Ryder Cup diary: McIlroy still a fan favourite in sight lines battle

Beer money

There’s been a lot of talk this past week about the plight of caddies, who had to lug heavy bags up, down and around the hilly 18 holes in 30 degree Celsius heat, but spare a thought for the poor beer vendors who have to do the same with 50 holes. Peronis strapped to their backs in cooler bags.

The difference is that, unlike the caddies, they don’t keep their tips, let alone drink any of the ice-cold cans they carry. The only way to get through them is to knock them away as quickly as possible to lighten the load.

That means they are what a real estate agent might describe as “motivated sellers.” And that buying one of them can be justified as an act of kindness.

Standing room only

The most popular drinking spot on the course is at the 16th, where the banks form a natural amphitheater around the green and big screen. You can sit in the shade of the marquees on either side and watch the carp try to catch the dragonflies flying over the top of the pond.

The only problem on Saturday morning was the group of American fans who had reserved a spot near the ropes. Insisting on getting up to look, they blocked the view of the few hundred Europeans behind them.

After an hour of this they were treated to the raucous chant of ‘Zit. To sit. Sit.” The Americans resisted stoically, their determination stronger than the team they cheered on.

Family matters

On the 6th, an Irish fan was so incensed by the number of people swarming around the green when Rory McIlroy arrived there with the four of them in the morning that he couldn’t help but shout at the man crouching in front of him: ‘ Hey . Sit all the way down, will you? I’ve been waiting here all morning to watch Rory play this recording. It means a lot.”

He might have realized that it meant quite a bit to the man he was feuding with, McIlroy’s father, Gerry, who gave him short shrift.