http://www.kentucky.com/761/index.xml News, sports, and entertainment from Kentucky.com en-us Copyright 2008 Kentucky.com 2008 Ryder Cup 60 Sat, 08 Nov 2008 03:13:54 EST http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss McClatchy Interactive's Workbench webmaster@kentucky.com http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532008.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532008.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:48 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Europe's loss in the 37th Ryder Cup means that captain Nick Faldo will be the target of criticism in the British press.

But his players said they should get the blame.

"We hold the golf clubs and we hit the shots, not the captain," Lee Westwood said.

When a reporter asked Faldo if he regretted how he lined up his players for Sunday's singles, Sergio Garcia jumped in with an answer. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532129.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532129.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:15 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Europe came to Valhalla with the stars, the experience and arguably the hottest golfer on the planet.

The Europeans left without the Ryder Cup, thanks in part to the Big Three that turned in a big zero.

Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Padraig Harrington . who had combined for 35 victories during their storied Cup careers . went winless at Valhalla, managing just 2. combined points during a largely lifeless performance as the U.S. won the Cup for the first time in nine years.

Garcia and Westwood had been nearly unbeatable during Europe's run of three straight Cup wins. Yet the magic . not to mention the clutch putts . that they delivered so often this decade never showed up in front of a rowdy gallery that seemed to delight in the visitors' struggles. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532365.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532365.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:38 EDT
Players Record

United States
c-Hunter Mahan 2-0-3
Boo Weekley 2-0-1
c-J.B. Holmes 2-0-1
Jim Furyk 2-1-1
Anthony Kim 2-1-1
Justin Leonard 2-1-1
Kenny Perry 2-1-1
c-Chad Campbell 2-1-0
Phil Mickelson 1-2-2
Ben Curtis 1-1-1
Stewart Cink 1-2-0
c-Steve Stricker 0-2-1
Europe
c-Ian Poulter 4-1-0
Justin Rose 3-1-0
Graeme McDowell 2-1-1
Robert Karlsson 1-1-2
Henrik Stenson 1-2-1
Oliver Wilson 1-1-0
c-Paul Casey 0-1-2
Lee Westwood 0-2-2
Sergio Garcia 0-2-2
Henrik Hansen 0-2-1
Miguel Jimenez 0-2-1
Padraig Harrington 0-3-1
.

c-captain's pick ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531014.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531014.html Sun, 21 Sep 2008 06:42 EDT
LOUISVILLE . The United States is on its home turf, but it finds itself in foreign territory . in the lead . going into the last day of the 37th Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club.

After a Saturday of spectacular and dramatic golf, the Americans held a 9-7 edge over Europe going into Sunday's singles matches.

It is the first time since 1995, and only the second time since 1981, that the United States has been ahead at this stage. The Americans are looking for their first Ryder Cup victory since 1999.

U.S. captain Paul Azinger, who wears his emotions on the sleeve of his Ryder Cup polo shirts, confessed that his "stomach was churning" as he watched Saturday's drama. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530981.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530981.html Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:01 EDT
LOUISVILLE . So, what, you thought these Europeans were going to go down without a fight?

Did you really think just because Friday was so majestic for the Americans, so in tune with Captain Fantastic Paul Azinger's blueprint, our fine guests from across the pond would just roll over and concede the Ryder Cup?

Not for a bloody second.

After all, as much as snatching back the coveted trophy means to Azinger and his Yankee-doodle dozen, retaining that piece of shiny hardware means just as much to the Europeans, who fought tooth-and-nail to chip the margin to 9-7 heading into Sunday's final round. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/533978.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/533978.html Wed, 24 Sep 2008 06:54 EDT
On the red-and-white Boo-grass of Valhalla over the last weekend, the United States didn't just prove it could reclaim the Ryder Cup from its across-the-pond rivals.

It also proved that golf can indeed survive, dare we say thrive, without that sport's dominant force.

That isn't to say that golf is better without Tiger Woods, just that the Ryder Cup, and the game itself, got better and more interesting without him.

In fact, whenever Woods' knee is strong enough to allow the "greatest golfer on the planet," as he was called so many times in his Valhalla absence, to parachute back onto the PGA Tour, he is likely to find his gallery just a wee bit thinner. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532009.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/532009.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:59 EDT
LOUISVILLE . On a glorious final day of summer, the United States finally got to bask in golf's glory again by winning the 37th Ryder Cup Sunday at Valhalla Golf Club.

