The European team opened its defense of the Ryder Cup today in Kentucky. Over the past 10 years or more, this international competion has been transformed from a rather obscure event into one of golf's more compelling showcases with large, enthusiastic, flag-waving crowds and strong television ratings. Even without the presence of Tiger Woods this year, there is still a significant buzz leading into the latest chapter of this American-European rivalry.
Contrast this with another international sporting event taking place this weekend in Madrid - the U.S. vs Spain in tennis' Davis Cup. Even finding mention of it in the sports pages could pose a serious challenge. Quick. What is the Davis Cup? Who won the last Davis Cup? When did the United States last win? What is the format? If you answered "I don't care" to any or all of these questions, go to the head of the class. The Davis Cup was once a venerable tradition dating back to the amateur days of tennis when the men played in long white trousers. It continued to be popular in the golden era of tennis in the 1970's and early 80's. However, as tennis has declined in popularity over the last 20 years, so has the Cup. Now, it is a dinosaur sandwiched into a crowded schedule containing too many nondescript events. To make matters worse, the matches are dragged out for months.
The tennis powers-that-be should take a lesson from the Ryder Cup. A format for the Davis Cup should be devised so that the entire tournament could be played over one weekend. Otherwise it will continue to be a variation of the witness protection program - athletes with unfamiliar names playing in exotic places.
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