Ewen Murray responds to your Ryder Cup views and celebrates a boom period for European golf.
Good news as Kaymer shines again
Now that the dust has settled on Celtic Manor, I think we all realise the enormity of Europe's success in what was a golfing spectacular in Wales.
Of all the comments that follow this column throughout the year, last week's were not just superb, but accurate and thoughtful.
David Trainor's words hit home immediately: "The small margin between success and failure". David, I woke up one morning last week and thought of Rory McIlroy's eventual up-and-down at the last in his singles. Had he not done that, we would not have the Cup back on home territory. It really was that close.
Mark Dobbins and Steve Lewis marvelled at the performance of Ian Poulter. You know, anyone who says they will deliver a point is asking for trouble, but not "Poults". He has an unswerving belief in his own ability and rather than be mocked for that, he should be applauded. I agree with your word on Ian: "awesome".
Dennis Means is looking forward to Lee Westwood taking over top spot in the world rankings and I'm with you Dennis, he more than deserves it. Having reached fourth place a decade ago, Lee's form dipped so much he was not in the top 250.
The climb back must have been tough and no doubt there must have been times when Lee thought he wouldn't make it, but such is his strength of mind and character, he is almost there.
Caeliv Donnelly illustrated how strong our 12 heroes were when pointing out that Casey, Donald, Rose and Harrington would have made the USA team, while David McKeown voiced that this win was achieved without Casey, Rose, Stenson or Garcia - and you can add Karlsson to that list.
Johnny Lawrence and John Hill were among those hugely impressed with our captain, Colin Montgomerie. A knighthood perhaps? That is of course for others to decide, but when you look back on Colin's dedication to his home tour and the part he has played in the growth of European golf over the past 20 years, not many would disagree he deserves it.
David Brown and Andrew Kennally thought Padraig Harrington was a rock for his team. He was, but then so were the other 11 that graced the 2010 course. It would be wrong not to mention the wonderful sporting part the Americans played in what was a hugely successful Ryder Cup. Golf was the winner for sure, as James H so eloquently wrote.
Andrew Norby gave his thoughts on why the 2014 date should be changed when the match comes back home to Gleneagles. These are thoughts that must be taken seriously.
Andrew Boyd, Gerry Kelly and Neil O'Keefe put Johnny Miller in his place, thank you, the event is the star of the show.
I liked your comments because they were about so many different aspects of the bi-annual contest. They were constructive and very well thought out.
Shaking
I bumped into Graeme McDowell on the range last week at St. Andrews and we burst out laughing! I said I was sure I saw his shoe laces shaking at the 16th when over his second shot. The reply came, "well spotted!"
Going into that final round of the Dunhill Links, many of our victorious team were in contention, Graeme, Padraig, Ross, Lee and the eventual winner, Martin Kaymer.
They must have had little left in the tank but showed superb professionalism playing alongside their amateur partners. It's been a vintage year for European Tour golf with three major champions, the Ryder Cup back on these shores, Casey and Donald coming so close in the play-offs stateside and Westwood on the verge of being number one.
All we need now is a strong finish to the year.
With the excellent Kaymer celebrating his fourth win of the season in Scotland, the German is in line for many of the end-of-season major honours.
The good news that he will not join, full time, the PGA Tour is promising for golf here. In Martin, we have a genuine superstar and one I'm sure will add to his major titles sooner rather than later.
The job for his closest challengers in the Race to Dubai is to trim his lead otherwise he will be out of sight before the grand finale in the desert. For those players there is time, along with big tournaments, on their side.
At the end of the month, I embark on a world tour that begins in Shanghai with the HSBC which is part of the world golf championships and will include Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson.
That is followed by the Barclays in Singapore, Hong Kong and the Dubai World championship, before heading south to Sun City, Leopard Creek and Durban. I shall try to bring you some of the news from these outposts. Hopefully more of our players will excel and add further success to this golden year.
Incidentally, Philip Leader questioned Peter Hanson brushing the grass on his back swing while in the hazard left of Celtic Manor's 15th hole.
Peter, the grass was growing so there was no problem as it was during his back swing. When Brian Davis was penalized at Hilton Head Island, he brushed grass or a twig that was detached, therefore classed as a loose impediment.
Tears
Finally, when I was playing, I used to travel to and compete on the South American Tour.
One of the events was played in Chile. Just outside the city of Santiago are two of the world's most beautiful courses, Los Leones and the Prince of Wales. They sit by the foothills of the Andes mountain range and are just idyllic.
During my time there I met many fine people. Like everyone, I have been following the plight of the miners in Chile and like many of you no doubt, I felt a tear sting my eye when they were rescued.
On arrival back to civilization, their leader was there to meet them in what must have been an immensely emotional moment. The joy on their faces when greeted by President Pinera and their families will live with me for some time. Life is good, the miners are safe.
Get some twilight golf in over the next two weeks as all too soon the dark afternoons will be upon us. Thanks again for your comments.
