STRAFFAN, Ireland - US Ryder Cup captain Tom Lehman paid tribute to Ian Woosnam's triumphant Europeans after their record-equalling performance at the K Club this morning.
Holders Europe romped home by 18-1/2 points to 9-1/2, matching the winning margin they achieved at Oakland Hills two years as they clinched the
trophy for a record third successive time.
"I need to tip my hat completely to the European team," Lehman told reporters after the Americans slipped to their fifth defeat in the last six Cup matches.
"They played incredibly well, they were inspired. They made us pay every time. I always thought the Europeans chipped and putted well but this was something else.
"I just don't know if there has ever been a European team that has played better."
Lehman made meticulous preparations for the 36th edition of the event, working hard to strengthen team bonding and seemingly pulling off a master stroke last month by taking his 12 players on a two-day reconnaissance trip to the K Club.
Asked if he had any regrets over his planning, he replied: "I think second-guessing is a waste of time.
" "I do know that everything we did, we did for a reason and with the best possible intention. You always probably have to think about what we could have done better, what we could have changed to make it work out better.
"Not that many bases were uncovered. But it didn't work out and now over the next few weeks I'll try and figure out why not.
"Our team came ready. I guess we weren't quite ready enough. But I definitely have to give credit where credit is due. The European team played better."
Asked whether Americans fans might lose interest in the biennial competition following the dismal US run in the last six editions, Lehman replied: "I find that rather insulting.
"The calibre and courage of our team was never in question. And anyway, everything goes in cycles.
"There will be a time when we're sitting here and people will be asking if the Europeans will be losing interest when the American team is on top."
A veteran of three Ryder Cups as a player, Lehman applauded the spirit in which the matches were conducted.
"I thought the players genuinely played with respect for each other. It had all of the emotion and passion but it was a well, well played match," he said. "The guys were simply fantastic."
- REUTERS
