WEST
2018 CHAMPS
For two days every October, there is a time where boys become men and men become legends. Famous duels will be spoken about in pubs and clubhouses, famous victories will be written about in golf journals, and that time when Tomo ruined the toilets at Celtic Manor will be remembered in the hearts and minds of all who witnessed it.
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It would be hard to forget such moments as Smithy's defeat of Jonesy in 2016, Dwyer's collapse on the second day in the same year, Loz dumping it in the water on the 18th in 2016 to lose the Tour Championship by one shot, remarkable comebacks from the West in 2016 and 2018, Tomo and Jonesy's rousing speeches in 2017 (with Tomo getting the last laugh in victory (now...)), Watkins' double victory on the final day in 2018, Jonesy's second unsuccessful year as Captain, Cowley's epic back 9 in 2018 to secure the Champion Golfer of the Year, and a wine-stained wall at Prince's GC.
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Great poetry has been written, great songs have been sung, and great speeches have been spoken, all about these two days in the Eurotweedan Tour calendar. Friendships, just like our golf balls, have been won and lost in the heat of the battle. Allegiances to the West or the East have been forged and never shall these waiver! . . . apart from when we're struggling to even the teams up and then we have to. But generally . . . in most cases . . . when we can avoid it . . . These shall never waiver!
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It is rumored that the Eurotweedan Tour Ryder Cup is the true original Ryder Cup, with that other one being a mere imitation. It has been said that it was fostered in the minds of Loz and Dwyer's great great grandparents, passed down through their generations and then finally coming to fruition in 2016 at Celtic Manor. Just like a fine wine, it has matured over the years and is certainly ready for tasting . . . and boy does it taste sweet!
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The trophy has changed since the inception of the event, with all members unsure of the whereabouts of the original 'Big Blue' trophy. The 'Big Blue' was found in a cave of wonder commonly referred to as Oxfam, and purchased at a knockdown price of £4.50. Little did the shop owners know what lay in their hands when passing it over to the Tour.
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After the West's victory in the inaugural Ryder Cup, Captain Dalton allowed Martin to take the trophy back home up t'north, as there wasn't enough room for it in Dwyer's car. That was the last we've seen of it, but it is rumored to be resting in Martin's sock drawer until the time comes for it to be brought back in to the public domain.
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The current trophy was said to have been deposited on Dwyer's desk by the golfing gods, with its mystery bringing much conjecture as to where it came from. Some say that underneath the white electrical tape (which has now been replaced by a metal plate) there may be a clue as to the trophy's previous life. However, none of us have dared to look as it is believed to bring bad golfing luck to whoever reveals its true identity.
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All we know is, it's the Eurotweedan Tour Ryder Cup, and everyone wants to win it.
