/ 22 September 2008

Weekley, Perry, Holmes spark US win

Crowd favourite Boo Weekley, true to his gregarious nature, galloped up and down the first fairway astride his driver to help fire up the crowd on a nerve-racking final day of the Ryder Cup on Sunday.

”That’s one of the greatest things I’ve ever seen in my life,” US captain Paul Azinger said of the energy and enthusiasm created by Weekley that helped the U.S. beat Europe 16-½ to 11-½ to win the cup for the first time since 1999.

”There was a lot at stake for us. We had a little lead, and for him to gallop off that first tee, I’m telling you, the whole place just cracked up and embraced that guy.”

Azinger added that Kentucky natives Kenny Perry and JB Holmes had also shown similar enthusiasm throughout the week as Weekley, which was one of the key factors in the victory.

Their popularity with the huge galleries of pro-American fans, particularly Weekley, who drew roars of affectionate ”boos” throughout the week, had prompted Azinger to have them play one after the other in the singles on Sunday.

”I wanted Kentucky and … Boo in the middle,” the US captain said about his singles line-up.

Seeking 5-½ points in the 12 singles matches to claim the trophy, Perry was roared on by a boisterous crowd and used a hot putter to beat Henrik Stenson 3&2 in the fifth match of the day.

”This was my dream, it really was. I focused my whole year on this day and this week, and it came true for me,” said the 48-year-old Perry.

Weekley, who was greeted by a ”Boo-Wave” by the massive gallery as he approached the par-five seventh green in the sixth match, gave them more to cheer when he chipped in from the bunker for an eagle three to go 2-up against Wilson before he galloped to a 4&2 victory.

Holmes then put the US on the verge of victory in the seventh singles match when he beat Denmark’s Soren Hansen 2&1.

”I could never imagine as great as this day’s been,” said Holmes. ”It’s the best moment of my life. I’m so excited. It’s just an unbelievable day.”

Weekley, however, whose antics and attitude throughout the week had energised the fans, admitted their support had also helped him.

”It’s just been unbelievable, the support that the fans gave us,” said Weekley, who had broken into a broad grin at seven after he noticed the gallery simultaneously throwing their hands into the air. ”I think it took my game to the next level.

”The adrenaline, I feel like a dog that somebody … stuck a needle to and it juiced me up like I’ve been running around a greyhound track chasing one of them bunnies.” – Reuters