NZPGA - Dominic Sainsbury- What did we learn from the Ryder Cup?

By Dominic Sainsbury NZPGA

What did we learn from the Ryder Cup?

Other than this being a spectacle of golfing brilliance, especially on a course that is described as having 10 hard holes and eight impossible holes, my take from the Ryder Cup was how much the players loved the team format, with Jon Rahm quoting that this was the most fun he had ever had on the golf course.

If golf is a game and games are supposed to be enjoyed then how do we implement more of what people want into our game at club level.

We know the physical and mental health benefits of golf with most of us being able to relieve those moments of brilliance experienced when we hole a great putt or bomb the perfect drive down the middle.

So this has me reflecting on why we play golf? We hit far more poor shots than good shots, even the best players in the world only hit about 8 to 10 shots per round, just the way they intended.

My takeaway from the Ryder Cup is:-

1. Enjoy the moments of perfection and keep a record of them, it is easy to focus on the “if only” aspects of a round but no one but you cares about that, so focus on the special moments and shots.

2. Golf is hard. Accept you will hit more poor shots than good ones, but work on making your poor shots better. Work with your PGA professional to help with this. Even the top players have a coach. There are so many facets to this game with so much to learn. The best person to help you learn is your dedicated PGA professional.

3. Even the best players in the world love the social aspects of golf. Focus on the social aspects and the friendships you make through playing our game. Mix up the formats you play, try foursomes (it is a great test of character and develops patience) and get involved in a teams' aspect such as PGA scramble or interclub which is especially designed for this.

4. Walk if you can, golfers that walk live longer due to the low impact physical exercise involved in getting around a course (about 8 kilometres, lots more if your miss is a slice and a hook). Exercise releases endorphins which keep us happy and healthy.

43rd Ryder Cup - Singles Matches

SHEBOYGAN, WI - SEPTEMBER 26: Members of the U.S. Team smile with the trophy following their 19-9 victory during Sunday Singles Matches of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits on September 26, 2021 in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. (Photo by Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Golf does not develop character but brings it out and the Ryder Cup showed us the real side of the world's best American and European players with the players relishing in competing in an event that has more meaning than just them playing as individuals.

Enjoy your golf and remember it is just a game so have fun.