The Captain & Kuch Bring Home the Cup

This has been a big year for PGA TOUR golf pros that make St. Simons Island their home! After Matt Kuchar won a bronze medal for Team USA Golf at the Olympics in Rio, he, Zach Johnson, and Brandt Snedeker were all part of the triumphant Ryder Cup Team USA captained by Davis Love III. Love and his stellar team stormed Hazeltine National and brought the Cup home to the United States for the first time since 2008. Following disappointment at Medinah in 2012 and Gleneagles in 2014, and in the face of doubt that the U.S. could ever win again, Team USA won by the largest margin since 1981. It was definitely a team effort; for the first time since 1975 every player won a match and 10 of the 12 players earned two or more points. Of course, this feat is even more impressive considering the top-ranked European was none other than Rory McIlroy. Sunday’s match between McIlroy and Patrick Reed was one for the ages. Two putts holed from a combined 80 feet on No. 8, incredible shot making, and exuberant shows of emotion, it was an incredible thing to watch! Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia, 20 year rivals, upped their singles game too, with Garcia making 9 birdies and Mickelson making ten. It was Ryan Moore, the last player picked for Team USA that clinched the win with a two putt on the final green, following an eagle and a birdie. Numerous commentators and columnists have remarked on the depth and incredible camaraderie of Team USA.

We may be partial, but we also think it might have something to do with the fact that Southern Soul Barbeque accompanied the team to Hazeltine and fed them well. They also had a strong contingent of SSI friends and family there to support them and cheer them to victory. We know the after party sure looked fun! Congratulations to Davis and all of Team USA for their win and showing the world some great golf.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Davis Love and Matt Kuchar arriving with the Ryder Cup; Matt and Glynn Academy Girl’s Gold Team members with Robin Love; family matriarch Penta Love was on hand to meet her son; Davis and Matt with members of the Glynn Academy Marching Band.