Exclusive: First Ryder Cup Task Force Meeting Minutes

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It turns out that while the announcement was made today of the Ryder Cup Task Force's creation, the group has already secretly met to discuss how to solve Team USA's issues.

While Tim Rosaforte is reporting how Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been very engaged already, this copy of the exclusively obtained minutes shows just how involved the first meeting was.

Minutes from the first meeting:

 

The Ryder Cup Task Force Meeting

The Bishop Conference Room, PGA Of America Headquarters

October 14, 2014

Members present:
Derek Sprague, Co-Chairman
Peter Bevacqua, Co-Chairman
Ray Floyd
Rickie Fowler
Jim Furyk
Tom Lehman
Paul Levy
Phil Mickelson
Davis Love III
Steve Stricker
Tiger Woods

Meeting called to order by Co-chairman Derek Sprague at 6:04 p.m.
Motion made by Tom Lehman to join hands in prayer for the health and safety of the Task Force. After robust discussion, Davis Love III agreed to second the motion, minus the hand holding part.
Chairman Sprague asked for a motion naming Tom Watson a Task Force Member Emeritus In Absentia. The motion was robustly seconded by Phil Mickelson, though Tiger Woods strongly insisted his second got in first. Robust discussion ensued.

Co-chairman Pete Bevacqua introduced the Task Force’s goals of improving all elements of the Ryder Cup. Before opening the floor to general brainstorming, he announced that the Task Force will be broken up into pods, with members Sprague, Bevacqua and Levy leading each of the pods.

Phil Mickelson wanted it stated for the record that he and Tiger should be on separate pods. Tiger Woods seconded the motion. Mickelson said he didn't offer a motion. Highly productive discussion ensued.
Meeting paused for everyone to say hello to Ted Bishop, who stuck his head in the door to check on the progress of the Task Force.
Rickie Fowler asked why the WiFi was so bad in the Bishop Room. He suggested it be improved for the next meeting so that he can Tweet a Task Force selfie and check out the “surprising robust Tindr presence” in West Palm Beach while Phil and Tiger debate issues.

Co-chairman Bevacqua said he would look into a PGA WiFi Task Force and report back to The Ryder Cup Task Force. Bevacqua also raised the possibility of Fowler heading an ad-hoc committee focusing on making the Ryder Cup more millennial-friendly. Ray Floyd offered to second a motion only after receiving an explanation as to what exactly it means to be a millennial.

Co-chairman Sprague asked for a show of hands in the room of who had actually captained a winning Ryder Cup team. No hands were raised.

Steve Stricker was asked by Co-chairman Sprague to discuss his experiences from the 2014 Ryder Cup. Stricker reported that other than a balky reverse switch on his cart, it was a great week. Ray Floyd concurred, saying he had trouble several times putting his cart in reverse over the weekend days when he saw Tom Watson coming. Co-chairman Bevacqua said he will ensure that all carts for captains are in top working order in 2016.

Tiger Woods asked about uniforms going forward, and specifically requested the option to wear jeans to the next Task Force meeting and beyond. After unanimous vote, a no jeans ordinance was passed.

Co-Chairman Sprague thanked everyone for a highly productive session, set the next Task Force gathering for an undetermined date and adjourned the meeting at 6:28 p.m.