With Kentuckians Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes contributing mightily, America bested Europe 161/2 to 111/2 to claim the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999.

"Our players poured their hearts and souls into this competition," U.S. captain Paul Azinger said. "If I was the guy that helped organize it, then I'm happy to be that.

"But those guys did it. They deserve the credit." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531856.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531856.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 05:39 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Those snooty, country-club golf types had racked their brains for nearly a decade trying to find some scenario to retake the coveted Ryder Cup from the hands of those dastardly Europeans, all to no avail.

What they needed were some down-home, Southern-fried country boys to get the job done.

Kentucky boys.

Two by birth, one by adoption. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531379.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/531379.html Mon, 22 Sep 2008 08:20 EDT
LOUISVILLE . This is a moment that's nine ugly years in the making.

From Sergio Garcia's snow angels in the fairway six years ago through Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods together two years later; from the blowout loss at Oakland Hills through Darren Clarke's teardrops in Ireland, this is the moment that has eluded the United States' best golfers for nearly a decade.

The Ryder Cup is America's to win. Or to lose.

Sunday isn't about lineup strategy, no matter how tempting it is to break the 12 singles matches into golf's version of a game plan. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530986.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530986.html Sun, 21 Sep 2008 03:01 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Ryder Cup rookies Anthony Kim and Hunter Mahan will lead off the singles matches for the American team on Sunday, followed by veterans Justin Leonard and Phil Mickelson.

Captain Paul Azinger chose them for a reason.

"I already had in my mind this is how I wanted to do it," he said. "The first four guys are pretty aggressive personalities, so they're the guys I wanted to go first."

Kim will take on Sergio Garcia, who has had a fairly quiet Ryder Cup for him. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530522.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530522.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:58 EDT
The Americans will take a 7-5 lead into Saturday afternoon's fourball format.

The U.S.'s lone victory Saturday morning came from Kentuckian Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk, who outdueled Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson 3 & 1.

The Europeans had a surprising win when the low-profile pairing of Oliver Wilson and Henrik Stenson came from 4 down to beat American stars Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim 2 & 1. Wilson, a Ryder Cup rookie, rolled in a curling 20-foot biride on the 17th hole to seal the upset.

“It was nice to hole out, especially against Phil and Anthony,” Wilson said. “To edge our way back in and win is fantastic.”]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530157.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530157.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:36 EDT
LOUISVILLE . The European Ryder Cup team was cheered by fans dressed up as leprechauns, but it was the Americans who found a pot o' gold at Valhalla Golf Club on Friday.

The United States, looking to change its luck after losing five of the last six Ryder Cup showdowns, finished the opening day with a 51/2 to 21/2 lead.

American captain Paul Azinger high-fived fans along the 18th fairway when it became clear his team was going to be on top after the first day for the first time since 1995.

"We're in a happy spot," Azinger said. "But we're not even to the halfway point. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530096.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530096.html Thu, 25 Sep 2008 12:31 EDT
LOUISVILLE . The first-day gallery of the 37th Ryder Cup featured 11 leprechauns, six matadors, numerous American flags, and (at least) a trio of camouflage-capped patrons wearing "Team USA: Home of the Red, White and Boo" T-shirts.

And if you thought that was nuts, you should have seen what was happening inside the ropes.

Not since 1995 has the U.S. led the Ryder Cup after the first day. But after one glorious morning and one glorious afternoon at Valhalla, that's where we stand, with Paul Azinger's charges holding a commanding 51/2-21/2 lead over Nick "Frowning" Faldo's charges.

Seems like no Tiger is no problem. Not when you have Phil Mickelson. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530097.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/530097.html Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:35 EDT
LOUISVILLE . European star Lee Westwood was visibly upset with American Boo Weekley's attempts to ramp up the Valhalla crowd during their Friday afternoon match.

As Weekely raised his arms in an attempt to rally the fans at one point, Westwood shot him an angry look.

Westwood admitted afterward he didn't like Weekley's antics.

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/529696.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/529696.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 13:46 EDT
LOUISVILLE . The United States got off to a strong start in the 37th Ryder Cup Friday morning, giving the home fans at Valhalla Golf Club plenty to cheer.

The Americans finished the foursomes (alternate-shot) with a 3-1 lead in points.

Kentuckian Kenny Perry, paired with Jim Furyk, played well for most of the morning, but had a forgettable finish.

