Dear Industry Colleague,

As the excitement mounts for the Ryder Cup, we must celebrate the rich sporting calendar we have enjoyed of late. In the golfing world, the Americans defeated Great Britain and Ireland in the Curtis Cup, but Europe enjoyed a great win over the Americans in the Solheim cup. 

It is interesting to note that following a poor sporting decision by the European team in relation to a tiny unconceded putt in the 2015 matches, the Americans rallied strongly with great skill and purposeful indignation. In the matches this year, the Americans were very quick to take advantage of a technicality when the Europeans conceded a ball without giving their opponent’s completely stationery Titleist the chance to fall into the cup for a full 10 seconds. This too was poor sportsmanship and led to a strengthening of the resolve of the European team and another victory on American soil. Karma is important in these games - ask Jack Nicklaus and Tony Jacklin about the bigger picture. 

Football, cricket and tennis have had great interest of late, with a very strong showing in the Euros from England, followed by exciting news of Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United and the new Premier League season. 

Cricket has been tainted by the abandonment of the fifth test - sadly de-prioritised by the Indian Premier League and the vulgar pile of loot that it splashes around so liberally. And perhaps the Ashes too is in doubt due to the understandable Covid restrictions imposed by the Australian government. 

Tennis has now found its own youthful superstar in Emma Raducanu - a gorgeous injection of youthful pizzazz and enthusiasm. I’m sure she will be well guided by her parents and management company. She is very composed and assured on the court, but with so many people wanting a fraction of her time, she must be resolute in defending her time and privacy. Her success is a triumph for the Lawn Tennis Association, which has done a marvellous job of nurturing her talent to date. 

Covid dented the Tokyo Olympics and prevented a huge viewing opportunity for hundred of thousands of tourists keen to see the finest athletes compete for their countries. Nevertheless both the Olympics and Paralympics were resounding successes and congratulations all round. 

So we have enjoyed a wonderful summer of sport and I do hope that we can round it off with a Ryder Cup triumph in America. I predict a 15 to 13 winning score line for the Europeans!

Best wishes,

Colin Jenkins