There’s not much left to do at the Ryder Cup. Enough with the talk and prep. It’s time to tee it up. Matches will get underway in just a few hours. Golf fans and I will be glued to the television the entire weekend. It is the ultimate team competition. The United States versus the Europeans. I am excited to see what will happen at Bethpage, a magnificent and massive public facility in Long Island, NY.

This is the 45th playing of the Ryder Cup. Two sessions on Friday and Saturday. 12 individual matches this Sunday. US Captain Keegan Bradley is armed and ready. The same goes for Luke Donald and the Europeans. The rosters are deep, with lots of talent. Each person brings something special. The press conferences are great. These guys are all itching for the opportunity. Lots of experience and several newbies. This is unlike any other tournament.

The host team usually wins. The home crowds play a major factor. But the foreign squad will definitely turn some heads this weekend. The US will need Scotty Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Bryson DeChambeau, and the other vets to play extremely well. Several rookies will get their shot. Only time will tell. All eyes will be on Rory McIlroy. The European leader has been rather outspoken. He believes his mates have a great chance to steal it. McIlroy struggled mightily the last time we played in the US. They will need him to perform if they are going to win.

Goosebumps. JJ Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns complete the US team. Tommy Fleetwood, Robert McIntyre, Justin Rose, Ras Hojgaard, Tyrell Hatton, John Rahm, Sepp Straka, Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry, and Matt Fitzpatrick join McIlroy on the Europeans.

This splendid venue and I have an interesting relationship. My first job out of college was with the United States Golf Association. I was actually stationed here at Bethpage, gearing up for the 2002 US Open. Yes. I got to meet several big names, but most of my time in Long Island was a total blur. I was on the USGA Operations Team, and we were responsible for everything outside the ropes. Parking, logistics, fencing, signage, and security. It was the year after 9/11, and it was complete madness. I was basically a grunt who served as a get-back coach. Somehow, we pulled it off. Tiger won the tournament.

I was able to golf on the Black Course a handful of times. My friends and I played from tips once, and that was a huge mistake. The Black is a monster, and it definitely lives up to the hype. They say it is the hardest track in the United States. Routinely tackling 460-yard par 4s into the wind isn’t what you’d call fun. I did hole out my second shot from the fairway on the difficult 15th. Say what? EAGLE. It’s a very challenging uphill dogleg, and finding my ball in the cup was one of my most memorable experiences in golf. It was definitely a five iron, but I don’t remember the exact yardage. Ask me again in a couple of years. The number constantly changes.

I really enjoy watching the world’s top golfers play courses I know. It puts things into perspective, and you quickly realize how talented they are. The folks at Bethpage aren’t your typical golf fans either. They are obnoxiously loud and dress like average Joes. Most wear New York Rangers hockey jerseys. Several Mets and Yankees, too. President Trump is coming to town. It will be super fun to watch.

The 15th hole is one of the toughest holes on the course. It will be a factor down the stretch. The guys will play it at 477 yards. Yes. A par 4. Good lord. Now I cannot predict what will go down. Who will win the cup? How did Rory do? Who knows. But I am positively certain that Bethpage Black will provide the ultimate test. And NO ONE will make an eagle on the 15th. Mark my words. Cheers.