Sure, the anticipated headlines tell the story of Europe’s historic comeback:
“Miracle of Medinah” (
http://www.seattlepi.com/sports/article/Europe-hails-Ryder-Cup-Miracle-of-Medinah-3908233.php)
“Collapse in Chicago” (
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20120930/WIRE/120939983)
“Home is Where the Heartbreak Is” (
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/01/sports/golf/europe-rallies-for-stunning-victory-at-ryder-cup.html)
For this fan, it was quite a drama-filled day with a see-saw of emotions – from early morning optimism upon arriving at 6:30am … to the dejection at 18 green some 11 hours later.
I primarily spent the day on #1 tee and #17 green. I joined a few hundred people at the main entry gate, which opened promptly at 7am and released the hounds, many of whom haven’t had that much exercise in years as they ran to their preferred spots. I made a bee-line to hole #17 and placed a towel and seat to ‘save’ a couple spots on the rope line, right-center behind the green where the pin was later placed.
From there, I ventured to the Merchandise Tent, which saw booming business all week and was fairly picked over. Nonetheless, I made a contribution.
Then into the stands at #1 tee, which surprisingly weren’t at capacity come 8am. I stayed there until 12:40 and saw 10 of the 12 matches tee off. A raucous scene. Lots of flag-waving, creative Euro songs, the same “U—S—A” chant over and over, and general merriment before the scoreboard turned blue.
Then back to #17, where I spent the remainder of the day, watching the nine matches that came through. GCA’s Jason Walker flew in earlier the day from Philadelphia, and joined me.
Golfweek best tells the story on what we witnessed:
“Five matches came to the 17th tee Sunday either all square or with the United States holding a 1-up lead. Europe won four of them, and halved Francesco Molinari’s match with Tiger Woods, which was completed after the Cup had been decided. The United States didn’t turn a single match in its favor over the final two holes.” http://golfweek.com/news/2012/oct/01/us-lost-behind-poor-play-nos-17-and-18/It wasn’t difficult to see the tide shift. Donald hits to a foot from the bunker to close out Bubba. Webb bogeys to go AS against Poulter. Rory shuts the door on Keegan. Phil nearly chips in just before the shot that sucked the proverbial air out of the room: Justin Rose drains a 35-foot putt to go AS against Phil. After that, there was an entirely different vibe on the hole. And not a good one for the Americans.
Anyway, some photos from the day. (Yes, I know fans aren’t supposed to take photos during the competition days. Consider it a public service for GCA.)
Early morning at Medinah
Tranquility at #17
The scene at #1 
With new friends
Luke and Bubba start the day
Back to #17Luke defeats Bubba, 2&1
Thanks, Bubba, for the ball
Poults practically poses
Tiger took dead aim at the pin; the closest of the day
Farewell, #17
The scene at #18 from early morning… 
… quite different 10+ hours later