Michael Phelps, and the world’s greatest-ever Olympian, confessed he had never been so nervous or excited at a major U.S. sporting event that being present at last week’s Ryder Cup at Medinah.
Phelps was in Chicago lending his support to a USA side that went from being 10-6 ahead to lose the 39th Ryder Cup by a point.
Michael Phelps saying the Ryder Cup made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
“I was able to watch a lot of guys up front last week at Medinah but being able to go out in that environment on that course was something that I have never experience before in my entire career,” said Phelps.
“It was the first time for me being up so close on American soil to experience a team event like that.
“Of course, I had many Olympic team experiences but nothing compared to last week’s Ryder Cup being on home soil.
“Fans were crammed 10 to 12 deep down every fairway every single day and just going crazy, and it just makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.
“I’ve never ever felt that before back home and it was wild just watching those guys deal with that pressure they have to deal with it.
“I played on Medinah early last week and I was just so nervous on the practice range and still very nervous on that first tee.
“But while nobody like to lose, I’m sure the US team will do all it can to win the trophy back in two years time when the Ryder Cup here in Scotland.”
The 27-year old swimmer, who retired from the recent London Olympics with a record of 22 medals, is this week competing in the pro-amateur $US 5m Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.
Phelps is teamed with England’s Paul Casey and with the duo struggling to be lying well down the field at level par and 15 shots behind the leader.
“Golf is very frustrating game and a very humbling game, and also very challenging and I found that out today,” said Phelps.
“There was times when I was in thick rough and it was frustrating trying to hit out but I’m still having a blast.
“So being out here and playing these three great golf courses, maybe I can get a little bit better and improve.”
And a local radio station put the Olympic swim champion on the spot by asking him, in 10 seconds, to name as many golf theme movies as he could.
Phelps responded: “Happy Gilmour, Tim Cup and ah, um. That’s about all I can think of (laughing)”.
