Maginnes: This unique Ryder Cup inspired us all

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LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Far too often we over-romanticize. We place an intangible value on places and events that simply don't warrant it in a vain attempt to create tradition.

U.S. Captain Paul Azinger knew that the Ryder Cup could be revitalized with a few changes to tradition, says John Maginnes. (Redington/Getty Images)

Relive the 2008 Ryder Cup!

Conversely, we sometimes drape tradition in a cloak of infallibility and turn a blind eye to antiquated ideals. The interesting thing about nostalgia is that you don't realize you're wrapped up in it -- or more accurately, that you have been drowning in it -- until you experience something truly unique.

Those of us who were fortunate enough to walk the fairways at Valhalla Golf Club during the Ryder Cup last week had that experience. The age-old recipe was cooked in a cauldron of youthful exuberance, and golf fans everywhere drank it in more deeply. Anthony Kim, Boo Weekley, J.B. Holmes and Hunter Mahan reminded us that some events live up to the billing. There is simply nothing like the Ryder Cup.

Michael Jordan, who was on hand to cheer on the Americans, said that the Ryder Cup is his favorite event in sports. It would not have seemed like such a gesture from one of the most recognizable athletes in history if his friend Tiger Woods had been on the American side. And he was joined, if not in body but certainly in spirit, by the athlete that he supplanted at the top of the sports world, Muhammad Ali, who, despite battling Parkinson's Disease, participated in as many of the festivities as he was physically able.

The most famous basketball player and iconic pugilist were hardly the only dignitaries on hand. Former President George H.W. Bush was in the gallery, cheering with former captains as the young Americans stole the show. In this era, the Age of Tiger, it is not uncommon for A-list celebrities to grace the fairways of the PGA TOUR or major championships to be a part of his unfolding history. What is truly unique in this era, though, is for an event to stand alone as the game's single most compelling event in his absence. One can only imagine what he was feeling as he watched from afar, text-messaging Captain Paul Azinger along the way.

Tradition has it that in Europe stars are born in Ryder Cup competition, but that probably changed this week. Although Anthony, Boo, J.B. and Hunter were certainly known prior to last weekend, their swings, smiles and certainly those fist pumps are etched into our consciousness now because in the end they did far more than add to their resumes and raise their profiles. At Valhalla they wrote the first page of their individual legacies and enriched the already existing history of the U.S. Team.

Saturday night Azinger said that Boo might be the "biggest character" to ever play for the Americans, and it would be hard to argue. His personality seemed to permeate the American side and draw out the other players. And Phil Mickelson, who was partnered by Anthony and Hunter, was drawn out and swept away by the team competition, as well. Often criticized for his individualistic approach, Phil, too, found the magic and had his best Ryder Cup since his debut when his partners were still in grade school.

No one can say for sure why this particular team was able to do what none had done in a decade. Azinger deserves the lion's share of the credit for changing the selection process. Although it wasn't spoken in so many words, he seemed to know that for a tradition like the Ryder Cup to continue to grow old trends needed to be bucked. With a determination not just to win the Cup for his side but to create a more compelling competition, he alone carried the burden for change. He was perfectly willing to shoulder the blame if things had swung in the other direction, too.

Even if the Europeans had retained the Cup for two more years, this renewal would have been an American success because of what was gained. For nearly a decade, Tiger's star has lit up the sky -- outshining other potential luminaries in the game. New stars were created last week, though. Not to suggest that any will ever overpower he-who-is-without-rival, but there were those on both sides who took giant steps forward. His fight to keep on top may have just gotten a little tougher. But no doubt he will be up to the task.

The game, its popularity and its traditions got an enormous boost, too. Golf fans everywhere were treated to the greatest show in the game. Russ Cochran, the left-handed Kentuckian awaiting the Champions Tour, was at Valhalla on Sunday for the singles matches. After the day's play, he basked in the moment. He summed up the day by saying, "for a little while there I felt young again." I know exactly what he meant. It would have been impossible to leave Valhalla, regardless of what flag you were flying, and not be inspired.