Ryder Cup: US media confidence over home win backfires

THE Americans could be forgiven for thinking they had the Ryder Cup secured on Saturday, when they took a 10-4 lead at one point over Europe at Medinah.

As well as whipping the fans into a state of feverish excitement, such a commanding performance resulted in some sections of the US media revelling in what they assumed would be an easy victory on Sunday.

One article, published on the ESPN website, went one step further, goading the Europeans with an outlandish list of events which would need to transpire for a successful defence of the prestigious accolade.

Under a headline of “Ryder Cup all but locked up for U.S.”, the article describes five things which need to happen for a European win.

“Keegan Bradley is abducted.

“Team USA captain Davis Love III inserts Cup spectators Michael Jordan, President George W. Bush, Amy Mickelson and the Rev. Jesse Jackson into the singles lineup.

“Lee Westwood: U.S. citizen.

“Marty McFly shows Team Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal how to go back in time. Last Friday morning will do.”

Last on the list was the actual state of affairs: “Team Europe wins eight of the remaining 12 matches to retain the cup.”

As it happened, Europe did overturn the US lead to claim a famous victory and leave the Americans shellshocked.

The article, which also jokes that “Olazabal can click off the walkie-talkie and take the IFB out of his ear”, has been shared thousands of times on Facebook and Twitter.