BERNHARD WINS IT FOR EUROPE!
Bernhard Langer steered the 2004 European Ryder Cup team to a stunning victory on USA soil, Langer's team thrashing the home side to a record 18.5 points to 9.5 points victory. The team were full of praise for their captain, with Ian Poulter describing Langer as 'awesome' and Thomas Levet using every english superlative he could to describe his captain.
Langer was ice cool throughout as he plotted his team's path to victory, and no amount of empassioned storm and thunder speeches from his opposite number and friend Halk Sutton could disturb Langer's focus. Langer did everything right - his picks (Donald and Montgomerie) were inspired; his tactics of getting the team to befriend the crowds on practice days lessoned the home sides partisan suppport; his pairings gave him a 5 point lead going into the singles; and his low key course management (especially evident on the par 3's where he advised each player which shot to hit) helped his side to manage Oaklands unforgiving greens.
His superiority in captaincy over Hal Sutton, clear from the very start, was never more obvious than on the final day singles - traditionally the USA's strength. Sutton, seemingly lost for ideas, merely sent his team out in the order they qualified. Langer, anticipating an American line up with strength at the top, spread his team's strengths evenly to ensure experience in all areas. Playing Montgomerie at 6 was inspired as it came down to him to secure the victory. Even had Monty failed in his match Langer wisely placed the confident Irishmen Harrington and McGinley in the final two games as added insurance - both won their matches.
He and Sutton both contributed hugely to a very dignified Ryder Cup played in an excellent sporting atmosphere, with fair-spirited competition prevailing amongst players and spectators.
Luckily for Langer there was no water hazards near the 18th green so his team could not give him a celebratory throw into the pond, but they made up for it by soaking him in champagne instead. A smiling Bernhard said "I've never smelt so bad and never felt as good"!
Bernhard's successful captaincy can now be added to an already outstanding Ryder Cup record, and it would be no surprize to see Bernhard feature again in future competitions - as Captain, Captain's Assistant or indeed as a player once more.
For full Ryder Cup Reports and stats, follow the links below.
IMAGES:
Bernhard and team herald Monty's winning put in the Sunday singles.
Photo: Getty Images
Langer and Monty congratulate eachother on a job well done.
Photo: Getty Images
A champagne drenched Bernhard celebrates.
Photo: Getty Images
Bernhard on Thomas Levet's Shoulders, 18th green celebrations.
Photo: Getty Images
Bernhard kisses the cup at the closing ceremony.
Photo: Getty Images
Captain Langer and the victorious European Team.
Photo: Getty Images
Bernhard was successful Captain of the European Ryder Cup Team for the 35th Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills America, in September 2004. Follow the links below for press conferences, views and features.
September 2004
LANGER PICKS MONTY AND DONALD FOR 2004 RYDER CUP
Picture: Getty Images
Following an amazing BMW tournament where those in contention for Ryder Cup places battled it out near the top of the leader board, Bernhard Langer announced that Colin Montgomerie and Luke Donald would make the team for Oakland Hills in three weeks time.
For a full transcript of the press conference, click on the image above. The full teams are as follwos:
FULL 2004 RYDER CUP REVIEW (OFFICIAL RYDER CUP WEB SITE)
Video: Ryder Cup Preview (EuropeanTour.com)
Press Conferences during 2004 (Official Ryder Cup Web Site)
Profile: Bernhard Langer (Official Ryder Cup Web Site)
European Team Qualifying (EuropeanTour.com)
American Team Qualifying (PGATour .com)