CHASKA, MN—The 41st Ryder Cup Matches will highlight the playing performances of the competitors from the two competing teams but what’s left unsaid is the unbridled enthusiasm of the home crowd. Minnesotans have flocked to be a part of the overall scene and the impact has been noticeable in a range of ways.
During the final day of practice rounds which included the opening ceremonies -- no less than 45,000 people were on hand. The spirit in pulling for the American squad is palpable in so many ways. Seeing a host of people -- young and old -- men and women -- dressed in red, white and blue garb has simply filled the landscape of Hazeltine National Golf Club.
The zeal that those attending have brought can be partly explained that per capita Minnesota has the highest percentage of golfer within it’s state’s population. No doubt when the long cold winter has finally ended -- Minnesotans flocked to whatever golf course is near and enjoy the game until daylight has ceased to exist.
The Ryder Cup is a passionate affair. After losing 8 of the last 10 encounters -- including the last three in succession -- the desire to finally win back the Cup and keep it on the American side of the pond has taken on an even greater emphasis.
