Ugly Americans Plus Sour Grapes Equal Bad Whine

Grow up, Europe, and take your Ryder Cup loss like men. No amount of whimpering and moaning will bring back the Cup. You choked--deal with it. Sorry if our galleries were a little unruly, but next time tell Colin Montgomerie to keep his mouth shut and we might be more polite.

Sure, we celebrated Justin Leonard’s 45-footer like a bunch of kids. Get used to it. This is the Ryder Cup, American-style, and if you don’t like it, in two years suck it up and try to do something about it.

CLYDE HARKINS

Santa Ana

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There is much to criticize about the Ryder Cup matches. The treatment of Colin Montgomerie was deplorable. Moreover, I simply do not understand why I should feel better about being an American because Justin Leonard got lucky and made a series of long putts late in the matches than I should feel worse because of NBC’s repeated showing of David Duval prancing around the putting green like Big Bird with a hernia after defeating an opponent who had a horrible day.

However, I do not see where Jose Maria Olazabal has reason to complain. Had he merely started his normal pre-stroke routine at the time the celebration over Leonard’s final heroics began, he would have been just about ready to attempt his crucial putt some five minutes later when it ended. Please, don’t tell these Europeans where Griffith Park is.

BART ROBERTSON

Torrance

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The tone and emotion of the Ryder Cup did not change on the 17th green of the Country Club last weekend, it changed in Valderrama two years ago when Seve Ballesteros changed the cut of the grass, the shape of the greens, added sand traps and drove his golf cart like he was on the Rat Patrol.

I remember all of that clearly, just as I will always remember Justin Leonard’s magnificent putt. Ballesteros’ reputation preceded him and he lived up to it. How dare the European team pretend that never happened.

I hope the Ryder Cup survives. But if it does not, its downfall started when Seve was named captain.

HENRY MENDOZA

Playa del Rey

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I would like to issue a profound apology on behalf of the UK media and certain representatives of the European Ryder Cup Team for the complete lack of dignity with which we greeted defeat.

Having witnessed a sporting fightback of gargantuan proportions, I was sickened that our media failed to acknowledge the golfing brilliance, instead concentrating principally on the invasion of the 17th green. The ensuing apology from the parties involved was, in my eyes, genuine and sincere.

As for the heckling and abuse, our media conveniently ignore Valderrama and Belfry galleries greeting U.S. missed putts with gleeful cheers and applause. We are equally guilty of being excessive in our jingoistic tendencies.

STEVE BRYDGES

Aberdeen, Scotland

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Blaming Johnny Miller for the U.S. celebration is like blaming the company that made the steel for the Titanic as the cause for its sinking. By the way, European captain Mark James was quoted as saying, “A lot of players will not be bothered competing in America again.” Tell that to Sergio Garcia, who will be playing in the Skins Game over the Thanksgiving weekend in Indio.

RON COOPER

La Crescenta

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So some European players will not compete in the USA anymore?

A few years back, they came here in red coats with muskets and we sent them packing. This time they came with sticks and we sent them packing. It’s OK, Europe. Under the circumstances, I might not bother either. And you’re free to do whatever you will, a freedom you have because the good old USA secured it for you.

MIKE HANNIN

Newbury Park

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This match-play event is so far removed from the gentlemen’s contest it is supposed to be, it defies explanation. David Duval is right. The Ryder Cup is an “exhibition.” Sadly, it is an exhibition that the great Bobby Jones would surely deplore.

CHRIS MACDONALD

San Clemente

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After Saturday’s Ryder Cup matches, J.A. Adande stated: “And now the Ryder Cup is over.” Oops!

Adande stated Monday that it was tasteless for Colin Montgomerie to have said prematurely, “You know we’ve won, don’t you?”

I suggest we hold writers to the same standards of accountability as the players they write about.

MICHAEL SHEEHY

Culver City