2025 – A Year to Remember in Irish Sports Folklore

The integrity and sportsmanship displayed by Justin Rose in defeat reminded me of my father and why he won the Bobby Jones Award for distinguished sportsmanship. He always taught us that it is important to be a gracious loser as well as a winner. Rose was the perfect English gentleman in this respect, and I hope game rewards him with a memorable kiss goodbye in the future.

 

Speaking of sportsmanship, what happened at the Ryder Cup? Where was it – what happened to our sport there? How did this happen? How was it allowed to happen?

 

It was mindboggling that in one short week, the game of golf could be dragged so far into the sewer, and nobody did anything to stop it.

 

On reflection, I thought that if Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer had been the captain or even as team members playing at Bethpage, they would have stood up and taken the microphone on the first tee or at the Opening Ceremony and told the New York golf fans that this type of behavior has no place in golf.

 

They would have asked them to respect the heritage of the game and those representing their Countries. Unfortunately, none of the American players, especially their Captain, made any effort to communicate with the obnoxious fans.

 

Justin Thomas was the only one who even raised his arms to ask for some respect. It was one of the saddest weeks for the sport of golf and one that hopefully will never be repeated.

 

The Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in two years will be respectful and orderly, I can guarantee you that. Irish fans will not tolerate any of the toxicity, hostility, and malice that dominated at Bethpage.

 

Little did the Americans know at the time, but the European team captain, Luke Donald, had his warriors well-prepared for what was to come and turned it to his advantage.

 

Mentally, the players were well prepared for what was to come, and even had practice sessions where they were purposely harassed, shouted at, and abused.

 

Behind the scenes, believe it or not, strategically, the event was over before they even arrived at Bethpage. The preparation and attention to detail from Luke, combined with the research-based evidence generated by Eduardo Molonari, were outstanding.

 

They had worked out what had caused them to lose away matches in the past and fixed it before they got to Bethpage. The first two days proved their theories correct and only the sin of complacency with such a large lead on Saturday opened the door for the Americans. By that time, Bradley had also finally worked out that the slow greens suited Europe better and demanded they be sped up on Sunday.

 

The Sunday at Bethpage was one of the most enthralling days in the history of the Ryder Cup. Incredibly, like in the past with Eamonn Darcy, Christy O’Connor, and Paul McGinley, the full weight of the Ryder Cup’s intense pressure fell on the shoulders of an Irishman. The weight of that pressure, on that Sunday, was magnified by the 7-point lead. Their complacency compounded the situation, with nobody expecting to be left hanging on the edge of the cliff by their fingernails as the last man standing.

 

The display of shot-making from both players on the final hole was astonishing. Russell Henley’s shot from a fairway bunker to 10 feet was a truly great shot under pressure. Leaving his putt short will haunt him forever. The beautiful rhythmic natural swing of Lowry delivered a perfectly struck iron shot inside Russell’s to 7 feet. The putt he holed was by pure strength of character, probably fostered by his GAA roots and his father. The dance around the green was epic in its personality and expression, and will never be forgotten in Ireland.

 

 

In America, Scottie’s total dominance continues in the world of golf. His foot dance freedom swing has inspired a more experimental approach to golf for all.

 

Father time and injury has finally counted Tiger out of being a force in his fifties, which is sad to see. But with Tiger, you just never know!

 

Padraig continues to fly the Irish flag proudly in the Champions Seniors Tour and at 54 still believes he can win a Major. Remember Tom Watson at 60 in Turnberry…he does!

 

LIV keeps going at an unsustainable cost, but the PGA Tour is winning the battle as the Majors and the PGA Tour’s new strategy of limited field events with top players kicks in, and both are delivering the TV ratings.

 

Women’s golf is growing fast and becoming more entertaining and refreshing, with players like Charley Hull shining through.

It’s hard to see how it can get much better for golf in 2026, but the beautiful thing about sport is that it’s always full of surprises.

Happy New Year, all.