The Ryder Cup didn't disappoint but Ewen Murray thinks it should take place earlier in the year.
All 12 of Monty's men played their part
There used to be a show on television back in the 60s or 70s called "That Was The Week That Was" and it's a fitting title to the glorious spectacle that was the Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor last week.
Wherever you watched the event and whether it was in HD or 3D, one could not help but being captivated as the unscripted drama unfolded in the Usk Valley.
The Ryder Cup never fails to amaze and surprise you. You would think that with all of the outstanding contests over the past three decades, somewhere there would be a let down, but the bi-annual match keeps on delivering and the contest at the 2010 course in Wales did not disappoint.
Despite the inclement weather, as the moments ticked by the excitement heightened to a degree when you thought someone had dreamt this up. Surely over four days, 24 players competing in fourballs, foursomes and singles, it could not come down to two players in the last group?
Pressure
It of course did and my thoughts were that two players, Hunter Mahan and Graeme McDowell, should never have to face pressure of this magnitude. Their hearts must have been leaping out of their bodies as they traded shot for shot in front of millions of viewers. One mistake and they would have to live with that forever. Some will say Hunter buckled under the heat, but that would be foolish. Graeme performed like the hero he will now always be and his three at the 16th on Monday will go down as the finest birdie of his career, maybe the most significant birdie in the 83-year history of the Ryder Cup.
It's wrong of course to single out one member of Colin Montgomerie's magnificent dozen, for they all played a part in regaining a Cup that was embarrassingly lost in Kentucky two years ago.
Celtic Manor in the words of my Sky Sports colleague, Andy Gray, can take a bow. Their organisation and infrastructure was superb and they cannot be blamed for Mother Nature's intervention. Despite the awful weather the Manor put on a great show and with the course, specifically built for the Ryder Cup, it was a dream come true.
Around 50,000 spectators per day were moved effortlessly in and out of the venue with ease and the careful planning allowed the fans plenty of room. The viewing was that of a stadium effect and I would say here, the fans were truly wonderful in supporting the European side while having some fun with the Americans, who to their credit, joined in the humour.
Honour
The two captains, Corey Pavin and our own Monty, were a credit to their sport and although I'm European through and through, I would not have been upset if all of this ended in a draw as there was so much to admire.
You will have your own thoughts of the coverage and commentary, but I would say now it was an honour to be a small cog in the huge television wheel. For the first time, the event was televised in 3D. During my breaks, I went in to watch the 3D coverage and in a short space of time, this will be the future of golf on TV.
Our game is made for 3D as it highlights the changes in elevation of the courses. Tennis, football and rugby is played on a level playing surface, but golf is played on an uneven surface and this new innovation gives you a deeper understanding of the skills of the stars you are watching.
Next year, The Masters will be available on Sky Sports in 3D and you will be amazed at how hilly the Augusta course is. For the first time you will see why so many Masters have been lost rather than won.
Surprised
So what did you think of the Ryder Cup? It is wrong to single out Graeme McDowell as the man who won the Cup. All 12 of Colin's team played their part in a stunning team performance.
Monty's decisions for his wild cards were hotly discussed. For the first time in European history, there were many to choose from. Had Paul Casey been given the nod, we would all have felt for Harrington and Rose. Had Rose been picked, we would have been saying, tough on Casey and Harrington and so on.
I was surprised to see your replies on Harrington. Many of you said there was a witch hunt. I have no idea what the other bloggers wrote, but having looked back at this column, I don't know where you are coming from.
I cannot re-write Padraig's record during the past two years, nor ignore his Ryder Cup record since 2004, or understand his crazy schedule this season. What I can do - and tried to do - was give an opinion, that's all. As I've said before, this column is purely about golf, nothing else. In this job you need a thick skin, but I don't mind saying I was a little stunned by some of the comments that hinted I was personally anti-Harrington. As I have said before, I do not know Padraig, but if I did I would have voiced the same concerns simply because of his play during the past year or so, because these thoughts would have been valid.
