The Ryder Cup is a special event for me. You might say it's kind of a family thing.

In 1967, my Dad, Wendell Ross, was a rules official at the Ryder Cup when it was held at the Champions Golf Club in Houston, Texas. That was back when it wasn't even the Europeans... it was the British. 

Growing up, my Dad had some of the memorabilia from that event hanging in the den at our home. As a little guy, he told me stories of how great it was to attend and officiate the tournament. I thought, someday I'm going to play in the Ryder Cup. Although I became an accomplished junior player, the PGA Tour and the Ryder Cup weren't going to happen. So instead, turfgrass management became my career.

As my golf course superintendent career developed, I hoped to someday attend this event as sort of a family tradition. Then came my chance in 1999.  The Ryder Cup was scheduled for The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts, just outside Boston. I had moved out of New England to Colorado in 1995, but my good friend, Bill Spence, Director of Grounds at Brookline, gave me a call and asked me to come and help out. Enough said, and the bags were packed!

I consider that week, known as the Battle of Brookline, the highlight of my nearly 50 years in golf. One of my many memories is that final Sunday, when Bill addressed his staff and volunteers before we headed onto the course. Bill spoke of hope for a USA comeback, even though at that point the Euros had taken USA out to the woodshed for a good old fashion beating. I can remember walking down the stairs that morning feeling bad for my good, old friend Bill. There wasn't a chance on earth there could be a comeback. Well, we all know the end of that story.

So off I go again, this time to Hazeltine National Golf Club, in Chaska, Minnesota, for the 41st playing of this competition. I'm calling it the 50th anniversary of my Dad's Ryder Cup at Champions - 49 to be exact, but close enough for me. I'll be there with video gear in tow, trying to give everyone an inside look at Hazeltine's golf course superintendent, Chris Tritabaugh, his staff and the many volunteers preparing for this exciting competition. Follow along on my journey.

Oh, and by the way, I plan on bringing a few good luck charms from Brookline.  Stay tuned.