Led by Weekley, U.S. ends Europe’s Ryder Cup reign
Captain Paul Azinger took an appropriate NASCAR-style victory lap in his golf cart Sunday in Louisville after the United States dethroned Europe in the 37th Ryder Cup.
After his team’s 16.5 – 11.5 Southern-style victory, Azinger could thank Kentucky natives Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes, and the most conspicuous member of his “Dukes of Hazard” lineup, Boo Weekley.
Playing in the middle of the U.S. order in Sunday’s singles matches, the trio pumped up the volume at Valhalla Golf Club and delivered consecutive victories, setting the scene for Jim Furyk to clinch the Cup on the 17th hole with a 2 and 1 victory over Miguel Angel Jimenez.
“The 13th man (crowd) was unbelievable this week. The match could have gone either way,” said Azinger. “The golf was incredible all week. I’m really proud of my guys. They played great.”
The U.S. halted Europe’s victory steak at three and won for the first time since a remarkable Sunday comeback at Brookline, Mass. in 1999.
“Red, white, and Boo,” proclaimed fan favorite Weekley, who kept the U.S. team loose all weekend, punctuating his 4 and 2 victory over Oliver Wilson with a Happy Gilmore-like hobby horse ride of his driver, as he came off the first tee.
“Before the matches, I said Boo Weekley will be the greatest character that ever played in these matches,” said Azinger. “It’s turned out to be true.”
Another leading character Sunday was 23-year-old Anthony Kim. The Californian teed off first and delivered a 5 and 4 win over European stalwart Sergio Garcia. Ben Curtis and Chad Campbell also charged to victories over formidable foes, beating Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington respectively, both completing their 2 and 1 wins after the U.S. had clinched.
With the world’s best player, Tiger Woods, at home in Orlando recovering from knee surgery, the U.S. team donned his signature Sunday wardrobe – red shirts and black plants – and delivered a Woods-like clutch performance, winning the singles, 7.5 – 4.5.
When it was over, the U.S. fans mocked Europe’s familiar Ryder Cup “O-lay” cheer with one of their own.
“No-way, no-way, No way, no way, no way,” they bellowed as players doused them and each other with champagne. “No-way, no-way.”
