Once again it’s come down to that time of year when the U.S. battles it out with Europe for the Ryder Cup. Although I’m not a huge fan of watching golf tourneys, this one is a little different. Why? Because it involves teamwork, more than just golfer-caddy. In fact, I might even check the Ryder Cup odds and throw down a few bucks on it.

I don’t see anything wrong with wagering on your team. It’s like the Super Bowl for golf except the golfers don’t get paid. I guess it is more of a privilege to be there. An important thing to note about the Ryder Cup is that a good chunk of their profit goes back into helping develop the game.

Supposedly (do we ever really know), the monies earned are split amongst different organizations that promote golf to young kids or build and run training centers for the youth etc, etc… Actually, close to 3,000 free golf lessons were provided via Ryder Cup profits in 2011.

In 2004, the Ryder Cup was restructured and an agreement was formed between the PGA and it’s European counterparts to form the Ryder Cup European Development Trust. It pretty much takes a piece of the net profits and through grants, gives it back to grass roots efforts to spread golf through Europe.

Some of the key areas effected by this trust are to make golf available at schools, develop and organize a system for junior golf and make the game accessible to all. I have to say, I was not aware the Ryder Cup had this much of an impact. Talk about teamwork!

Hit’em long…yell FORE!!!