The road to Bethpage seems to be littered with clues and signals pointing to a high-tension Ryder Cup.
Virtually every day, a thought, a comment, or even a warning about what could happen next week in and around the stands.
We can begin with Lenny Wadkins, an eight-time member of Team USA (1977-1979-1983-1985-1987-1989-1991-1993) and Captain in 1995 (a home loss in Oakland Hills against the European team led by Bernard Gallacher).
Ryder Cup, statements
Recalling his days playing away from home, the Major Champion (1977 PGA Championship) emphasized:
"I've always found it very interesting that we never talked about what happened to us when we were playing in Europe."
"I remember in 1985 (The Belfry, Europe 16.5 – United States 11.5, Editor's note), when I was introduced on the first tee, the entire grandstand booed me."
Recalling an episode at the 1989 Ryder Championship, during a foursome played with Payne Stewart, he recounted what happened on the 18th hole:
"No one applauded when I chip-in for eagle. They were hoping I'd miss it."
"What I'm saying is, we got the same treatment there. We've just never complained about it (until now, Editor's note)."
"Sometimes I think the European Championships are a bunch of "Spineless people who can't handle the pressure."
Thanks, Mr. Wadkins, a great start, especially coming from a Past Captain.
Now let's move on to Paul McGinley.
The Gleneagles leader and winner was keen to highlight the fact that Team USA players will each receive a $500,000 prize (of which $300,000 will go to charity) for representing their country, setting an unenviable record (a first in Ryder Cup history).
"Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Ian Woosnam have never been paid."
"Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins, and Jack Nicklaus haven't either."
"Modern players have crossed the line to cash in on half a million dollars."
"It's the mentality of shaking the money tree everywhere and at every opportunity."
McGinley has only rekindled a controversy that is also deeply felt overseas, where even American commentators are concerned.
Brandel Chamblee, a commentator for Golf Channel, doesn't mince his words:
"Players have (always) played for the honor of competing for their country, carrying with them, in doing so, the hopes of millions of fans, of embodying their country's values and spirit on a world stage."
"This year, Team USA demanded to be paid, and asking to be paid while having the privilege of representing your country is antithetical to the honor inherent in it."
And European commentators don't disagree; on the contrary.
Andrew Coltart, who comments for Sky Sports, knows American fans well, having been a member of Team Europe that lost at Brookline in a heated atmosphere, to say the least, when both the American players and their fans were known for their lack of fair play, especially during the singles matches.
Well. The former Scottish player offers an interesting insight: namely, that the heated atmosphere everyone fears could turn against Team USA if things go badly.
"You look around and see your fans yelling at you. I believe this could happen, and I think they (the American players) know it, and it worries them."
"The New York crowd doesn't care where you're from or what you're doing. They paid for a ticket to see a victory, nothing less."
And if we add to all this, as the icing on the cake, Sam Torrance's sentiment that "he can't see any outcome other than victory" for Team Europe, the scenario is complete.
