Permanent link All PostsEnthusiastic crowd around the first tee. Many British and Irish flags, big flags, billowing in the breeze. The players look young, strong, a bit tense and cold. The mist has receded and the fairways roll out, emerald and smooth, over the elevations. There’s a problem, no official clock, and there’s a scramble to find it just two minutes before the first match. Found. All is well. The first players are announced, Jennifer Song of the USA and Danielle McVeigh of Ireland. McVeigh has the honor. “Play away, please,” that great, timeless phrase that says it all. McVeigh bashes a towering drive down the fairway. The GB&I supporters give a lusty cheer. Song in her bright little red cap takes a few extra waggles, then hits a good one down the middle. A round of applause and off they go, sailing down the fairway in the most colorful match in all of amateur golf. Every two years these great friends and allies tee it up. They won’t be back here for four years. It’s time to soak it up and enjoy the glory of golf. The game is on.