Madam, - As an Irish-American golfer and regular Irish Times reader, I question the decision to include the highly political and unsympathetic discussion of the US Ryder Cup team by Bruce Selcraig in last week's otherwise first-rate supplement.
From a spectator standpoint the Ryder Cup, Brookline notwithstanding, is a great example of an international sports event where the competitive aspects don't obscure the respect the opposing teams feel for one another. And while I'm no fan of Tom Lehman's, I noted that he led a prayer meeting at the US PGA tournament to remember Heather Clarke and to show the respect held by tour pros for their fellow golfer Darren.
In criticising the attitudes of US players towards the less deserving, Mr Selcraig conveniently neglected to mention the millions of dollars they raise and donate to charitable causes. Is he ignorant that, on a per capita basis, their contributions to these causes exceed those of any other group of professional athletes, European or American?
We have been hearing a lot about the economic benefits which can accrue to Ireland from hosting this year's cup. Certainly, the event would not have been staged here had Mr Selcraig's anti-American attitude been the prevailing one on this island. I'm confident the Irish Tourist Board and the Irish golf industry, which continue to benefit from the host of American golfers, would question the value and relevance of his comments.
If the purpose of his article was to change a reader's support for one of the teams, it has been entirely successful. Personally I found it a good reason to root for my American counterparts, whereas before I was partial towards the European team because of the highly personable and sportsman-like Irish members. - Yours, etc,
NED McLAUGHLIN,
Portaleen,
Carndonagh,
Co Donegal.