U.S. seeks Ryder reversal

Cup has been elusive for Americans lately

? As if recent history weren’t enough, Europe showed just how tight a grip it has on the Ryder Cup.

U.S. captain Tom Lehman gathered his team on the 10th tee Thursday morning for the official team photo, which lately is the closest the Americans ever get to posing with the Ryder Cup trophy.

The Europeans didn’t even allow them that luxury at The K Club.

Whether it was a harmless oversight or not-so-subtle message about the true ownership of the shiny gold chalice, captain Ian Woosnam neglected to turn over the trophy even for 15 minutes of a photo opportunity. It was the first time since 1985 – coincidentally, the start of European dominance in these matches – that the 17-inch trophy was not part of the official team photo.

“I wasn’t aware of that,” Lehman said. “I have no idea what the protocol is or isn’t, so I can’t even respond to that.”

Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk were to meet Colin Montgomerie and Padraig Harrington in the opening fourball match, a sign that both captains were intent on taking control as early as possible.

The Americans have a 26-9-4 lead in the Ryder Cup since it began in 1927 as a friendly exhibition between American and British golf professionals, but the symbol of dominance over the last 20 years is the European flag, blue with 13 gold stars.

Europe has captured the cup seven of the last 10 times.