I looked like the typical American tourist with the radio and binoculars draped around my neck, but I didn't care.
We found a nice, high spot and watched 10 groups play the first hole. We could also see the video board and kept up with what the other groups were doing. During commercials, I flipped over to listen to the BBC commentators. They were a hoot.
They got as excited calling golf shots as American announcers get broadcasting football or basketball games.
Then we made what turned out to be a good move. Instead of watching the groups play the adjacent No. 9 hole, we walked over near the 10th green. From there, we were able to watch the first eight groups putt out on No. 10 and then play the par-3 11th hole. We even had our own personal Amstel Light distributor nearby.
Anthony Kim and Sergio Garcia were in the first group. Kim really excited the crowd, and loud cheers went out when Garcia three-putted No. 11. The loudest cheers, of course, were for favorite sons Kenny Perry and J. B. Holmes and "cousin" Boo Weekley.
They acknowledged and seemed to really appreciate the ovation. After Jim Furyk and Miguel Angel Jiménez completed the 11th hole, we walked downhill to watch Perry, Weekley, Holmes, and Furyk play No. 15.
Our viewing strategy was successful, as we got to see some great golf. I did have a few regrets.
We didn't get a chance to see Weekley and Holmes birdie No. 16 or see Holmes birdie No. 17. But at least we weren't one of the poor souls that stood around the 18th green and only got to watch one group finish.
And even though we couldn't actually see Jiménez miss his birdie putt on No. 17, which clinched the cup for the U.S., we experienced the celebration that followed. And, of course, what major sporting event would be complete without seeing Andrew Rogers, which we did near the 17th fairway.
The Ryder Cup has changed my perspective on golf. I've always been one of those people who, if Tiger Woods wasn't near the top of the leader board in a major tournament, tended not to watch. After Tiger had surgery, I was disappointed, but Winchester County Club golf professional Bob Baldwin predicted that the remaining players would pull together and play some fantastic golf. And they did.
I've now come to appreciate rising stars like Kim, Hunter Mahan, and Holmes.
And, unlike Lee Westwood, Weekley can play golf in our foursome anytime.
Last Sunday, I was not only proud to be an American, I was especially proud to be a Kentuckian.
