Ryder Cup Dilemma: Rooting for Europe over United States

A dilemma has been presented to me. With the Ryder Cup tomorrow, I’ve found myself in quite the pickle. I’m firmly an American... but yes like many, I had two grandparents who came to this country, but come on, that’s like 100 years ago. STILL! Team Europe, sadly, may be calling my name.

My favorite golfers all seem to be European: Rory McIlroy, Ludvig Åberg, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland. I’d consider them my top four. On the other hand, I’ve got a few enemies within the stars & stripes...including my mortal enemy, Bryson DeChambeau. I just don’t know if I can handle cheering for Bryson over Ludvig. I’d rather just turn it off and make it a farmers’ market weekend with the wife! Or Scottie Scheffler over Jon Rahm? How can I turn on the golf boys who get me through each summer of sports in thier biggest moment?!?

You see, though, it isn’t just that easy. I’m a almost decade long U.S. history teacher and a hardcore American enthusiast. Museums, Paul Revere’s house, Lexington & Concord Park, don’t tempt me with a good time! So how can I go against my Team America?

Dammit, first it’s rooting for Team Europe, next thing you know I’ll want the Super Bowl in London. I’m so screwed, I know.

Now, a casual could say, “Why don’t you just watch it for fun, just root for your guys to do well?” Yeah, ummm… I’m not a fraud. I’m a sports purist. Through & through, a dilemma that is tearing me apart, what is the answer??? Left only to hit the range to think this thing out...

Then the light at the end of the tunnel showed itself. From Rory himself today:

If the biggest name on Team Europe can proclaim America is the greatest country in the world, then why can’t I root for my guys on Europe and still believe it too? This is America right, & anything is possible! Will I face backlash? Oh, definitely. But at least I won’t feel like a fraud, or dirty for saying rooting on Bryson “YouTube boy” DeChambeau.

Alright so bring it on. Benedict Coach. Turncoat. “Next you’ll be watching soccer over football.” Blah, blah, blah… I’ve made a list of my favorite golfers (top 5). You tell me, based on this, who fits me more?

And before you say, “It’s Team United States, you have to root for them,” let me stop you. That’s the same crap that pisses me off when people say, “Root for the conference no matter what.” NO! I stay loyal to my guys & teams. So this weekend, that’s what I’ll be doing. Rory, Rahm, Åberg, & Hovland...I’ve got their backs! So people, go ahead and pour it on. I can handle it. Go Team Europe!