The 1st tee on the opening morning of the Ryder Cup is simply electric. Even when it is still dark and the rain is pouring down, as it was at Celtic Manor back in 2010.
The huge stands are a new thing, though. As recently as at Gleneagles in 2014, it was a fairly modest structure, as the thousands of fans who were not up early enough – try in the queue two hours before the opening shot was struck – lined the length of the 400-yard 1st hole, hoping for a glimpse of the players.
It was very different at Le Golf National, and then at Marco Simone, in 2018 and 2023 respectively.
Once the four matches (on Friday and Saturday) are on their way down the fairway, though, it’s a pretty tough viewing assignment in person.
I am not here to persuade anyone not to go and watch the Ryder Cup. Just being on the scene of such a huge sporting event is an experience that lives with you forever.
But, let’s be honest, it’s a tough watch for spectators. After all, there are only four games on the course at any one time for the first two days. And even then you don’t know when they will finish.
I have a vivid memory of bemused (mainly French) spectators at Le Golf National waiting patiently in the grandstands around the 18th green. Do you know how many games reached them across the whole of Friday and Saturday? A grand total of two.
Out on the course, the galleries are simply huge. Really, you have to move several holes in front to find a vantage point and then sit it out until the matches come through.
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At which point, the chances are you will see a hole halved, while huge roars confirm you have missed something thrilling happening elsewhere.
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It’s nobody’s fault, it’s just what happens when you have tens of thousands of spectators and so few games.
Walker Cup vs Ryder Cup experience
Now, let’s compare that to a Walker Cup. You’re still watching your team take on the USA (GB&I rather than Europe, of course). There are more games to watch – but far fewer spectators. Nor are there any grandstands. Tradition dictates that the galleries can walk down the fairways behind the games, separated only by a rope.
There is an assumption that only those who are steeped in golf will attend a Walker Cup, and spectators (‘fans’ does not seem the right word in this context) are trusted to behave accordingly.
That both feels, and is, special.
You can choose to follow any match you choose, and if it is a morning foursomes, it is likely to be done and dusted within three hours or so.
In the afternoon, it’s singles and that means more matches to spread the crowds around.
The single greatest pleasure at a Walker Cup is trying to identify which of the players will become global superstars in the years ahead. Typically, three or four will make it from any given match. It can seem obvious in hindsight but it really isn’t always at the time.
I’ve been fortunate enough to watch the likes of Rory McIlroy, Rickie Fowler, Dustin Johnson, Webb Simpson, Danny Willett, Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau and Patrick Cantlay in their amateur days. It’s a real thrill.
And the final bonus? You get to watch international matchplay golf played over some of the very finest courses in the world. The GB&I venues this millennium have been: Ganton, Royal County Down, Royal Aberdeen, Royal Lytham & St Annes, Royal Liverpool and the Old Course. Coming next is Lahinch. I rest my case.
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What do you say about the Walker Cup vs Ryder Cup comparison? Have you ever attended a Walker Cup? What is your view of Ryder Cup fans in general? Tell us on X!
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