While much of Europe suffers with torrential rain, wind, and other freak weather, it was a lovely sunny day at Silves GC in the Algarve. The organisers made a wise decision to hold the event there !

So the two evenly balanced teams (836 shots to Europe and 837 shots to the US) assembled at the course with the usual set of instructions and complicated score cards, mostly dressed in various combinations of red, white, blue and yellow - even a couple of head to toe stars and stripes.

After 5 teams had returned to the clubhouse, the matching of handicaps seemed to be providing an even contest, with the US only enjoying a modest lead - 10.5 to 9.5.

However the next 5 matches produced a massive wave of blue - Europe had turned things round to lead 24.5 to 15.5. The Captain of the US team, Dave Darling, was already at this stage demanding a recount, suggesting it was all rigged, and threatening to storm the Clubhouse with his gang of deluded followers wearing furry hats and bull horns. Perhaps the swing to Europe was "fake news"?

Well ...... the US team out on the course were not aware of this pending riot at the clubhouse, and to avert a crisis, staged a rather miraculous comeback. Some smiles were wiped off the faces of members dressed in blue, when suddenly after another 5 matches, the US had closed the gap to only be trailing 31 to 29. This is good stuff - it should be on the telly.

There were only 4 more results to come in.

The next result swung things in the US's favour for the first time since the early rounds - the US was now leading 33 to 31. There were now only 3 scores to come. (Imagine viewers, glued to their TV screens watching every lip out, every fluffed bunker shot, every shank.)

Then a big win for Europe - they now lead 34.5 to 33.5, with 2 scores to come. Nails were being bitten.

Another win to the US, who now lead 36.5 to 35.5 - with only one score to come. It's enough to make you wet yourself. Where are the TV cameras?

Dave was contemplating returning to his car for his putter, thinking a putt out against Keith Scott (the Captain of Europe) might be necessary. Alas it was not to be.

The US comfortably won the final match, meaning the US won overall with a final score of 40.5 to 35.5.

As usual, this event delivers - year after year.

I still have not had a phonecall from Sky Sports about next year, but I will give them a day or two more.

Thank you to everyone who took part, and to everyone who helped run the day. Particular thanks to those who stayed behind afterwards to enjoy the sunshine, food (100% positive feedback?), quiz, and company, as it is those who do so that really make these events special.