By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Oct 04, 2010 at 12:14 PM

The Ryder Cup, despite the weather, continues to prove it can be the most riveting of sports events.

For the sixth time in the last eight events, the Europeans beat our guys. This one came down to the last singles match on Monday and it was gripping television.

But I am forced to wonder about American sports. Their golfers are better than ours. We have no impact in the world of tennis, except for the Williams sisters. Our soccer team is a comparative joke, not even close to the best in the world.

I think America has to start looking at our youth sports programs because it's becoming increasingly obvious that the rest of the world is starting to catch up with us.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.