Relive Team USA's Ryder Cup Waterproof Disaster At Celtic Manor

Relive Team USA's Ryder Cup Waterproof Disaster At Celtic Manor

Team USA waterproofs 2010
(Image credit: Getty Images)

After a rain delay, Team USA were forced to spend thousands of pounds on new waterproof clothing.

Relive Team USA's Ryder Cup Waterproof Disaster At Celtic Manor

The Ryder Cup always throws up many memorable moments; the Concession in 1969, the Miracle at Medinah in 2012, and the American team having to buy new waterproof gear at Celtic Manor in 2010!

Related: 6 Of The Best Ryder Cups In History

In what could only be described as brutal conditions, the first victim of that year's Ryder Cup came in the form of Team USA's waterproof attire.

Team USA waterproofs 2010

Players ended up wearing a tan rain suit with short sleeves, whilst caddies wore red jackets. (Photo by David Ashdown/Getty Images)

Having to buy new rain gear from the merchandise tent during the weather delay on Friday, American Captain, Corey Pavin, said: "We were disappointed with the performance of them, they were not doing what we wanted them to do, so we went out and bought some more waterproofs."

The Sun Mountain gear, which was navy blue and had stripes around the arms and left leg as well as last names stitched on the back above USA, had already drawn criticisms on its looks, with unflattering comparisons being made with basketball tracksuits.

Team USA waterproofs 2010

Tiger Woods on the first tee during the morning fourball matches. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America via Getty Images)

What was even worse for Team USA, is that the gear that was bought was ProQuip, who, at the time, had been supplying the European team!

Obviously the European team found this hilarious, with Rory McIlroy tweeting "just have to say our waterproofs are performing very well!"

Team USA waterproofs 2010

Spectators walk through the mud at Celtic Manor. (Photo by Montana Pritchard/PGA of America via Getty Images)

Another player who seemed delighted at the outfit change was Ian Poulter, who said "I can see them on right now. Ours are keeping us nice and dry, that's all I am going to say."

Thanks to the rain delay, the final day concluded on a Monday for the first time in Ryder Cup history, with Europe regaining the trophy by 14.5 - 13.5 points.

Team USA waterproofs 2010

Rickie Fowler and Alexandra Browne during the morning fourball matches.(Photo by Montana Pritchard/The PGA of America)
Matt Cradock
Staff Writer

Matt joined Golf Monthly in February 2021 covering weekend news, before also transitioning to equipment and testing. After freelancing for Golf Monthly and The PGA for 18 months, he was offered a full-time position at the company in October 2022 and continues to cover weekend news and social media, as well as help look after Golf Monthly’s many buyers’ guides and equipment reviews.

Taking up the game when he was just seven years of age, Matt made it into his county squad just a year later and continues to play the game at a high standard, with a handicap of around 2-4. To date, his best round came in 2016, where he shot a six-under-par 66 having been seven-under through nine holes. He currently plays at Witney Lakes in Oxfordshire and his favourite player is Rory McIlroy, despite nearly being struck by his second shot at the 17th during the 2015 BMW PGA Championship.

Matt’s current What’s In The Bag?

Driver: Honma TW747, 8.75°

Fairway Wood: TaylorMade Rocketballz Stage 2, 15°, 19°

Hybrid: Adams Super Hybrid, 22°

Irons: Mizuno MP54, 5-PW

Wedges: Cleveland 588 RTX 2.0 Tour Satin, 50°, 56°, 60°

Putter: Cleveland TFI 2135 Satin Cero

Ball: Titleist Pro V1x