Switched-on captains tick all right boxes
Rule number two: Get your players’ names right.
The usual hotchpotch of kitsch mixed with pomp and circumstance that is the first official sight of Europe and the United States of America face to face didn’t produce any winners or losers on Gleneagles’ pitch and putt course, unless you count Paul McGinley — that stickler for detail — remembering to mention the European caddies.
Both captains went for tartan motifs in their team’s jackets. Both read their formulaic speeches from the teleprompter. Nobody got any names wrong, as Nick Faldo did by inventing a character by the name of Soren Stenson at Valhalla in 2008.
Nor did they forget how many children they had fathered, as Hal Sutton did in Detroit in 2004.
“I accept I am not the captain in my house,” McGinley said in thanking his wife Ally and his children Niamh, Killy and Mia.
It was a simple speech by McGinley towards the end of what was standard Ryder Cup opening ceremony fare. Former Sky Sports presenter Di Dougherty, wife of tour player Nick, carried off the MC role with aplomb.
Singer/songwriter Amy MacDonald appeared with her guitar to sing ‘Pride’ with lyrics that might well describe how some of the rookies might feel on the first tee today: “Sweat drips down my spine and my knees are weak I can not move, I can not speak…”
The Vale of Atholl pipe band marched the teams onto the stage. The fans chanted “Europe, Europe...” and it was time for the first speech.
PGA of America president Ted Bishop said some words and it was time for Watson to introduce his team. The legendary American spoke of Scotland being “my second home” and the Ryder Cup as “the pinnacle of the sport” and a “date with destiny” for the 24 players. His men will play “not for themselves but as one”.
Paying tribute to McGinley, Watson said: “Captain McGinley, you have embodied true class in the game all your golfing life. We began these matches on a note of friendship and will end in the same way.”
Watson rattled through his team, sang his heart out to the ‘Star Spangled Banner’, and it was time for McGinley to do his bit. His tie slightly askew, the Dubliner welcomed the Americans “to one of the premier showpieces in world sport” and called on the fans not to go over the top.
“I know you will be energetic,” McGinley told the crowd. “I know you will be passionate, I know you will be loud and proud. But I also know you will be courteous, considerate and gracious to our opponents.”
Like any Irish golfer who ever made a speech, McGinley thanked his hosts and the greenkeepers before possibly edging one up on his opposite number.
“To our caddies...” he said to a rousing “Go on McGinley” from one of the bagmen embedded in the crowd, “…who are sitting there in the audience as you can hear. You are an integral part of all our endeavours and we feel stronger with all by our side.”
Finally, we can begin.
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