While the United States' loss to the European team in the Ryder Cup is business as usual for many, it was a major tragedy for Hunter Mahan. He was unable to control his tears during a post tournament press conference that was also attended by his teammates.
Mahan had a role to play in the Team USA defeat when his mis-hit of a chip just off the front of the 17th green tilted the game in favor of the Europeans. The hit was responsible for the Ryder Cup point and Graeme McDowell did not miss a beat to materialize that opportunity thus winning the championship by 14.5 to 13.5.
Mahan had been the match winner for the Americans during their win at Valhalla. This time, however, he was the one who lost the final point. “Graeme played great, didn’t miss a shot. He played... he just beat me today,” Mahan praised his opponent before choking and putting his hands over his eyes.
Teammate Stewart Cink came to his rescue by saying that he had the pressure of playing the No 12 position in the singles order. He said that the position was tough enough that hardly any player shows his resilience to play at that spot.
Phil Mickelson said that some of the blame lies on him although he ultimately won the singles game.
Tiger Woods performed exceptionally well during the singles by shooting seven birdies and an eagle. His opponent Francesco Molinari hardly got a chance to match this brilliance. He also came in to support his teammates by saying that they were “unbelievable fighters.”
