Ryder Cup: life or death?

Looks like it's even more important than that according to this advertisement for Portugese TV Station Sport TV. For the slow amongst you, it's a play on the Iwo Jima flag raising picture which depicts five United States Marines and a U.S. Navy corpsman raising the flag of the United States atop Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II.

It's all a bit of a two finger salute to the USA, who've lost the last three Ryder Cups. But to liken these cardboard cut-outs to real war heroes? I'm welling up over here.

Silvestre signs for Arsenal - how?

How indeed, when in 2007 Manchester United chief executive David Gill stated:

"On Monday night we received a written offer and it was a significant offer. We've rejected that - yes, because it's Liverpool. We wouldn't sell to Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea. We have relayed that to the agent. We have told him that in no uncertain terms."

This was in reference to the Gabriel Heinze transfer to Liverpool, eventually the Argentine was allowed to go to Real Madrid after a protracted transfer dealing. The rivalry between United and Liverpool is well documented, summed up by the famous Alex Ferguson statement of intent "I want to knock Liverpool off their F****** perch".

Arsenal have signed the 31 year old French defender for an undisclosed fee, manager Arsene Wenger said of the signing: "We have a strong squad but a young squad.

"Mikael's versatility, experience and calibre will provide the extra depth we need to reinforce our challenge for honours this season.

"His defensive adaptability will serve us well, and it's a big plus that Mikael has top-level experience and a great understanding of football in the Premier League."

We can only assume this means not only did United consider Silvestre surplus to requirements, but not even good enough to significantly strengthen one of their "big four" rivals.

Tiger Woods Walks On Water

Well we already knew that, but now it's official. Yes it's viral marketing, but it's actually not bad.

EA Tiger Woods Walking On Water

Original Tiger Woods 2008 Glitch Video

We still feel pretty dirty.

Harrington Fills The Tiger Void

Much was made of Tiger Woods' absence; who would step up? Big Fat Phil? El Choker? Some thought Kenny Perry would crown an amazing year with a major, if he could be bothered to show up.

Of course the answer was staring us all in our gormless faces, if Tiger could win on one knee, why couldn't Harrington with a dodgy wrist and eyelids that don't close? (have you ever seen Harrington blink? thought not)

Harrington becomes the first ever European to win back-to-back majors and cements his place in history as one of the great players of the modern era. He has taken full advantage of Woods' absence and stepped into the Tiger-void(*) many thought wouldn't be filled. But don't think any less of Harrington for this, let's not forget his breakthrough 2007 Open win.

The way Harrington chased Garcia down (again) was simply brilliant, he was relentless and focussed. His putting is incredible under pressure, his short game rock solid. Can he step up to the next level and attain true greatness? He thrives on adversity and being the underdog, Woods loves to be the top dog and get his nose out in front. It's going to be a battle alright.

If it's half as good as this year, 2009 is going to be one hell of a year for golf. We need rivalry in the game, think Nicklaus vs Palmer or Monty vs Monty's Wife.


*Prefixing things with Tiger is in. See also:

• Tiger-less
• Tiger-slam
• Tiger-ness

Monty's fall from grace

Poor old Monty didn't just miss the cut at Oakland Hills, he crashed out and equalled his worst ever round at a major championship - 84. He had previously shot the same score in appalling conditions at Muirfield in 2002 and stated: "That's the most difficult day since my poor score at Muirfield in 2002 – but the conditions added to that one,"

"Unfortunately, it was a reasonably good day today.

"I got off to a bad start and kept it going. When you get on a bogey run around here it’s very difficult to get off it. The course is very, very severe."

Montgomerie was instrumental in Europe's success at this course in 2004 but looked a shadow of his former self. Well actually he looked pretty porky, but you get what we mean.

Always ready to berate a reporter, the cantankerous Scot took exception to one reporter who chuckled at one of his answers: "Make that your last laugh".

We feel the last laugh was anyone's but Montgomerie's.

Whinging Poulter fumes at PGA

Everyone's favourite golfing clothes horse Ian Poulter dramatically lambasted the PGA Tour officials for their setup of the course at Oakland Hills stating: "I drove it a little better and had more shots from the fairway which makes it a little easier, but you are just trying not to bleed to death out there,"

"It's just like the PGA to slice your throat on the first tee and you have to try and make it round to the 18th without dying.

"I wish I was a couple better yesterday. I putted really well today with two putts for distance, so it is okay.

"But it is just frustrating when you stand on par threes and you are hitting five iron and aiming for a greenside bunker because you know that is the only way you can make par.

"That's pretty sad. I am very disappointed we are having to do that on such a great golf course just because of the infatuation of having to put 30 yards on par threes when they think we are hitting irons 30 yards past where we used to.

"We might hit our drives 30 yards further but we are certainly not hitting our irons, so why should we be aiming for bunkers to try and make par? That personally is not right, is not on, it's unacceptable."

Pink Poulter put in a creditable performance (phew) at last month's Open Championship, and certainly isn't out of the running on day three at the USPGA. Maybe the game does need a few dramatists to spice it up.