Europe wins, US loses and questions to follow
BY DOUG FERGUSON Associated Press
Tuesday, October 02, 2012
10/02/12 at 6:00 AM
MEDINAH, Ill. - The Ryder Cup didn't end with the closing ceremony.
In a tradition that began about the time Europe started winning with regularity, no Ryder Cup can be put to bed without second-guessing. It figures to last for at least a week, maybe until 2014, when the next one is played in Scotland.
Was it wise for U.S. captain Davis Love III to bench every player, particularly Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson, for at least one match to keep them fresh for Sunday? Why did he put Tiger Woods in the 12th slot for singles? Does he regret his captain picks? Did it cost the Americans?
And was it really necessary for Justin Timberlake to read a poem during the opening ceremony?
Here's what will be - should be - remembered about one of the greatest Ryder Cup competitions in its 85-year history.
Justin Rose made a 35-foot putt from the back of the 17th green. It's really that simple.
"That was one of the best feelings of my life to make that putt," Rose said.
Martin Kaymer looked calm as ever when he holed a 6-foot par putt on the 18th that assured Europe of keeping that shiny gold trophy. Francesco Molinari won a half-point on a short par putt that Tiger Woods conceded for Europe to claim an outright win, 14 1/2-13 1/2.
This was not a Ryder Cup to contemplate failures. This was a Ryder Cup to celebrate success.
And no match - no birdie putt - was more significant than what Rose did on the 17th green. He was down one hole when his putt with plenty of pace disappeared into the cup to square the match. Rose made a 12-foot birdie on the 18th for a 1-up win over Mickelson.
Ultimately, this Ryder Cup turned out the way everyone expected.
Original Print Headline: Ryder Cup's ending ignites second-guessing
Associated Images:
Ian Poulter celebrates after Europe won the Ryder Cup on Sunday. DAVID J. PHILLIP / AP
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