So Tom Watson were given the 2014 US Ryder Cup captain's gig. One aspect that have become very obvious in all the coverage on Thursday changed into that the location -- Scotland -- was the overriding element on this choice.
True, Tom Watson changed into the last US captain to win an "away game" and his 10-4-1 Ryder Cup record genuinely performed a element.
But so did his recognition over in Scotland. Clearly it's hoped that his status over there -- he become described at one factor as" the most popular Yank due to the fact that Bobby Jones" -- will help conquer some of the home crowd advantage. (Lee Trevino suggested that Tom's presence may also encourage extra Americans to tour to Scotland, which could help even more.)
Tom's knowledge of the way to play distant places -- which I accept as true with is a huge issue in the American group's problem in "away video games" -- is likewise expected to assist. He gained four of his five Opens in Scotland, you understand. And all that potential to play in much less-than-ideal climate -- Scottish climate, of course -- is expertise he can pass directly to his players.
I found it most exciting that the PGA began considering Tom because the 2014 captain all of the manner lower back in October-November 2010, and they began talking to Tom approximately thirteen months ago or so. Davis Love became apparently privy to it during his captainship. Which manner the media absolutely ignored the boat in this one, as Tom was in no way discussed as a possibility. It also way that the PGA allow all that speak go on with out giving any indication that matters had been going to be done in another way this time.
Frank Nobilo referred to that this became something of a coup for the PGA, because the Euro crew should have problem finding any individual with enough stature to compete -- exposure-smart, this is -- with Watson, and which can have given the US crew a headstart on all of it.
Personally, I think it became a clever move simply from the standpoint of having a legend to go the team. Tom is both contemporary with the younger gamers, who are searching for him out for advice and practice rounds, and yet separate sufficient to engender a sure stage of respect that younger captains may not get, regardless of how famous they're.
But in the end, the men nevertheless should hit the photographs... And Tom Watson, captain or now not, can't do that for them. I'll be fascinated to see how he manages to conquer that little trouble.
After all, it's been lack of execution that killed US hopes in the past and it'll be execution that finally gets it done... IF it finally gets done.
And it really is nevertheless one very huge IF.
0 comments