Second Guessing Love
/Doug Ferguson considers the most commonly cited questions about Davis Love's effort as Captain, but as with most really can't pinpoint anything that stands out as a glaring mistake in the 14.5 to 13.5 USA loss at Medinah. Ultimately, one "bomb" of a putt changed everything.
Was it wise for U.S. captain Davis Love III to bench every player, particularly Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson, for at least one match to keep them fresh for Sunday? Why did he put Tiger Woods in the 12th slot for singles? Does he regret his captain picks? Did it cost the Americans?
And was it really necessary for Justin Timberlake to read a poem during the opening ceremony?
Here’s what will be — should be — remembered about one of the greatest Ryder Cup competitions in its 85-year history.
Justin Rose made a 35-foot putt from the back of the 17th green.
It’s really that simple.
Jason Sobel anticipated the outcry and fired off twelve myths of Love decisions worth refuting.
Ron Sirak wonders if it's time for the PGA of America to scrap its current program of naming former PGA Champions who don't rock the boat, who have conformed to some imaginary requirements and who can be controlled.
Fred Couples, who will captain this third consecutive Presidents Cup next year, is getting a lot of support despite the fact his attention will certainly be divided. Larry Nelson is 65 and has been wrongly passed over, having a U.S. Open and two PGA Championship among his 10 PGA Tour wins, which were followed by 19 triumphs on the Champions Tour.
And what about guys who are well liked, well respected and smart but haven't won a major? Someone like swing coach Butch Harmon might be a good captain. Brad Faxon is a smart guy. Paul Goydos would be entertaining. Joe Ogilvie has a degree in economics from Duke and the Ryder Cup certainly is a cash cow.
The formula has been along these lines since 1987: major championship winner, in his mid-to-late 40s (so he's still playing on the PGA Tour enough to know first-hand the talent he might have), and no repeat captains.
The PGA is running out of candidates who fit those criteria, thanks in part to two occurrences, both within weeks of each other in 1999: Payne Stewart's death in a plane crash and Mark O'Meara leading a revolt against the PGA over payment for playing in the Ryder Cup.
Stewart would have been a natural for captain in 2004 or 2006, years when the U.S. lost by record scores Every captain since then would have had to wait their turn a little longer. Stewart matched an Ian Poulter or Colin Montgomerie in his passion for the event as a player and would have been a tremendous captain.
O'Meara ruined his chances with a little greed. They've got long memories in Palm Beach Gardens.
About all the PGA has, if it sticks to the script, is David Toms. Nice guy. Good player. Will he inspire anyone?
