Gleneagles spectators played their part in captivating Ryder Cup win

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2014/sep/28/gleneagles-spectators-ryder-cup-win-united-states

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There was a moment, shortly before 4.30pm, when the hordes of people spread across this famous course were frantically trying to position themselves for the glory shot. The lucky ones were those on the 15th, but the noise reverberated around Perthshire’s Ochil Hills to produce a Highland crescendo that this verdant land will remember for years to come.

The big screens dotted around Gleneagles showed the game was up for the USA. It had been a matter of time before their impending doom was confirmed and, for Europe, their supporters revelled in the winning denouement. They had been raucous throughout a day in which America – and in particular Patrick Reed – played the part of the pantomime villains admirably, yet in the end the flags of blue and yellow flew highest amid a cacophony of “Olés”.

There have often been times in the history of this competition when the partisan celebrations of the fans – and indeed the players – have crossed the line. There was the odd example of such conduct here on Sunday – including one particularly asinine individual who on the first tee taunted Reed for his decisive missed putt the previous day – but on the whole there was respect amid the roars.

There was an electric atmosphere across the PGA Centenary Course throughout. Unlike on Friday morning, there were fewer nerves and more chants. The 1st tee was a cauldron of noise, an amphitheatre that from afar sounded like a football stadium, packed to the rafters for a jubilant jamboree that extended into the afternoon.

The noticeable thing was the lack of tension. Europe’s comfortable lead at the beginning of the day ensured that success was expected, rather than hoped for. There was no fear of a Medinah meltdown in reverse; instead the crowd whooped and hollered with all the ebullience of victory assured.

That confidence seeped down from the opening tee at 11.36am. The collection of European flags dwarfed the star-spangled banners as Graeme McDowell and Jordan Spieth entered centre stage. “You’ve got Big Macs we’ve got G-Mac” was one boisterous chant to emanate from the stands.

Camera phones were at the ready and the various entourages inside the ropes fought for prominence. Sir Alex Ferguson even managed a jig as the crowd asked each player to “give ’em a dance” before teeing off. Most obliged, with the European smiles reflecting the relaxation in the camp. Even Paul McGinley joined in the festivities, while Bubba Watson whipped the crowd up into an even greater frenzy.

Rickie Fowler was blown over by Rory McIlroy and was oblivious to the Eastenders references early on. “Rickiiieee” shrieked the crowd, in reference to the former character Bianca, safe in the knowledge that the Californian had absolutely no idea what was going on.

The only time the laughing and goading ceased was when Jack Nicklaus strolled into view, the supporters’ reverence for the man who designed this course holding sway over the desire to ratchet up the volume even further.

Once all 12 matches were under way this was typical Ryder Cup fare. A cheer here, a gasp there, always something going on somewhere. On the 17th Stephen Gallacher had to delay a greenside chip, such was the roar from a neighbouring hole.

And yes, the entourages inside the ropes were excessive. It has been an unfortunate trend on each day of this tournament, with great swathes of accompanying people following each group through the fairways, at times blocking the views of paying spectators around the greens and causing much frustration all round.

The names varied from the rich and famous to the downright bizarre – Ferguson, Michael Jordan, Ruud Gullit, James Nesbitt, the entrepreneur Peter Jones and Brian of Westlife fame were just a selection of figures who gained front-row access. Quite something, when a former Open champion Paul Lawrie did not enter the inner sanctum. It was just more evidence of how the Ryder Cup has morphed into a commercial beast, with corporate stands also dominating the landscape.

However, the 45,000 spectators had the greatest impact. There was constant interaction with and appreciation from the players, who will surely find it difficult when returning to normality during their next Tour event.

In the end, the mass of spectators played their part in another captivating weekend. The chants continued long into the evening, on a day when the Ryder Cup spirit remained as strong as ever before.