Perry had a birdie putt on No. 16 that would have closed out the match against Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood, but he ran it past. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528541.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528541.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:34 EDT
Paul Azinger isn't running for president, but the U.S. Ryder Cup captain's effort to restore America's pride in its golf rivalry with Europe has the same theme as the campaigns of Barack Obama and John McCain.

It's all about change.

While Obama and McCain are promising to shake things up to get the American economy back on track, Azinger is trying to shake things up to get the U.S. team back on the winning track in the Ryder Cup.

Play begins Friday morning at Valhalla Golf Club in front of 40,000 fans. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528703.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528703.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:45 EDT
LOUISVILLE . It was the 1987 British Open. The American, Paul Azinger, led England's Nick Faldo by one shot with two holes to play. Azinger bogeyed 17. Azinger bogeyed 18. Faldo won.

Having snatched the Claret Jug, the winner couldn't resist pouring an open container of salt into the American's fresh wound.

"Tough luck, old chap," Faldo quipped.

Azinger seethed. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528706.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528706.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:43 EDT
I love golf. I mean everything about it. It's frustrating, expensive, time-consuming, hard on your marriage, and it will take your self-loathing, as the sports clich. goes, to a whole new level.

So what's not to like?

I buy into all the cornball hype about how the game builds character and sportsmanship, develops respect for rules, helps you learn to accept your weaknesses, how it's a great learning tool for life, a wonderful diversion for kids, all of it.

Since my caddying days, golf has given me something in common with a succession of publishers and business associates, who may not have shared my commie, peacenik, green politics, but who appreciated our mutual passion for calm, peaceful, green space ... provided it has eighteen holes punched in it. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528707.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528707.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:46 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim, not J.B. Holmes and Kenny Perry, will be the lead twosome for the United States when the 37th Ryder Cup begins Friday morning.

After hinting all week that he might send Kentuckians Holmes and Perry off first to fire up the fans at Valhalla, captain Paul Azinger went with Mickelson, the biggest star on the American team, and Kim, an ultra-talented rookie.

They will face Padraig Harrington and Robert Karlsson in the foursomes (alternate-shot) opener.

Perry will play Friday morning, but not with Holmes. Azinger paired Perry with Jim Furyk. They will face Europe's dynamic duo of Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528636.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528636.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 05:52 EDT
Mostly sunny all three days, with highs in the low 80s. Chance of rain is 10 percent or less.

On TV

Scoring

The Ryder Cup involves a series of matches played between teams or individuals from the United States and Europe. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528708.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/528708.html Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:51 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes aren't the only Kentuckians sharing their home-course expertise at the Ryder Cup.

Steve Flesch, a PGA Tour veteran who had hoped to be playing at Valhalla this week, instead is doing commentary for The Golf Channel.

Flesch, who like Holmes is a former University of Kentucky star, "had a chance" to make the U.S. team, "but I didn't play well enough when I needed to.

"Playing in the Ryder Cup in my home state would've been great, but it's not like it's a total disappointment that I'm not. I think I've overachieved for where I am now." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527122.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527122.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:33 EDT
LOUISVILLE . It is being touted as the most delectable pairing in Kentucky since Colonel Sanders matched his secret recipe with chicken.

We're talking about home-grown golf stars Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes possibly being the leadoff alternate-shot twosome for the United States when the 37th Ryder Cup begins Friday morning at Valhalla.

American captain Paul Azinger has whetted the appetite of the fans by hinting that he'll send Perry and Holmes off first as a way to get the crowd "rocking" and generate momentum as the United States tries to beat Europe for the first time since 1999.

European captain Nick Faldo, however, wonders if Azinger is bluffing. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526991.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526991.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 13:05 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Sergio Garcia is 0-for-38 in major golf championships.

In the Ryder Cup, however, he is oh so annoying.

"Why?" inquired Garcia, asked if he believed he got under American skin. "Because I play well?"

Well, yes. Very well. Few ultra-talented golfers have come up so empty on the Grand Slam stage. Possibly no one has come up so big when the stage shifts to the Ryder Cup, as it does Friday at Valhalla Golf Cub. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527149.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527149.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 07:26 EDT
LOUISVILLE . If Boo Weekley has any free time this week, the Ryder Cup rookie could audition at a local comedy club.

Weekley has kept his teammates and the media entertained with his sense of humor.

"It never hurts to laugh," he said in his Southern drawl. "You should always laugh at least once or twice a day. I laughed halfway around the golf course today."

