Europeans happy to win best golf competition in the world

By Peter Auf der Heyde Oct 4, 2010, 22:40 GMT

Newport, Wales - Rory McIlroy came in for some flak from his team-mates after Europe had won the Ryder Cup for the 11th time.

Speaking at the press conference after the Europeans beat their American rivals 14.5-13.5 on the 2010 course in the Celtic Manor Resort, McIlroy described the Ryder Cup as the best golfing competition in the world.

'This experience this week has been so much different and so much better than any other experience I've felt at a golf tournament before. And you know, I truly believe that this is the best golf tournament in the world.

'And you know, I'm still very, very young, and you know, I don't want to miss a Ryder Cup for the next 20 years,' the Irishman said, at which Lee Westwood interjected: 'It's the best exhibition, isn't it?'

McIlroy had earlier been dismissive of the competition, which sees a 12-man team from Europe take on their American counterparts.

At a press conference for the Irish Open last year, he described the Ryder Cup as a great spectacle for golf.

'But it is an exhibition at the end of the day and it should be there to be enjoyed. I think if I get on it, you know, you enjoy the week, and if you win or lose, it's a great experience and you move on from it. In the big scheme of things, it's not that important of an event for me.'

On Monday McIlroy was singing a very different tune.

'This has been the best week of my golfing life, by far. It's been absolutely incredible. To share every moment with these guys up on stage, it's just been fantastic.'

In the closest finale since 1991, the Ryder Cup had to be decided in the final match between Graeme McDowell and Hunter Mahan and it was the Irishman who prevailed after Mahan failed to find the green on the par-three 17th hole and then conceded a five-foot putt after missing his own third shot.

Ian Poulter, who won one of the points that helped Europe secure the five points they needed from the single matches on Monday, said that he too thought the Ryder Cup was a fantastic competition.

'You know, I said it last time, I'm pretty passionate about this format. I love the Ryder Cup. I always have.

'I've watched so many matches over the years, Seve (Ballesteros), Ollie (Olazabel), Colin (Montomerie), Nick (Faldo), all the guys. They just pour out passion upon passion in this event and I love it.

'I love it from the first tee. I love it from the songs. And I love it with all 11 teammates. It truly is the best tournament in the world, and will always be.'

Flamboyant Miguel Angel Jimenez, who beat Bubba Watson 4&3 to secure a point for Europe on Monday, said that even though he was just four years from the Seniors Tour, he would like to continue playing Ryder Cup if he qualified.

'The Ryder Cup is amazing, and it's the best tournament in the world, and I can say that it's the most passionate tournament that you can have.'

Ross Fisher, who lost his singles against American rookie Jeff Overton, said that what made the Ryder Cup so special was that: 'You are not playing for yourself, you are playing for the team. I was out there playing for Monty, all of these guys sitting in front of you and for the whole of Europe.

'It has been a life-changing week for me. I felt like I've stepped up and played pretty good. I was disappointed not to get a point today, but thankfully I had 11 guys backing me up.'

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