I just returned to the US, my home, from Ireland and heard much of the chatter about the Ryder Cup from Americans and Europeans while there. I have to say that it was a sweet victory for the Europeans and there was no "trash talking" anywhere as far as I can tell. Everyone seemed to be held in high regard regardless of which team was being spoken about. This is a very difficult and unique format from a normal round of golf in a tournament. The American team is not chosen on the same criteria as the European. Can't explain accurately what that is but in the US it appears to be based on highest earnings. The Europeans use a combination of factors to select a team. That may have something to do with outcome; it has been speculated. All around there was amazing good will. The European spectators simply smiled longer and wider and cheered louder longer. This type of contest seems a model for international goodwill.

Ellen