Weekley bemoaned the fact that he had to wear a tuxedo to a fancy Ryder Cup dinner Wednesday night. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527494.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527494.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:48 EDT
A Tiger-less Ryder Cup is a good thing. It sure can't be a bad thing.

Tiger Woods can't make any fist-pumping putts this time around. He won't even be in the same state. No one can wait around for Woods to make something happen.

Someone else is going to have to do it.

Someone else needs to establish himself as the guy for the Americans. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527510.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/527510.html Thu, 18 Sep 2008 06:17 EDT
The 37th Ryder Cup . the biennial golf rivalry between the United States and Europe . is being played in Louisville this week.

About 40,000 fans are expected to swarm Valhalla Golf Club each day, most of them Americans who desperately want to see Uncle Sam's boys beat the bejabbers out of the blokes from across the pond.

That's because Europe has won eight of the last 11 meetings, ending decades of dominance by the United States.

If you plan to attend the Ryder Cup or watch it on television, we offer a few tips on what to expect and how to behave: ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526242.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526242.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 02:59 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Kentuckian J.B. Holmes gave golf fans a breathtaking preview of what he'll bring to the 37th Ryder Cup, during a practice round Tuesday.

Holmes, one of the longest hitters in golf, drove the green on the 13th hole, a 338-yard downhill par-4.

Oh, yes: The hole features an island green, surrounded by huge boulders and a watery grave for errant Titleists.

"J.B. flew it right on the green, and the crowd went absolutely crazy," said an admiring U.S. captain, Paul Azinger. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526211.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526211.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 14:32 EDT
LOUISVILLE . There are a half-dozen Ryder Cup rookies on the United States team, all without the curse of rearview mirrors.

On the one hand, the six have not a spot of Ryder Cup experience.

On the other hand, "Not being a part of the last few U.S. teams is not necessarily a bad thing," Phil Mickelson, a veteran of six Ryder Cups, joked yesterday.

After all, the Europeans have basically seized the Cup and beaten the Americans over the head with it the last three meetings. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526174.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526174.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:10 EDT
LOUISVILLE . Golf and boxing are at opposite ends of the sports spectrum in terms of physical demands, but the United States' Ryder Cup team hopes to draw inspiration from "The Greatest" fighter: Louisville native Muhammad Ali.

That's why American captain Paul Azinger took his players on a tour of the Muhammad Ali Center Monday night.

Ali was supposed to be there, but his travel plans from Michigan didn't work out. He hopes to get to back to his hometown sometime this week.

The U.S. team watched a video about Ali's life when they arrived at the museum. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526395.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/526395.html Wed, 17 Sep 2008 08:02 EDT
The Ryder Cup involves a series of matches played between teams or individuals from the United States and Europe.

The result of each match is determined by the number of holes won by each team or individual.

Play will involve three different types of matches . foursomes, fourball and singles.

Foursomes matches will be played Friday and Saturday mornings with fourball matches in the afternoons. Singles matches will be played Sunday morning. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/524858.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/524858.html Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:49 EDT
When Tiger Woods outlasted Bob May in a playoff to win the 2000 PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, it was one of the biggest and most memorable sports events in state history.

But it could be topped this week by the Ryder Cup.

If the United States ends Europe's recent domination of the biennial match-play rivalry, and if home-grown stars Kenny Perry and J.B. Holmes contribute to the victory, the 37th Ryder Cup will qualify as one of the signature moments in the annals of Kentucky sports.

The Ryder Cup is that big of a deal, and not just here in the Bluegrass State. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/523315.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/523315.html Sun, 14 Sep 2008 15:10 EDT
FRANKLIN . Kenny Perry, a self-described small-town guy who prefers the shadows to the spotlight, is about to step onto one of the grandest stages in international sports: the Ryder Cup.

And he couldn't be more excited about it.

Perry, and fellow Kentuckian J.B. Holmes, will be among the marquee attractions when the 37th Ryder Cup is played on their home turf at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville this week.

"We're going to be like rock-star status. We're going to be like Tiger Woods status," Perry said. "It's going to be huge." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511380.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511380.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 07:48 EDT
NEW YORK . Chad Campbell lingered in the parking lot of a Dallas hospital as his wife waited inside to get the latest report on their first child, due to be born later this week.

He wanted a clear signal on his cell phone to hear the good news: Campbell is going to the Ryder Cup.

