The 2018 Ryder Cup matches are still nearly six months away, but the European squad may have already taken an early lead thanks to an incredible back-and-forth between fan Stephen Atkinson and European Captain Thomas Bjorn.
Atkinson, an average golfer from Berkshire, England, made the difficult decision earlier this month to — tongue firmly placed in cheek — withdraw his name from consideration as a captain’s pick for the September matches in Paris citing his duties as the Captain of the Babalou Golf Society as well as his sub-par golf game.
Unbelievable
Where do I go from here?
Stephen, please reconsider @RyderCupEurope pic.twitter.com/eCcYZ3fDDT— Thomas Bjorn (@thomasbjorngolf) April 23, 2018
Bjorn, who obviously has a lot of pressure on his shoulders to keep the European home soil winning streak intact — the Euros haven’t lost in Europe since 1993 — was devastated by the news that his player pool had dropped by one.
However, Bjorn one-upped his now-withdrawn player by not only posting his letter for the world to see but going to surprise Atkinson at his home earlier this week.
This @RyderCup fan surprised @ThomasBjornGolf with a letter ?
So the Captain returned the favour… pic.twitter.com/Py3PW92HGL
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) April 30, 2018
Atkinson was obviously surprised to answer the door and see Bjorn and the Ryder Cup staring back at him, but it made for a tremendous video, so kudos to both sides.
After seeing Atkinson wielding a wedge in his backyard, Bjorn was probably grateful that the Berkshire man decided that his game wasn’t up to snuff.
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