Sir, – I concur with Eamonn McCann with regard to his observations on the Ryder Cup ("US golfer's bad hair day pushes talk of Irish split down agenda", Opinion & Analysis). During the last week or so, listening to the radio, I have heard on an almost hourly basis such words as "vision, leadership, strategy, wisdom, mentor, motivation, secret plans, captain", and so on.
It is bizarre that otherwise rational adults and media organisations devote so much time and seriousness to such an utterly pointless activity. – Yours, etc,
HUGH PIERCE,
Newtown Road,
Celbridge,
Co Kildare.
Sir, – Like Neil O'Brien (September 24th), I will be avoiding the Ryder Cup this weekend but, I think, for slightly different reasons. Professional golf is, I believe, unique in one particular respect. It is the only sport in which spectators watch primarily to see the best in the world play a game that many of us play to varying degrees of mediocrity. We want to see how it is done properly. One result of this is that it is possible, even while having one's favourites, to cheer every example of good play, and hope that, at the end of the day, the best player, no matter who, wins the day. Sportsmanship is exhibited, for the most part, by players and spectators alike.
The Ryder Cup is changing all that. Fuelled by television companies looking to increase revenues, we are now seeing bad shots (by the other team) cheered, opposition players intimidated, and partisan chanting by “barmy army”-type supporters. Players talk about “getting the crowd going” in the hope that this, rather than superior play, will bring victory. If anyone thinks that the sort of behaviour that will be seen by the likes of Ian Poulter over the next few days is improving the image of the game, then I think they should move to another sport.
I will be looking forward to the Solheim Cup which, for the present at least, seems to be maintaining the standards that make golf great. – Yours, etc,
DAVE ROBBIE,
Seafield Crescent,
Booterstown, Co Dublin.
A chara, – In relation to the views expressed by Neil O’Brien regarding the “pressures of golf” in the Ryder Cup, one would have to agree wholeheartedly. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of column inches and airtime devoted to a sport where millionaires essentially and ponderously club a little ball around a scenic area for four hours.
Give me a hot-blooded hurling match, for instance, where players play with skills, instinct and vitality. In comparison the game of golf appears anaemic, sterile, overanalysed and overindulged. – Is mise,
ROB Mac GIOLLARNÁTH,
Sandyford View,
Sandyford,
Dublin 18.