THE dictionary defines strategy as “the art of military command as applied to the overall planning and conduct of large-scale combat operations”, which sounds pretty big stuff when all that is under discussion is a golf match. Ask Bernhard Langer what he thinks of the term, however, and he will probably agree with every word of it — he is that kind of chap.
Hal Sutton is about as different from Langer as any man could be; he is a sergeant-major whose words will never be minced, against whom Langer is the punctilious planner who has probably not raised his voice in his life. What they share, however, is the perspicacity, prescience and, when it is needed, downright low cunning that is required to plot the path of 12 good men and true through the three days of a Ryder Cup match.
Their styles during this week have been very different, and yet, when they are examined more fully, curiously alike. Both have been determined not to reveal their hand when it comes to pairing players, preferring instead to have their men get to know the course rather than fret about who they might be playing with. The basic principle seems to be, “if you don’t tell them, they can’t get worried about it”.
The Ryder Cup is as much a match between two teams as a battle of bluff and counter-bluff between the captains. In 2002 at The Belfry, Sam Torrance packed the top of his singles order with his leading players, outwitting Curtis Strange, his opposite number, who left his best until last. Torrance’s strategy was a gamble — and it worked. By the time the match got to the last few rubbers, Europe had won.
Those, though, are the broad brushstrokes of strategy. Just as important can be the smaller decisions. Who drives first in foursomes? Who, and in what situations, putts first in four-balls? On a short par-four that is reachable off the tee, such as the 356-yard 6th here, who, if anyone, goes for it and who does not, especially in four-ball matches? All of these things, and more, are doubtless pounding through the two captains’ minds like a herd of runaway broncos.
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The Oakland Hills course provides its own questions and the answers to them might have a crucial effect on the result. Lee Westwood gave an insight into the strategy and its little brother, tactics, yesterday. “The par-threes (here) are all odd numbers, so in my mind the good driver of the ball would take the even numbers and the good iron player the odd numbers,” he said. It would also put a longer hitter in the driving seat on the two par-fives.
And so it goes on. Where and when are putts conceded? Does a veteran go with a rookie? Who is rested and who plays five times? And finally, who will be lucky? No amount of strategic planning can guarantee that — but it might be the most important gift of them all in the next few days.