THE Ryder Cup is back in European hands – and a former Chester golf club professional helped regain the prize from the Americans.
Garry Houston, who used to play out of Carden Park, saw all his dreams come true when he was asked by good friend and Europe’s vice-captain Thomas Bjorn to assist him at Celtic Manor.
And after the celebrations had died down following a memorable victory for Colin Montgomerie’s men, a text message from Bjorn said it all.
It read: “I’m not sure I could have coped so well this weekend without you there.”
Houston received the message as he headed to his Gresford home for a break before flying out to Toulouse to play in an event on the European Challenge Tour.
“I’m sure he would have coped fine,” said the 39-year-old, who grew close to Denmark’s Bjorn when they played alongside each other on the main European Tour. “But he’s one of my best friends and for him to ask me to assist him was an honour.”
From start to finish, Houston was where everyone watching at home wanted to be – the inner sanctum of the European team dressing room.
As a non-playing assistant to Bjorn, he watched as the players prepared to carry the weight of the continent on their shoulders in South Wales.
He listened as captain Montgomerie stirred his troops into action and he felt the strain as Graeme McDowell won the decisive final singles match against Hunter Mahan to win the Ryder Cup for Europe by just one point on Monday.
“I was amazed at how calm the players were before they would go out,” said Houston, who used to work in the club shop at Carden Park and remains a regular visitor to the Broxton Road club.
“There were the 24 best golfers in the world preparing for one of the biggest competitions and they just got on with it.”
For Houston, playing any part – even a support role – in Europe’s Ryder Cup team was the culmination of a lifelong ambition.
“It had always been a dream to be involved in the Ryder Cup,” said the Liverpool FC supporter.
“But there comes a stage in your career when you accept it is never likely to happen.
“I thought that, but when I received that call from Thomas I got my chance.”
He is now hoping the experience of mixing with players like Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy will improve his own game.
“I have seen how those at the very top prepare for and deal with situations,” said Houston, who finished a career-best 74th on the 2006 European Tour, winning 315,751euros. “Hopefully I can take that and use it to raise my own game.”
