The 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor in Wales was not without its frustrations, with the occasion dampened, literally, by wet weather, forcing play to be suspended twice and needing a Monday finish.
In the end, the outcome came down to Graeme McDowell’s singles match against Hunter Mahan, with the Northern Irishman emerging the 3&1 winner to hand the hosts a 14.5-13.5 victory to regain the trophy it lost at Valhalla in 2008.
Despite the defeat, the US could take plenty of pride from its fightback, having begun the singles session 9.5-6.5 behind.
While that was stirring, what made it even more remarkable was the chaotic manner with which the team’s challenge had begun.
Even before the opening tee shot, there had been a blunder, when, at the Opening Ceremony, captain Corey Pavin forgot to introduce Stewart Cink when announcing his team.
However, that was soon put to one side, but not in the way the team would have wanted, with the focus instead turning to the apparent inadequacy of the team’s waterproofs.
The trouble started at the opening four-ball session, where the heavens opened, ultimately forcing a sizeable suspension of play.
Before that, the US players on the course suffered a drenching thanks to the official clothing failing to keep out the rain.
That necessitated replacements being sought, with US team officials paying over £4,000 on waterproof jackets and pants in the merchandise tent.
It was hardly ideal, with PGA spokesman Julius Mason explaining: “They had Ryder Cup logos, but there was nothing to distinguish this as an American uniform.”
There was further embarrassment for the captain when it emerged that his wife, Lisa Pavin, had been involved in the design of the original rainsuits, which didn’t include Gore-Tex waterproof material.
It was a PR disaster for official supplier Sun Mountain, too, which released a statement defending its record, writing: “Sun Mountain has been designing and selling outerwear for more than two decades. We have provided rainwear to over 150 tour players and numerous US teams.”
The 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor was hampered by atrocious weather from the start
(Image credit: Getty Images)
At the time, Pavin attempted to play down the issue, saying: “Well, we were disappointed with the performance of…
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