Bruin Alum Cory Pavin Becomes Captain Of US Ryder Cup Team

by Nestor on Dec 13, 2008 7:22 AM PST

Big story out of world of golf this week:

Corey Pavin's hand was shaking so badly that all he could do was drop the ball and hope it stayed on the tee. It was his first Ryder Cup overseas, and he had the opening tee shot at The Belfry.

Pavin composed himself and won three matches to help the United States to victory in 1993. That was the last time the Americans won the Ryder Cup in Europe, and the last time they successfully defended the cup.

Now the pressure is on the former UCLA star from Camarillo to repeat those feats - this time as a captain.

"The nerves you feel at the Ryder Cup are nothing like you feel anywhere else in golf," Pavin said Thursday as he was introduced as captain at a news conference. "I've won the U.S. Open - it felt like a walk in the park compared to the Ryder Cup."

Pavin, an Oxnard High product who has 15 PGA Tour victories and won the 1995 U.S. Open, played in three Ryder Cups with an 8-5-0 record. The 49-year-old takes over for Paul Azinger, who helped the U.S. end a decade of European dominance at the Ryder Cup with a 16 -11 victory in September at Valhalla.

Cory is no stranger to success in this pressure packed tourney:

Pavin made his Ryder Cup debut in 1991 at Kiawah Island. The Americans won that year, then retained the cup two years later. He went 4-1 in a U.S. loss in 1995 at Oak Hill in his final appearance.

And the move was praised by our friends at the Waggle Room, SBN's blog covering everything in world of golf:

From the PGA of America this morning, we found out that Corey Pavin is the next Ryder Cup Captain. This was almost no surprise to anyone. Like I said in my preemptive celebration post, I am glad that it was Pavin if Azinger could not get a second term. Pavin is gritty, smart, and well-respected.

Congrats to Cory from Bruins Nation.

GO Red, White & Blue.

GO BRUINS.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.

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Go Cory! Show them some Bruin Fight.

A coach is someone who can give correction without causing resentment. John Wooden

by MexiBruin on Dec 13, 2008 10:59 PM PST reply actions

Still a Bruin

I got to speak with Corey a few times over the years when he would come play at The International here in CO. I volunteered as medical support, and would be on the course on Tuesday or Wednesday for the Pro-Am or practice rounds, when things were more loose and the players were approachable. I would always wear my UCLA cap, and tip it to him and say “Go Bruins!”, and we would always stop to say hello and speak a bit about the UCLA days. He carries a Bruin cover on his driver, too. Once a Bruin… Good luck to Corey and his Ryder Cup team.

greg in denver - UCLA guy for life

by gbruin on Dec 14, 2008 7:11 AM PST reply actions

The same time we hung banner number 11

IIRC was also the same time Pavin won U.S. Open. Right after he made his final shot I remember him saying how his mind was occupied with the UCLA basketball team.

by Nestor on Dec 14, 2008 10:31 AM PST up reply actions