Hamburg / Haven. Padreig Harrington, 50, went to the club in a black limousine Golfanlage “Whistle Straits” in Haven, Wisconsin. Steve Stricker (54) was already expecting him. The Irishman had a valuable cargo, which he carefully pulled out of the car and showed to his American rival: Look, don’t touch.

Trophy for winners Rider-Cup-Team The captain of the European team wants to get it back on Sunday. At that moment the biggest and most emotional golf event in the world already seemed to open. The official opening ceremony will take place on Thursday, with teams from the USA and Europe facing each other in the square (Sky Live) from Friday.

Golf: Europe need 14 points to retain the title

Continental comparisons have been made since 1927, but only until 1979 with players from England and Ireland. Until 1979, the whole of Europe competed against the Americans. Since then, the sporting balance of power has changed – the significance of the event has taken advantage. Sales in France three years ago were 235.7 million euros. It is not possible to seriously ulate how high the profits from trade, TV money and advertising marketing are.

Players get none of this. 24 Highly paid professionals compete only for entertainment and respect. On Friday and Saturday they will first play in four teams of two in four fours, and then on Sunday all players in twelve singles. Match, team against team, man against man. Ultimate examination of the nerves. Europe needs 14 of the 28 points to defend the crown and 14.5 Americans need to get the gold statue back.

A calm atmosphere Rider-cup

All of this takes place in an atmosphere not seen on golf courses. Loud fan groups with scarves, dresses and beer. Up to 40,000 fans are allowed, and the first tea includes gigantic grandstands. “USA, USA” calls will follow all the successes of your own players or the mistakes of the Europeans. For some, the atmosphere in the “American-first mentality” that still exists may be nationalism.

On the other hand, nowhere in the sport is there such a good fit of a European team. The Spaniards rejoice in English, and the Irish cheer with the Norwegians. The actions we “experience” exemplify a European unity in the Ryder Cup that only “old continent” politicians can dream of.

“Boys are in a good mood”

“The atmosphere among the boys is great, the course and facilities are fantastic,” Harrington said after a first impression, “we’re well prepared and we can not wait to get started.” Harrington have a team with a lot of experience and the players have already won the cup.

Players like Ian Poulter (45) of England have been brought into the team with a wild card because they have a Ryder Cup record of 14 wins from 22 matches in seven cups, as well as Spanish Sergio Garcia (41) who knows how to do it. “Ian inspires himself, his players and the team,” Harrington says.

Many “young wildlife” on the USA team

In the USA, on the other hand, there are many “young savages” on the team who create a sensation on the tour. Yet doubts remain. For the most part, internal conflicts were crucial to defeats. Leading players like Brooks Copka (31) and Bryson DeCambe (28) know this time around that they can’t stand each other. That would be fun. “We’re five years younger on average. They have less experience, but I also have the advantage that my boys have never had a bad experience.” The USA had a lot of it. Nine of the last twelve cups have gone to Europe. At the final event in Paris in 2018, the USA was out 10.5: 17.5.

The “Miracle of Medina” of 2012 was particularly shocking to the Americans, scoring 6:10 in the European singles. Martin Keimer (36) was the man of the match against the striker. His winning streak on the 18th is still running at every Rider Cup highlight show.

Germany’s best golfer as vice-captain

Khmer Rouge is just one of Harrington’s vice captains this year. He did not qualify for the sport. “I really want to be a player,” said one of Germany’s best golfers, “but I feel honored in that way too.

The gamer knows the place. In 2010 he won his first major title, the PGA Championship, at Whistling Strait. Course designer Pete Dye dug 1012 bunkers into the landscape on the shores of Lake Michigan. This course is reminiscent of wind-potent link courses in Scotland and Ireland. “I’m very confident we can take something back here,” Harrington said. Of course, he thought about the gold trophy he had to surrender.

Updated: Wednesday, 09/22/2021, 5.30 p.m.