Paul Azinger completed his American team Tuesday with captain's picks, adding Campbell, Steve Stricker, Hunter Mahan and Kentucky native J.B. Holmes to a team that will have six Ryder Cup rookies and no Tiger Woods.

"I think that we have rounded off this team with the best possible players at this time," Azinger said. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511845.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511845.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:23 EDT


TEAM EUROPE

CAPTAIN



AUTOMATIC QUALIFIERS ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511844.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/511844.html Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:23 EDT



TEAM USA

CAPTAIN

]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/510351.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/510351.html Tue, 02 Sep 2008 01:49 EDT
NORTON, Mass. . Scott Verplank was a footnote in 2002 when he became the first American to be a captain's pick without any previous experience in the Ryder Cup.

There might be four Ryder Cup rookies who get picked this year.

U.S. captain Paul Azinger announces his four wild-card selections Tuesday morning in New York, having asked for an additional three weeks to find the hottest players but getting a tepid response from his candidates.

The final audition was the Deutsche Bank Championship, where the only American to finish in the top five was Tim Herron, who recorded his first top 10 of the entire season. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/509472.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/509472.html Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:42 EDT
GLENEAGLES, Scotland . Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo used his two picks Sunday on Ian Poulter and Paul Casey, a surprising decision that left Darren Clarke off the European team for the first time since 1995.

Clarke figured to be a likely choice because he played on the last five teams and has won twice on the European Tour in the last four months.

Instead, Faldo went with a pair of Englishmen.

"I've been watching these guys through the summer," Faldo said. "Ian is a very determined guy. I love his attitude and what he did at The Open . that back nine he played with the intention to win and had that emotional feeling." ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508334.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508334.html Sun, 31 Aug 2008 02:59 EDT
If Lexington pros have their way, Kenny Perry won't be the only Kentuckian playing for the United States Ryder Cup team at Valhalla.

U.S. captain Paul Azinger will be the one doing the official picking Tuesday when the final four spots are filled for the 12-man team that will take on Europe.

Azinger will reveal his team one day after European captain Nick Faldo announces his squad.

To give Azinger some help, the Herald-Leader polled the head golf professionals in Lexington, asking them which four players they would choose if they were making the selections. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508815.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508815.html Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:27 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508812.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/508812.html Sun, 31 Aug 2008 11:25 EDT http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/501779.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/501779.html Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:05 EDT
When the Ryder Cup golf championship comes to Louisville on Sept. 16-21, some of the action is going to spill over into Lexington.

Local hotels . especially those near I-64 between Lexington and Louisville . are already booked or filling fast. Restaurants will probably be packed as well, given that the Ryder Cup overlaps with the second week of the Keeneland September Sales and the Bourbon Festival in Bardstown, which is expected to attract 60,000 people.

"It's going to be a crazy weekend," said Niki Heichelbech, spokeswoman for the Lexington Convention and Visitors' Bureau. "We think it's going to be a great weekend for the state.e_SDRq

When the Visitors' Bureau checked with hotels about a week ago, there were some rooms available, but they were going fast, Heichelbech said. Because Bardstown has few hotel rooms to begin with and most of Louisville's are taken up by golf enthusiasts, they expect to see some out-of-towners looking for a berth in Lexington. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/487250.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/487250.html Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:19 EDT
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. . Paul Azinger revamped the Ryder Cup qualifying system to get the best players, and he had no complaints with the eight Americans who earned a spot on the team.

But not even four captain's picks to follow will change the way he sees this competition against Europe.

.We are going to take on an underdog role in this Ryder Cup for the first time in a long time . even on paper . when you look at the strength of the European squad,. Azinger said Monday morning after the PGA Championship. .We are going to have everything to gain here..

That's mainly because the Americans have done nothing but lose. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/477265.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/477265.html Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:28 EDT
FORT WORTH, Texas . Close your eyes, think ahead and listen to the starter at the 2008 Ryder Cup:

.Now on the tee for the United States, Rocco Mediate and Woody Austin.

What just happened? The oldest pairing of Ryder Cup rookies in U.S. history received the go-ahead to begin their opening match at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville. Combined age: 89.

Don't like that scenario? Try this one: ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/460535.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/460535.html Wed, 16 Jul 2008 08:40 EDT
SILVIS, Ill. . He never wanted to be the star, the main attraction, but Kenny Perry will have no choice if this continues. The guy who merely wanted to win enough to make the Ryder Cup team is now racking up victories at a rapid pace.

