An amateur’s guide to the glories of Gleneagles

Pity the folk at Gleneagles. They have the misfortune to host the Ryder Cup this year. Nothing, surely, can surpass the drama of the previous contest between the United States and Europe, held at Medinah Country Club near Chicago in 2012. The Yanks dominated for two days before Ian Poulter, an Englishman who plays golf with an intensity that borders on divine possession, marched on to the 18th green late on the second evening. He had the bit between his teeth, having made four straight birdies to keep himself in his game. All square; the US 10–5 up in the match overall. With darkness gathering and the boozy American support raining scorn on him, Poulter sunk a tricky 12-foot putt for birdie to win. He roared in defiance — eyes wide, knees bent and fists pumping.

The initiative, momentum — call it what you will — had visibly shifted. Yet European victory still looked impossible.