Ushered
As it turned out, Padraig played a huge part in the win in Wales. The way he ushered rookie Ross Fisher around the course was magnificent and that was one of the reasons I thought Harrington would be picked rather than Rose or Casey. Although I did not go along with his selection on form, that doesn't mean to say the team was weaker for his inclusion.
You may all write in and say his golf was brilliant, but I have to say that was not the case. However, now that the Ryder Cup is past tense, we may well see the real Harrington in the very near future. There is no doubting his rich and extensive talent, but you know, all of the great players hit tough times as far as form is concerned and Padraig has experienced lows.
Ross spoke warmly of Padraig's contribution and together they gelled beautifully. The Irishman's shortcomings were evident on the final day when Zach Johnson brushed him aside. The three-time major champion has many golden days ahead of him; he just needs to find what works for him again. My belief is that he will do that.
Martin Kaymer was a surprise. I thought he would shine above the rest but failed to hit top form. He is young and will enjoy many victories in the next few years. Ian Poulter's confidence in himself is admirable, even more so when he delivers what he has promised. For the second time running, he was a true blue.
There were no real heroes; all played a big part in an historic win. The 12 players were a great team and for many, this is a platform for them to advance their careers.
What happens now to the career of Captain Montgomerie? I don't think he is finished as a player and I feel there is another win at least in the future. There was a close-up of him as the match came to an end and I quoted his words when he was made captain: "I will leave no stone unturned in my effort to win back the Ryder Cup." Monty was as he was on Ryder Cup singles day - moody, majestic and at times, brilliant.
Weather warning
While we eulogise about what was an unforgettable week, we need to think hard about Gleneagles in four years time. This date, early in October is too late. The weather is unpredictable and the daylight is short. Someone needs to pull the PGA Tour commissioner to one side and tell him The Ryder Cup is far more important than the Fed-Ex Cup, which will come and go. The 83-year event brings vital support to the grass roots of the game via the PGAs of America and Europe.
The Fed-Ex should take second place and their dates should be determined by Samuel Ryder's legacy. For the record, Gleneagles was closed last weekend and it's not that unusual for snow to fall on the Ochill Hills in October. For the powers that be, a warning.
Criticism
If you think I was hard on Harrington, what about Johnny Miller's comments on NBC concerning Phil Mickelson? Before Phil's superb play in the singles on Monday, Miller said: "If Mickelson did not have a short game he would be selling cars in San Diego." Phil has been at the top for 20 years. He has won more majors than Miller whose career was short albeit admirable.
Mickelson does some wonderful work away from golf and is keen to keep a low profile on that. He has endured a very difficult time off the course with his charming wife Amy battling a life threatening illness. His mum is in the same boat. Phil has played virtually a full schedule during this stressful time and as always has given everything to the event and the fans.
I played with Johnny in the third round of the Open in 1984 at St Andrews and he bitched the whole way round despite shooting a three-under-par 69, which was impressive to say the least. Miller needs to understand his days are long gone and his comments should be based on his knowledge of the game, a game that has changed since his days. Golf is richer for having Phil up there challenging for world number one. He is the people's champion and one of the sport's gentlemen. His long game is okay too.
Celebration
No more mentions of the Ryder Cup for a long spell and this week the attention is turned to a celebration of links golf at St. Andrews, Carnoustie and the delightful Kingsbarns. The East Neuk of Fife takes centre stage for the Dunhill Links Championship, the brainchild of South Africa's Johann Rupert who has supported both amateur and professional golf worldwide. I'm looking forward to seeing my pal Jamie Redknapp performing at his best, and Ruud Gullit, a low handicap golf fanatic doing the same. I hope they play as well as they talk in our Champions League coverage! Or else!
More than anything, I'm dreaming of some haddock and chips in nearby Anstruther and a walk along St Andrews Bay in the brisk north-east wind. All is well in the golfing world. The Ryder Cup is back home and like you, Colin Stuart Montgomerie is my hero.
