BrandDunk

The United States finally reclaimed the trophy they used to regularly own.  The US team won 16.5 to 11.5 to win the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1999.  The big story leading up to the 2008 Ryder Cup was the absence of Tiger Woods.  The story coming out of the Ryder Cup is the US young guns who lead the team to victory.  The six rookies on the US team played a major role in their team’s victory, they all are on their way to becoming household names.  But who raised their stock the most at the 2008 Ryder Cup?  Which golfer did the most to improve their personal brand?

1. Anthony Kim – The next Sergio Garcia?  More likely the first Anthony Kim, because I believe Kim has a major victory or two in his future.  Something that Sergio has not made happen.  Kim’s thrashing of Euro Ryder Cup vet Sergio Garcia will be a match that is talked about for years to come.

2. Paul Azinger- He didn’t stroke one putt this week, but yet was the man most responsible for this US Ryder Cup victory.  Azinger lived and breathed this Ryder Cup for the past two years, and made the changes necessary for the US team to win.  Changing the selection process so he would have two more Captain’s Picks paid off.  Changing the format to start with fourball got the US team out to an early lead.  Encouraging the players and crowd to show their emotion provided the home field advantage the US team needed.  Expect Azinger to be back as Captain or at least Head Cheerleader at the 2010 Ryder Cup.

3. Boo Weekley- A great week for Booooooooooooo.  Everywhere he went the crowd serenaded him with “Booooooooooo” cheers, and Boo returned the favor entertaining them in his own unique way.  But Boo was more than just a character, his play was superb and a big part of the US victory.

4. Ian Poulter- The lone bright spot for the European squad.  Poulter was the best player on either team this week and truly looked like one of the top players in the World.  This event could be a springboard for Ian’s career.

5. Kenny Perry & JB Holmes – Two of Kentucky’s favorite (golf) sons had great weeks at Valhalla.  They were a huge part of this US victory.

Honorable mention: Hunter Mahan - 2 wins, 3 halves and zero losses deserves a mention.

Who did not help their brand at the 2008 Ryder Cup:
* Sergio Garcia- Tough week for El Nino.  His game was off and his beard/hair was awful.

* Phil Mickelson - Phil was 1-2-2 and once again lost his singles match for the 4th Ryder Cup in a row.  America’s top ranked player wasn’t one of the top players at the Ryder Cup.

* Lee Westwood – A classy guy, but there was no reason to whine about the crowd or Boo.

* Tiger Woods – Is the US Ryder Cup team better without him?  Probably not, but there will be plenty of people whispering that for the next two years.  Would it have killed Tiger to show up and support his US teammates?

Which Ryder Cup golfer was the big story in your opinion?