"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
The Ryder Cup (2018)
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Nick Callow, Carlton. 2018. ISBN 978-1-78739-104-8
The Ryder Cup is one of the most absorbing sports events. Along with an Ashes Test it is unique in being an event that I would happily free my diary to watch from beginning to end. What it is about the Ryder Cup which has this unique drawing power? There are so many answers – the history and tradition, the rivalry, the format.I have been to several Ryder Cups and that is a great experience. Yet in some ways it is an event which is better on television. I often think that TV struggles with coverage of golf tournaments. There is too much happening. The temptation is to jump from player to player leaving the viewer unsure who he is watching or why.
The first two days of the Ryder Cup feature 4 sets of 4 matches with the result that you can really focus on those four. The 12 singles on Sunday is more of a challenge but easier than having 70-150 players to keep up with in an open!
Nick Callow’s 256 page book tells you all you need to know as background to the event. The book starts with an account of the origins in the 1920s, telling the reader who Samuel Ryder was and what he actually did.
There is an account of every competition from 1927 to the present day with full results, narrative and contemporary photos. The book is arranged six eras
1927-37 The Drama begins
1947-1961 The Hogan Era
1963-1977 USA retains control
1979-1989 Enter the Europeans
1991-1999 Let battle commence
2002-2018 The modern era
The account of each competition is comprehensive with the narrative well illustrated with small features like “Match of the Day” or “Shot of the day” added alongside interesting stats and quotes from the main protagonists. Interspersed with the systematic accounts are features on 20+ Ryder Cup legends as they are called.
There is so much to enjoy in this book for anyone who likes golf and has a sense of history.