DIARY // 37TH RYDER CUP // 25th September 2008

Well the result wasn't what we wanted at this past weeks Ryder Cup in Louisville, Kentucky. 16 1/2 to 11 1/2 suggests it wasn't that close but I think anyone watching knows that it was a lot closer than that. Regardless of the result it was amazing to be a part of and there were many moments that I will never forget.

It was disappointing not to play the first day but after an extra day of practice and soaking up some of the atmosphere out and around the course I was more than ready to go come Saturday morning. I was partnering Henrik Stenson which I was very happy with seeing as he had told me the day before he wanted to play with me. It was a great draw when we saw the team sheet going against Mickelson and Kim, I have never shied away from matches like that and what better stage to test yourself than against the top American pairing in the Ryder Cup. I wanted to hit the first tee shot and fortunately Henrik had played the even numbered holes the day before so when it came time to tee off it was the most amazing experience having your name chanted whilst stood on the first tee, something we as golfers rarely get to experience. I was prepared for it and found myself very relaxed and loving the moment, I was thinking that it's not as bad as everyone says; until I teed the ball up and my name was announced, the roars that went up sent a chill through me and I had gone from calm and collected to shaking with the most incredible sensation taking over. I happily annihilated my tee shot and went off to the side where I smiled to Rich and carried on shaking. Six holes later we were four down and my debut match wasn't turning out how I had planned. We stayed patient and kept the pressure on them and they started to crumble, we didn't give them any chances to get the momentum back and by the 16th hole we were 1 up and feeling good about things. We played seventeen solidly and we both had putts from about 30 feet and 25 feet respectively. I felt Mickelson would hole so I needed mine and after finally getting the read right I hit a perfect putt into the middle of the hole, definitely the highlight of my career to date as Mickelson's putt slid by, Europe win 2/1!

We had a good chance to retain the cup after the strong finish we had on Saturday night and we had some momentum going into Sunday. The line up looked good to us and we were all happy with our perspective opponents. I was especially happy tackling Boo who was in form with a large and loud following out on the course. Again the first tee shot was incredible and after two holes I was 1 up feeling good about things. Eight holes later I was four down and it wasn't looking good. Boo had just completed the front nine in 29 shots. I was playing well though and tried to do the same things we did the day before but from that many holes down you always need a little help from your opponent. I managed to birdie the 15th to get him down 16 but he then finished me off in style on the sixteenth with birdie and ruined my short lived 100% record.

The Americans never really faltered coming down the stretch, there were a few key matches but they always had 1 match two many over us and disappointment set in. In the end we were outplayed, or more outputted. However, results aside it was the most amazing week and easily the most fun I have ever had on a golf course. There were many special memories through the week but one of the most impressive things was the camaraderie in the team room. I used to think it was slightly over rated until I actually experienced it. We play against each other 30 weeks a year yet it was like playing with your brothers for a week. For me I was playing on a team that has two guys who I have grown up watching win majors as my captains and then another half a dozen guys who I have watched on TV win tournaments who spurred me on to get on tour to play against them, I never really thought about playing on the same team as them. I am proud of every member of the team, but I think the rookies deserve a mention as they all did fantastically well and especially Ian Poulter who went into the week with a lot of pressure on him. He had been criticized for being picked which was no fault of his own, he is ranked 25th in the world for a reason, and after a memorable week for him being top points scorer on both sides with 4 I think he has certainly answered his critics.

It's a shame that we have to wait another two years to hopefully experience it again but I guess that's what makes it so special.

I would like to thank everyone who has supported us throughout the week, especially those who travelled. The fans on the first tee made the memories for us so much better and certainly helped me on the first tee knowing that we had much better supporters on our side, we certainly didn't win in numbers but the volume of the chants and the originality of them made us all smile on the tee's.

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