Our first Asian versus American Ryder Cup on May 19, 2001 was a success. The event was held at Little Bennett Golf course. Besides both sides having a good time, the most important thing is our Viethackers pulled out a squeaking 5-3 victory. This is after the match was tied at 2-2 after the morning matches. In the morning matches, we got great contribution from our #1 team of Kai & Kenny pulling a minor upset against the American team of Bobby/Mike…..it didn't look good when Bobby pulled out an iron on Hole 1 from the back tees and then hit his second shot within 12 feet. However, the resourceful Kai and "talking till you drop" Kenny came back and won the first match of the day. Other contributions came from Steve "I got to use Pro-v ball" and Han who destroyed the American team. They shot 38 in the front with timely pars and birdies to frustrate the American Captain Brian & Jamie. The one match Viethackers were expected to win was the #4 match of Thanh "what swing will I use today" and Phong "I only hit irons man". They lost the morning match against the timely American team of Mike/Brian. Of course, our Viethackers never showed up for driving range and could be a factor for the slow start. Our #2 team of Joe/Jeff lost as they were trying to get use to the subtleties of Little Bennett.

The afternoon match was a different story. At one time or another, the Viethackers were leading in all 4 matches. However, with a birdie-birdie finish, the team of Bobby/Mike pulled out a 1-up victory against "Laser Kai" and "fist pumping Kenny". Kenny's birdie on 17 to tie the match was heard all around Little Bennett. Again, Steve/Han provided another solid round with birdies on 10 and 17 to win their match and go undefeated in the tournament. Thanh/Phong rolling coaster back nine proved at the end they were more consistent. At one time they went from 2 up to 1 down in 3 holes and then rolled of 3 consecutive holes to close the match. With the scramble format in the afternoon, we actually saw the taylor made driver coming out of Phong's bag. However, the clinching match was from Joe and Jeff "I can drive 300 yard". Their solid back nine match wore down the Americans. For individual honors, Kai and Thanh won closest to pin honors for pro shop gift certificate for us while Brian won one for the Americans. Of course Thanh' closest to pin came under heavy scrutiny as he was hitting from 179 yards out versus 212 yard from all others.

Of course after the round, the Americans held a little barbecue while the Asians parted their own way like they didn't even know each other. Steve and Han were able to attend the American party and listened in on their stories. Of course, a little respect was shown as they thought golf was their game and that they would "manhandled" us. The discussion has started……where will they invite us for the rematch.

Scores (Front Nine - Best Ball Match)

Kai/Kenny 40 won 2 and 1
Bobby/Mike 42

Joe/Jeff 45
Dave/Dave 38 won 3 and 2

Steve/Han 38 won 4 and 2
Brian/Jamie 45

Thanh/Phong 43
Brian/Mike 41 won 2 and 1

Scores (Back Nine - Scramble format)

Kai/Kenny 38
Bobby/Mike 36 won 1 up

Joe/Jeff 37 won 2 up Dave/Dave 41

Steve/Han 38 won 4 and 3
Brian/Jamie 43

Thanh/Phong 41 won 2 and 1
Brian/Mike 44