Ryder Cup - Home Sweet Home

It’s finally upon us, Ryder Cup week 2012. On Friday 28^th September, Europe will begin the defence of their title against the US on their home turf, against a partisan crowd that has been the topic of much discussion leading up to the event.

Home advantage is always talked up as a factor in sport and golf is no different. For the pro’s familiarity with a course; where to hit the tee shots, the speed of the greens, weather conditions, can be the difference between a bad week and a good one. These variables even come into play for the average club golfer, playing against a rival club at home, can mean the difference between a lonely pint and a hero’s welcome in the clubhouse.

However, the Ryder Cup is different. Whilst some of the players may be more familiar with the behemoth that his Course 3 at Medinah CC, the home advantage is going to come in the form of the loud and proud galleries.

The US crowds are well known for being extremely vocal in support of their golfing heroes in any normal PGA event. Add to that, that this is the biggest golf event in the world, that it’s in their backyard, a famous sport loving city, and that they lost last time around, and it’s easy to see that the USA’s 13^th man will be fit and raring to go come Friday.

Before this gets too built up though, let’s be clear, home advantage is not the whole story of the 2012 Ryder Cup.  This is not going to be another ‘War on the Shore.’ The infamous 1991 playing was a battle in Ryder Cup history that probably did more damage to the competition than good, and showcased the worst side of a frenzied US crowd. This Ryder Cup will be intense and hotly contested no doubt, but Davis Love III, will also make sure that it goes no further than that. When asked about the titles of ‘War on the Shore’ and the ‘Battle at Brookline’ Captain Love has said ‘"I never liked the 'War by the Shore' title and you've been hearing me say it over and over again - I've been so impressed with Jose Maria (Olazabal, Europe captain) adding that ‘"There's no problem with it. This is not a war, and it won't be that."

Photo Team USA Ryder Cup Facebook

In addition, apart from the odd fan who has had one too many, or the guy that shouts ‘mashed potato!’ every time Tiger tees off (a phenomena that I personally think is hilarious), golf crowds on both sides of the pond tend to be more respectful now, appreciating the spectacle of golf that they are treated too from both sides.   

Also, it is an element that Olazabal’s men have utilised themselves in the last Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, and it is one they will be ready to face. Swede Peter Hanson, who was part of the 2010 winning team, told the Associated Press recently that ‘there’s no doubt, playing at home is a big advantage. We saw it last time in Wales, and we have seen it over here in the past....it’s just something we have to deal with, and we have to be stronger this time than we were last time.’

The victorious 2010 captain, Colin Montgomery, also told BBC sport recently that "It's difficult to win there. The last three Ryder Cups have been won by the home teams and I think home advantage is a big one." 

So, be prepared for a fierce encounter and a loud and very proud US crowd that will definitely offer a boost to the home side, but don’t think that has the European team beat before they even begin the foursomes.

Nick Gamble is a passionate golf writer & fledgling sports journolist who you can follow on Twitter via @NMGamble or visit his blog at http://threeofthetee.blogspot.co.uk/