and Bill Moore the heroes over Kurt Ristl and Robert Bjornsson. The match report will be posted shortly, and the score graphics updated when I can find the font (while updating here at work), but the action will continue as scheduled this coming weekend with the foursomes matches, where the World Team will need to make sure they don't fall any further behind or risk throwing it away before the singles even get started
28th October, 2006 USA OFF TO A FLIER... Perhaps this will be the year after all, as Doug Casker continues his great form with Charlie Roberts also in his stride, and they prove too strong for the Canadian Wild Card combination of Robert Dickerson and Terry Pyhtila, running out 4 up winners, and never in trouble. The US now lead the competition 2-0 with the other fourball matches due to be played tomorrow. The World team need to pick up a point in those games to avoid falling into a serious hole on the first day of matches. Have also just posted the final matchups so the lineup is now complete for all five "days" of action... Check out the lineups and previews (by clicking the "vs" link on the Matches page)
USA TAKE FIRST POINT A brilliant performance from Mel Henry and Neil Segotta have given the USA an important early lead in the Ryder Cup. Playing against an under the weather Ken Nicholls and Lee Harris, they never eased off the gas, reeling off a succession of key tee shots and approaches to put too much pressure on the home pairing. Much confusion as to what happened to the crowds who didn't turn out for this match, perhaps going to the wrong course? USA were always level or ahead, resisting a late fightback from the Blues, until Segotta chipped in on the 16th green, making the World team's heroic birdie all for naught. A long way to go, but an important early blow for Team USA Oh, and do download the BLT Ryder Cup MOPS please - click here and put them in the normal place
28th October, 2006: RYDER CUP OPENS BEST
OF LUCK TO EVERYONE! The teams have been settled, the lineups are in, and the action is set to get underway today as the Day One FourBalls kick into action. Congratulations to everyone who made the team, including the late Wild Card selections and I hope you will all do your part to get the games going, keep the excitement up and make everyone enjoy taking part, be it rival or partner. It's all about having the most fun you can have playing this daft game of Microsoft Links that we've all played for so long. Incredible to think that this is our NINTH annual event, and while some of us have been involved in most or all of them, there are always new faces who have yet to experience those butterflies in the stomach on the first tee when you realise you have a whole team of people hanging on your every shot. Believe me, the butterflies don't go away, no matter how many times you play. You may have enjoyed the regular season here, you may have felt the tension in the big events, the Major Championships and the online matchplay, but nothing compares to this, in real life and also in cyber golf. So hold on to your hat, grab a stiff drink and head out to the first tee to experience something you'll always remember, and hopefully enjoy!
CAPTAIN's CORNER In the press tent... pre match comments from the players and captains (awaiting submission)
"Being
chosen to play in the Ryders Cup, last year, was quite an honor but topping that
this year was the priviledge of being chosen as Captain along with my long time
golf buddy Charlie Belida. I have always enjoyed the different challenges Bombers
Tour has offered the dedicated links player but more then that was how many different
countries and nationalities were involed in the game I enjoy so much. Being able
to compete with these other countries is what makes the Ryders Cup such an honor.
Not only are we playing for our self gradification but also the honor of representing
our country. The USA has a tough battle this year with the world team dominating
the top five players but being the under dog is not always a bad thing. We will
be more relaxed and realize winning will be great but just participating is an
excellent way of saying we are representing the USA in the 2006 Ryders Cup. No
one will ever be able to take that away". Wow,
it's been that long already? Charles Belida
"In 2005 we saw the World team convincingly overhaul the Americans to a fine victory, one that perhaps won’t ever be seen again in quite that style. This year however has not been so kind to the World team, as numbers have dwindled with quality players moving onto the Senior Tour or retiring from the game. A dramatic decision was forced onto the tour organisers to draft the Canadians back into the world team fold, in order that enough circuit players were available for selection. This has certainly helped to give the world team a chance to retain the cup in 2006, but make no mistake the American team this year remains very strong indeed at the top end and has immense depth too.
I do feel this event will be close, unlike tour organiser Lee Harris I actually feel the USA have the edge over the World team, mainly due to its strength in depth of players, but also I feel it is high time they rose to success. Clearly I will be doing my utmost to overcome this, and have put my strength into the alternate shot pairs. Success or failure will depend on my top pairings delivering the goods here, supported with some welcome points from the four balls with those who don’t dominate the top 10 positions each week and rising to the occasion. Alan Riddle and I were both in agreement that no player should be considered for all 4 pairs and that everyone should get at least 2 pairs games. The singles also is much fairer in its line up this year, and I feel this was an important step to ensure the competition was as involving as possible for all concerned.
After a slow start to 2006, the tour began to kick back into life when the number of events were doubled each month. Also the decision for event winners to book their place in the cup and move to elite level was a good one. The crowning glory of each season for me remains The Open Championship and the Ryder Cup. Both are online and make this site about friendship and competition. For many players here, Bombers tour is the last great bastion of proper tour play. All other tours may have great leaderboards but also have little or no atmosphere and interaction between the players. I know of a number of people who would probably retire from regular play if it wasn’t for this tour. My aim this year is continue the fine tradition of the Ryder Cup finale, making it interesting, involving and fun to play. Sure I would like to win, however unlike many years ago when I Captained the Presidents Cup team to a fine victory over the USA, I am not quite so driven by success and failure. The Ryder Cup event for me is about the virtues and success of the tour and ensuring it continues into 2007 and beyond, and I hope everyone will be back for more next year too. In the meantime I am confident that everyone in the World team will fight for every point that is available."
David Russell – World Team Captain
| |
And finally, a reminder of last year's scenes on the 18th green after another fantastic victory for the World team. Should serve as an inspiration for members of both teams! Oh, and for those of you on the American squad, another inspiration will be to change the flowing banner which ripples across the top right of the main Bombers Links Tour logo from a star spangled European blue to an American/Canadian themed sash!
| |
| Last Update: 26th November, 2006 | |
opening
statement from captain Alan Riddle and assistant Charles Belida
opening
statement from captain David Russell and assistant Andy Hope