Overview

The Ryder Cup is one of the world's most dramatic sporting events. In 2014, the stakes were higher than ever, as the US team sought to recover from their devastating loss two years before; but the dominant European team stormed to victory, taking their tally to eight wins out of the last ten matches. In this gripping account, Iain Carter delves into the drama behind the epic battle at Gleneagles, from the appointment of the captains and the team selection, to the behind-the-scenes tensions and the thrilling action during the three days that culminated in Europe's blistering triumph. Tensions were running high in the build-up to the 2014 Ryder Cup. Following the 'Miracle' at Medinah that saw Europe take the trophy in 2012, the Americans pulled out all the stops, appointing veteran Ryder Cup hero Tom Watson as captain. Put under pressure, the Europeans bet on an outlier: Irishman Paul McGinley, a diminutive stalwart touring pro, a team man and an astute tactician. It was a fight between acumen and aura. Acumen won.On this occasion the European triumph was not miraculous; it was meticulous, the product of an extraordinarily detailed plan that rode the dramatic swings of fortune of the golfing calendar. Since Medinah, the golfing world had not just evolved; it had turned on its head. There was a new order. The old were fading, injured, out of form, unable to maintain winning habits. The younger generation had taken over. And, when it came to the showdown, McGinley's masterplan came to fruition. Telling the inside story of an enthralling contest, this is a fascinating look at the pivotal moment that established Europe as the undisputed leaders in the Ryder Cup.

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9781783960644

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Reviews

'A forensic examination... wonderfully and accurately chronicles the entire Ryder Cup story from captaincy selection to the sinking of the final putt in Perthshire. He encapsulates everything the contest involves, mainly by interviewing every key protagonist. This offers an attention to detail that replicates that of the successful European captain, Paul McGinley.' --Ewan Murray, Books of the Year, The Guardian; Proclaimed to be the ideal Christmas present by Derek Lawrenson, The Daily Mail; A great read I'd suggest you go out and get a copy before it sells out! - Stuart Barber, Amateur Golfer; IAIN CARTER delves deep into the heart of the Gleneagles Ryder Cup in Showdown to expose untold tales about the captains and players, painting a full and vibrant picture of the tournament - Charley Lemay, Golfmagic; 'As golf books go, Showdown is as good as it gets with all the background shenanigans as well as the golfing drama, brilliantly recounted by a gifted storyteller.'--Brian Keogh, Irish Examiner; 'A masterpiece about a masterpiece'--Peter Corrigan, thegolfinghacker.com; 'An impressive feat'--Simon Redfern, The Independent

Author Information

Iain Carter has been the BBC's Golf Correspondent for 11 years, leading commentary teams for BBC Radio 5Live at major championships and Ryder Cups. Iain travels the golfing globe to provide reports, blogs and tweets from all of the game's most important tournaments. A sports journalist since the mid-1980s, he also commentates on rugby and tennis. He is the author of Monty's Manor: Colin Montgomerie and the Ryder Cup (2010).

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