Brian Spurlock-US PRESSWIRE
ESPN’s Gene Wojciechowski told BBC radio presenters that he had “spent most of the morning here preparing my humble pie recipe” following his outlandish predictions for the Ryder Cup.
The US journalist had said that the only way Europe stood a chance on the last day of competition would be if Keegan Bradley was abducted, Davis Love III selected Michael Jordan and President George W Bush for the singles matches for Team USA or if an out-of-sorts Lee Westwood emerged in stars and stripes.
These calls were made with the game poised at 10-6 in favour of the Americans at Medinah Country Club, Chicago, but Wojciechowski was forced to admit he was “100% wrong” following Europe’s 14 ½ – 13 ½ victory over the United States.
Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live host Colin Murray he said, “It was an amazing day, an amazing comeback. I don’t really regret writing the column, but if in my small way I contributed to that European comeback, well, then good for everybody over there.”
The ESPN man’s foolhardy column may have reflected the mood in Chicago at the time. Europe had made some surprising omissions leading up to the last rounds and USA looked to have finally gelled as a team.
Wojciechowski would perhaps have even been afforded a few congratulatory back slaps on that day as young Rory McIlroy rolled into the grounds late, flagged by Illinois’ finest.
However, the young Northern Irishman and his cohorts rallied and overcame the barbs and the bunkers. By the time Ian Poulter had done his thing, Paul Lawrie had chipped in magnificently and Martin Kaymer had held his nerve it was over as a spectacle and Wojciechowski was left feeling rather silly.
Fair play to the journalist who holds his hand up, though. He admitted live on air that the tales of US collapse are far from the mark. “Team Europe won it,” he intoned. That’s right, Gene, try to get them back on side…
