Lacking passion?

This weekend saw Europe tussle it out with GB&I for the Seve Trophy, and though emotions would be raw with the great man having passed away earlier this year, it still lacked passion to me. There was no real hype, minimal build up and you had to look hard to find out what was going on. GB&I came out on top but there was none of the ferocity that accompanied last year's Ryder Cup. 

The Rest of the World are preoccupied with gearing up to beat the US in the President's Cup in November, so a battle against them is not an option. But if, in the year that God requested a short game lesson from Senor Ballesteros, the likes of McIlroy, Kaymer and Casey can turn down the opportunity to play it speaks volumes about the image problem of the competition. While Donald has the excuse that he is vying to win the FedEx what pressing engagement prevented the others from participating?

Inadvertently highlighting the fundamental issue was young McIlroy, never far from the media spotlight this year. His poorly judged tweet asking whether it was wrong that he was enjoying the European fightback in the singles summed up the problem rather well! Of course it is Rory, they are the opposition. Thankfully Messrs Poulter and Westwood put him right but at the end of the day McIlroy's position is understandable. The fundamental problem is that under the banner of team golf they are all mates not rivals and a year ago were drowning in champagne after beating the Yanks.

I must say that the Seve Trophy wasn't the only thing missing a bit of spark. I nipped out for my lunchtime practice session today and really couldn't be bothered. It's never happened to me before but hitting wedges on the heath, just isn't good enough. Gagging to get on the course or at least the practice area, but sadly I'll have to wait till Thursday for that. Sad times.