Business-like Plan Could Regain Ryder Cup
It pains me to no end to see the United States’ performance in the Ryder Cup. We have won only three of the past 12 in the biennial matches. Embarrassing, that.
So, what should we do?
I solve complicated problems for a living. Thus, here would be a real-world, private-sector approach to fixing the problem, which I define as consistent failure to win Ryder Cups.
1. End Crony Captain-ism
Let’s stop the parade of old PGA Tour players as captains. No more, Whose turn is it? Or, Which of my buddies do I want to hang around with in Paris? I hate to pick on U.S. captain Jim Furyk – he seems like a nice-enough fellow – but he is the most recent glaring example of what needs to change.
Furyk chose his pals Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods as captain’s choices, and it’s clear that they had huge influences on everything Furyk did, or did not do. They are a combined 90 years old (really). They also are ranked Nos. 1 and 2, respectively, in the category of Most Ryder Cup Points Lost in History.
But they are “very experienced”! Very experienced at losing, actually. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, and expecting a different result. Their losing Ryder Cup scar tissue has scar tissue on top of scar tissue. They just do not play nicely with others. That is not a recipe for success.
Furyk recently said that Mickelson is still an asset to the team, even when he’s not playing. “You’ve got him in your team room,” Furyk said. “He’s funny, he’s sarcastic, witty, likes to poke fun at people, and he’s a great guy to have in the team room. I think the younger players had fun having a go at him as well this week, which was fun to see. He provides a lot more than just play.”
That does sound like a good time. But unfortunately, winning the Ryder Cup requires points, which Mickelson does not provide. Ditto with Woods.