Ryder Cup Disappointment

Dealing with disappointment feels like a fitting topic this month—maybe because I’m feeling a little down myself.

I absolutely love the game of golf. Every part of it. I love to watch it, to play it, and yes—even to feel frustrated by it. Because golf, at its core, is a game of constant disappointment. I’m always a little let down by myself, my swing, or my score.

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The other day, I saw a hilarious meme on Instagram. It showed a man being interviewed as if he were a professional golfer, but he was clearly just an average player like the rest of us. With complete seriousness, he said he played poorly because of his “negative attitude and high expectations.” It was so dry and “tongue in cheek” that I still laugh every time I think about it.

Because really… that’s me. My expectations are sky-high, and I continually let myself down. Will I ever be happy with my score? Probably not. I know I have the ability to be a decent golfer—good enough not to embarrass myself—but greatness? Maybe not. And yet I still expect it. Is it even possible to lower your expectations?

Anyway, I digress.

We all face disappointment every day, and over time we learn to manage it so it doesn’t take us down. We’re disappointed in our jobs, our coworkers, our kids, even our heroes. It’s part of life.

But last month, during the Ryder Cup, I found myself disappointed on a different level—not in myself, but in my fellow golf fans. I felt embarrassed, frustrated, even ashamed. The shouting, the heckling, the confrontation involving Rory McIlroy’s wife—it was all too much. At that moment I was embarrassed to be an American.

Afterward, I couldn’t help but wonder: what can we, as Americans and lovers of this game, do about it? Personally, I’m over the obnoxious yelling after every tee shot. You know the one guy—always shouting something stupid after the swing? We all roll our eyes, but no one does anything.

So here’s a thought: kick them out. Find the person who can’t respect the players or the game, and escort them off the course. I don’t have all the answers, but maybe if we stop tolerating it, it’ll stop happening. Tell the guy to knock it off. If we all speak up, maybe the message will finally land.

And while we’re at it, let’s find an ambassador to apologize to Rory McIlroy and his wife—to let them know not all Americans are drunk idiots. Rory is one of the best golfers in the world. He deserves respect. This isn’t an MMA fight; it’s golf.

If you’re reading this, chances are you love this game as much as I do. Let’s not let a few bad apples ruin it for us. Golf should be a source of joy, not disappointment or embarrassment.