In sports. momentum often serves as prophetic foresight into the final outcome. Once the tide changes in a match as your opponent gains some confidence, no matter how hard you try sometimes, you can’t hold back the pressure of rushing water. As I watched the last hour of NBC’s coverage of the 2012 Ryder Cup Saturday evening, I got the sense momentum had swung in Europe’s favor. The only thing remaining was human nature allowing the mind to say, “we only need 5 points to win the cup.” The moment this thought took hold of the American players, the Meltdown at Medinah began.
America’s 14.5-13.5 demise to Europe on Sunday is the worst collapse in sports since the 1993 Phillies blew a 14-7 lead at home in game 4 of the World Series, losing 15-14 to Toronto Blue Jays. Unfortunately, 9 of the 12 American golfers were like prey for sharks. Once the European players saw blood in the water, they attacked, taking a lead and holding on until their opponent was dead.
America’s lone survivors were Zach Johnson, Dustin Johnson and Jason Dufner, each earning a full point for the America team. Tiger Woods earned a half point with a tie while Phil Mickelson deserved a better fate, having his match stolen with 2 bombs made by Justin Rose on 17 and 18. Since the official PGA Tour season is over, the losing players have 2 options: pout or get motivated for the 2013 season. Memories of the Meltdown at Medinah will either steer careers toward retirement or light a fuse in their hearts and souls. Only God knows how this story will end, yet the drama that played out in the 2012 Ryder Cup was priceless!
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 