Pavin Vs. Monty: Ryder Cup Showdown!
Aug 31, 2010; 1:27 PM ET
The fiery 5-foot-9 man leading the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team played in just three Cups, but Corey Pavin was memorably tenacious, racking up eight points in 13 matches. His chip-in on the last hole to beat Nick Faldo and Bernhard Langer in 1995 at Oak Hill remains one of the most indelible shots in recent Cup history.
Colin Montgomerie, Europe's captain, was undefeated in eight singles matches (6-0-2), amassing 23.5 points in 36 matches over eight Cups. Point to a painful recent Ryder Cup moment for Team USA - say, Tiger and Phil flaming out in the Friday morning fourball in 2004 - and Monty was likely there. (He and partner Padraig Harrington won that one, 2 and 1.)
How will the pair fare as captains at Celtic Manor in Wales? We won't know until Oct. 1-3, but the following interviews throw light on their strategies, feelings for one another, and what they absolutely, positively must have at their disposal in their respective team rooms.
What do you most admire about the other captain?
Pavin Says: Monty's playing record is unbelievable. I believe he won seven money titles in a row in Europe, which is amazing. His passion for the Ryder Cup is incredible. I think he'll be a very good captain because he loves the Ryder Cup so much.
Monty Says: He's a great guy, but I really admire his passion for the Ryder Cup. We certainly share that passion. We get on very well, and I think we're both of a similar mindset with regards to the spirit in which we want the match to be played. We will enjoy the week and ensure a great atmosphere.
What made you a good Ryder Cup player?
Pavin Says: I love match play. To me it's the highest level of competition. There's more pressure in the Ryder Cup than any major I've ever played in. I love the one-on-one nature of it, playing for your country.
Monty Says: I love the Ryder Cup, and I also enjoy being part of a team, which doesn't happen too often in an individual sport. And it feels pretty inspiring to stand on the tee representing the whole of Europe.
When you were a Ryder Cup player, who was the toughest opponent to play in singles?
Pavin Says: Peter Baker beat me at the Belfry in '93 - he putted great. That was the toughest match because I lost. I played Bernhard [Langer] in '95, and he was probably the toughest player I played against. I won the match, 3 and 2. I knew he'd be tough.
Monty Says: The toughest I've played against personally was Payne Stewart. [With the U.S. comeback already secure and hostile fans bellowing at Montgomerie, Stewart conceded a lengthy birdie putt on 18 to give the Scotsman a 1-up victory at Brookline in 1999.]
Cameron Morfit for GOLF Magazine
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