.I don't want to live in a fishbowl,. he said. .I don't want Tiger status..

He's got a ways to go to get there, but he is attracting more attention than ever before.

Perry beat Brad Adamonis and Jay Williamson in a one-hole playoff to win the John Deere Classic and escape with his third victory in five starts after bogeying the 18th hole Sunday. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/456133.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/456133.html Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:13 EDT
Kenny Perry never imagined facing so much criticism over where to play golf.

There was a time when he was desperate to play anywhere. He was 26, with two children in diapers and no money for a third attempt at qualifying for the PGA Tour. That's when he made a deal with an angel, Ronnie Ferguson, an elder at the Church of Christ in Franklin, Ky., who offered him $5,000 for one last shot at Q-school with one string attached.

If he failed, Perry didn't owe Ferguson a dime. But if he made it, Perry would give back 5 percent of his tour earnings to David Lipscomb University, a small Christian school in Nashville.

That was 22 years and $25 million ago. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/439049.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/439049.html Fri, 20 Jun 2008 06:07 EDT
MUNICH, Germany . Many of the top European golfers were surprised and disappointed at Tiger Woods' absence for the rest of the season, and amazed at how he gutted his way to another U.S. Open triumph despite needing knee surgery.

Several players at the BMW International Open said Thursday that playing the majors won't be the same without the imposing presence of Woods, the world's top golfer. They also fear television ratings and fan interest will plummet in his absence . and they will miss trying to beat him.

.It is a big deal, no Tiger at the British Open, U.S. PGA, the Ryder Cup,. said Graeme McDowell. .The best player in the world by a long way is not going to be there. It will take away from the atmosphere . disappointing..

Woods revealed Wednesday he has played for at least 10 months with a torn ligament in his left knee, and suffered a double stress fracture in his left leg two weeks before the U.S. Open. He will have season-ending surgery, knocking him out of the final two majors and the Ryder Cup. ]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/437287.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/437287.html Wed, 18 Jun 2008 16:35 EDT
Woods also said he suffered a double stress fracture of his left tibia while preparing to return to the PGA Tour last month, which forced him to miss the Memorial and was the source of his pain at Torrey Pines when he won the U.S. Open.

He had arthroscopic surgery April 15 to clean out cartilage in his left knee, bypassing ACL surgery with hopes it could get him through the 2008 season. But going 91 holes for his 14th career major made it impossible to play any longer.

"Now, it is clear that the right thing to do is to listen to my doctors, follow through with this surgery and focus my attention on rehabilitating my knee," Woods said.

Woods was last seen in public late Monday afternoon walking with a pronounced limp across Torrey Pines toward the parking lot, the U.S. Open trophy in his arms. Upcoming surgery makes his 14th major title even more staggering — despite the stress fractures, he managed to win a U.S. Open that required 91 holes over five days.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/436380.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/436380.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:25 EDT
"I'm watching my show pony," he said, referring to longtime friend Rocco Mediate.

Asked what he thought about his Secretariat, there was a slight pause.

"I'm a little worried for him," Azinger said while watching Tiger Woods flinch, grimace, limp and hit a career's worth of clutch shots at Torrey Pines. "Not for the Ryder Cup. I just hope he's not doing anything to create a long-term issue for himself. That's my concern."

Woods seems to have everyone worried.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/423383.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/423383.html Tue, 17 Jun 2008 12:52 EDT
Of all the things to say at such a poignant moment, Perry thanked him for Muirfield Village.

The course Jack built was where Perry captured his first PGA Tour victory in 1991, when his oldest daughter was in second grade and his youngest child still in diapers.

"Magic always happens for me here," Perry said Sunday after closing with a 3-under 69 for a two-shot victory at the Memorial.

He walked off the 18th green in good company.]]> http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/285890.html http://www.kentucky.com/761/story/285890.html Tue, 29 Jan 2008 16:03 EST
Then again, it's only January. The Ryder Cup is still eight months away.

Azinger is not too far removed from his best golf, the years when he was trying to make an impression on the Ryder Cup captain.

"I think the Ryder Cup is one of those things where you don't start really sugaring up to the captain until midyear," he said with a laugh. "They want to make sure they're playing well before they start sliding up to you. That's always the way I worked my little begging process. Make sure I'm playing good before I beg for what I don't want."

Azinger will have more decisions than any U.S. captain in recent history.]]>