7 Ryder Cup Takeaways & Hole19 Competition Update

Well, that was certainly worth waiting for. Despite a 12 month delay to see the 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup take place, we all witnessed history in the making as Steve Stricker's Team USA stormed to a record 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits.

Below we list some of our own standout Ryder Cup memories, and a final update on our own Ryder Cup competition.

Stricker leads Team USA to glory

As captain performances go, let's list this one in the 'pretty darn perfect' category. Steve Stricker's approach to Ryder Cup captaincy was rather reserved and he tended to lead in a backseat strategic sort of way, but it was no less impactful or impressive than the great US Ryder Cup captains of yesteryear.  

The golfers who played for 'Strick' this year have had only great things to say about him, and even his European opponents were full of admiration.

He has already ruled out a second stint at the head of the US team, and the expectation is that one of his vice captains could get the gig next time around - with Zach Johnson the strong favourite.

DeChambeau's long drives are pure entertainment

A few golf shots will live long in the memory, not least Bryson DeChambeau's monster 417 yard drive on the fifth hole of his Friday afternoon fourballs match.

And, of course, the 2020 U.S. Open champ drove the green of the 373-yard par-4 1st hole in his singles match against Sergio Garcia. You'll have already seen it, but it's surely worth another look...

DJ was Team USA's 'MVP'

Dustin Johnson tends to fly under the radar in the lead up to Ryder Cup contests, but he led the way for Team USA in dominant fashion. The former world number one played in his usual carefree, languid style and made a ton of birdies on his way to the first 5-0-0 record for an American since 1979.

Much of the pre-tournament chatter centred around the likes of Morikawa, Cantlay, DeChambeau and Thomas, but it was DJ who shone brightest as both he and his teammates mercilessly dethroned Padraig Harrington's European side.

Aside from the stunning golf, our favourite DJ moment of all was seeing him already half-buzzed and very chatty at the post-tournament presser. When asked whether he could still out-party some of his younger teammates, "Abso-*******-lutely", came the reply.

Spieth's crazy flop shot was awesome

After his partner Justin Thomas' tee shot on the 17th hole ran off a sheer greenside drop, Jordan Spieth was faced with a tricky blind shot from thick rough. Although the three-time major champion almost plunged into the waters of Lake Michigan in the process, the result of his flop shot was incredible.

Rory's emotion spilt over

Sometimes golfers can be accused of being rather reserved, robotic even, when meeting their own media obligations. It was a real breath of fresh air then to see Rory McIlroy's raw emotion after finishing his singles match on Sunday.

It demonstrated to us golf fans just what the Ryder Cup really means to the world's best golfers, and that they can't just go home and reimmerse themselves in the selfish sport that is tournament golf.

When these guys lose, and fall short of their own lofty expectations, it hurts. We don't often see emotion from elite golfers, but when we do we tend to relate to them just a little bit more.

Bryson vs Brooks: Feud to Bromance?

One of Steve Stricker's most impressve feats during this year's Ryder Cup was his ability to bring his team of 12 world class golfers together. Team USA was so close-knit that we even managed to get a Bryson/Brooks post-presser embrace.

As the duo seemed happy to put their differences aside, we were all left wondering whether this was the birth of a harmonious friendship? Possibly, but we very much doubt it!

Team Europe a different animal in Rome

Despite the unquestionable dominance of their American opponents this past week, the vibe coming out of Team Europe is one of optimism looking forward to Marco Simeone Golf & Country Club in Rome in two years time.

Home support counts for a lot in Ryder Cup contests, and when you throw into the mix European determination to avenge what is - let's be honest - a pretty humiliating defeat, we expect to see a far closer match-up next time around.

Hole19's largest ever Ryder Cup competition - UPDATE

Our own Ryder Cup competition was a great success with many of you Hole19ers hitting the golf course during the three days of the official tournament to log your rounds and help your respective teams.

Check out the important stats below, and thanks to every one of our community of golfers who took part. You guys and girls are the best!

A final reminder that all new users from the victorious USA team will have received their winners code via email to claim a massive 50% OFF the Hole19 Premium 1 Year plan.

Be sure to redeem your code before October 4 to upgrade your game and overall Hole19 experience for less.

We hope you enjoyed the 2021 Ryder Cup as much as we did. Bring on Rome in 2023!