Photography by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America
Congratulations to Team USA and Cordillera Ranch member Jimmy Walker on their victory over Team Europe last month at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota.
Team USA won 17-11 for only the second time in the last 8 matches. I was fortunate enough to attend for the first time and it was an incredible experience.
There were a few keys to victory this year and it all started by getting the players and the PGA of America together as a task force was formed which led to a greater bond amongst the players. Captain Davis Love III did a fantastic job in putting the players in a position to win. The golf course set-up favored the Americans as birdies were abundant throughout the competition which got the fans even more involved. The golf was quite possibly some of the best golf I have ever witnessed over three days and the Sunday Singles matches provided some of the best drama we have ever seen. There were so many great matches but Patrick Reed vs Rory McIlroy and Phil Mickelson vs Sergio Garcia were the two matches that really stood out. Reed defeated McIlroy 1 up in an incredibly passionate and emotion-filled match, and Mickelson halved Garcia as the two made 19 birdies amongst them. Both were pivotal to the US bringing back the Cup!
Finally, one of the things that stood out to me was the number of people that dressed up in absolutely crazy, patriotic colors to support their side. It was quite the sight and made for a fun event!
Congrats again to Jimmy and Erin and Team USA!
Marc DeWall, PGA
Marc DeWall is the Director of Golf at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at mdewall@cordilleraranch.com or 830.336.4653.
