Lack of team spirit meant US players were on course for disappointment
NEVER in recent times has America appeared so divided.
Almost on a daily basis, the gulf between the classes, races and sexes is played out on social media viral videos for all to see.
But this week, we saw how US division is not always a bad thing. Step forward America’s Ryder Cup players.
By the time the country’s golfers arrived back from Paris on Monday after getting hammered by Europe, the charade they were a team had been shattered.
Master’s champion Patrick Reed’s rant about being “blindsided’’ by captain Jim Furyk not pairing him with Jordan Spieth had circulated and left some team members livid at his audacity.
Reed was quoted saying he wanted to play with Spieth, but Spieth didn’t want to play with him.
“The issue’s obviously with Jordan not wanting to play with me,” Reed said.
“I don’t have any issue with Jordan. When it comes right down to it, I don’t care if I like the person I’m paired with or if the person likes me as long as it works and it sets up the team for success. He and I know how to make each other better. We know how to get the job done.”
Two other players, Dustin Johnson and Brooke Koepka, almost came to blows after the loss.
It is a shame the American team didn’t adhere to the inspirational quote that adorned the walls of their changing room.
“Leave your egos at the door,” it read.
In the end their best shots were the ones they took at each other.