Anyone seen Phil Mickelson?

FOR all intents and purposes, it would seem to be an upset of epic proportions.

On the one hand, you have every legitimate reason to unplug the interest, from a saturated golf course that has few redeeming qualities, to the mountain-goat skills you need to traverse into it, to the stop-and-go action that has left it devoid of any sort of rhythm, to the excessive price-gouging, to the layers of waterproofs required, to the insufferably long games that seemingly compromise the integrity of the game.

So how is it that attendance at the Ryder Cup Matches has proven to once again be a rewarding experience? Perhaps because the event remains like no other in sports, played for pride, a priceless commodity.