2014 Ryder Cup Victory for the “Red Devils”

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After a couple of months of feverish anticipation the day for our inaugural Ryder Day Cup against Chreis4 finally dawned. From earlier reports, our opposition were seasoned players who had already participated in two 3-Day Ryder Cups in Italy and Germany. This was in marked contrast to us who were playing in our inaugural team matchplay but we were eager to give a good account of ourselves and had made good preparations, including a very enjoyable short game clinic engineered by Brian and Daniel followed by some strategic pointers over a beverage or two. Golf4Fun were now ready to rock and roll!

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 Sunday morning brought clear skies and the promise of sunshine. Golf4Fun were kitted out in their ‘Tiger’ Red polo shirts combined with navy or black shorts and trousers – even our most sartorially aloof member turned out in plain black trousers – well at least for the opening fourball! Slowly the Chreis4 players began to arrive in their black ‘Phil’ tops and once the cards were organized it was off to the first Tee for a briefing from Michel, Captain of the Chreis4 team.

 The Quellenberg course was in tip top condition with the greens willing to reward any confidently rolled putts. Everyone settled quickly into their pairings and the scoring began. For many, it was their first introduction to matchplay and they immediately learnt what 0, +, and – represented on a card and fairly soon the competitive spirit was growing. After 6 Fourball matches Golf4Fun led 5-1. For many the temperatures were proving a challenge and there were several quick showers over the lunchtime break to ensure alertness for the challenge of afternoon Foursomes. Chreis4 were now under severe pressure and this was aptly portrayed when one pairing drank generously of Birdie Water on the first tee of Kappellenberg! All the pairings had already decided who would tee off and soon all the matches were underway with players alternating shots. As the afternoon match results started to roll in it was clear that Golf4Fun would achieve a comprehensive victory with the final result proving 11-1.

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After the stifling heat on the course an ice cold beer proved a huge temptation for everyone. The dinner was delicious and there was wine to accompany this banquet. Everywhere around the table one could see that new friendships had formed and everyone had clearly enjoyed their day. It now just remained for Michel and Alison to say their respective words of commiseration and congratulation to their teams. Chreis4 were generous in defeat and congratulated us on our handsome victory and promised to bring their ‘heavy guns’ next year. Michel wrapped up by presenting us with the wonderful silver Pokal together with some Seco to toast our inaugural victory – one bottle was promptly poured into the Trophy and passed around the table for everyone to take a sup and reflect on what a truly enjoyable day of golf it had been.

 Alison Taylor, Golf4Fun Ryder Cup team captain 2014