Easy Ryder

When I was younger, the Ryder Cup singles provided one of the most exciting sporting days imaginable. These days, it feels more like a procession and begs the inevitable question, isn't it about time the USA invited the 'Rest of the World' to join their team?

Of course, in fairness to the Americans, Great Britain first invited Ireland to join their team in 1973 and then the rest of Europe in 1979. However in the same way that the football World Cup is poorer for not having been graced by the likes of George Best, surely the Ryder Cup would benefit from having say Ernie Els and Vijay Singh replacing the likes of Brett Wetterich. Their addition might also temper the natural jingoistic tendencies of the American team, which thankfully were notable by their absence at the K Club.

That absence can partially be put down to Darren Clarke's courageous presence which ensured all the competitors received a timely reminder that it really was only a golf match. As a result, the Cup provided a fine demonstration of why matchplay golf is firmly the preferred format for purists, and all played in a spirit of camaraderie not animosity.

The American press have not been sympathetic towards their team's consistent failings at the Ryder Cup. Despite their dominance of the majors in recent years, the likes of Woods and Mickelson have been shadows of their usual selves, and various theories have been put forward to explain it.

It's important to remember matchplay does require a different strategy to usual tournament golf where posting the lowest score possible is all that counts; matchplay meanwhile is a relative form of golf. It's a subtle difference, but it's a form of golf far more prevalent in the golf clubs of Europe than the USA.

Other theories include the homogeneity of American golf courses which emphasise 'target golf' rather than the more opportunistic approach required by many European courses, especially links. Some have mentioned America's more individualistic culture which is only enhanced by a sport which is usually as individual as they come; playing as a golf team therefore is doubly unnatural.

I however will put forward a simple yet perhaps controversial theory....the Europeans are just better golfers.