Corey Pavin: 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup Captain
Ask any golf fan what they know about Corey Pavin and they will likely bring up two things: the famous 4-wood at Shinnecock Hills in the 1995 U.S. Open that solidified his first major win; and his reputation as a tenacious Ryder Cup competitor in three successive contests (’91, ’93 & 95).
Corey Pavin: A dedicated and spirited competitor…
Corey was bestowed the nickname, Bulldog, because of his fierce competitive attitude, which was evident at the early age of 17 when he triumphed in both the Los Angeles City Amateur Championship and the Junior World Championship. It has, aptly, followed him throughout his illustrious career of 15 PGA wins and 12 international victories, and has lead to his crowning achievement – the PGA of America rewarding Pavin with the Captaincy of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team. He calls this the dream of his career.
Pavin grew up in California, where he was recruited to play collegiate golf for UCLA. While at UCLA, he earned first-team All-American nods two times, and posted 11 victories; he was named NCAA Player of the Year in 1982.
After turning pro in 1982, he spent most of his first season playing outside the United States, winning three times, including once on the European Tour and the South African PGA Championship.
Corey began his rookie year in 1984 on the PGA Tour after a successful Q-School in late 1983. He started fast, winning the Houston Coca-Cola Open, and finishing 18th on the money list overall. 1985 was even better, with the first of five career Top-10 money list finishes. Corey quickly established himself as a highly consistent player, but his best seasons were 1991-96. In those six years, he finished no lower than 18th on the money list and posted seven victories. He was first on the money list in 1991, fifth in 1992, eighth in 1994 and fourth in 1995. Corey was so good that he earned the distinction of “the best player never to win a major", which he quickly left behind at Shinnecock Hills - the site of his first major victory – the 1995 U.S Open.
He entered the final round three strokes off the lead. By the 71st hole, Corey had passed Greg Norman and held a 1-stroke lead with one hole to play. And on the 18th, he struck what has come to be regarded as one of the best high-pressure shots of the 1990s. Corey striped a 4-wood from 228 yards onto the green; the ball stopped a mere six feet from the cup. The victory and his legacy were secure.
Captain Pavin will now bring his fierce competitive style and love for America to the U.S. team, as they defend their title in Wales at Celtic Manor. When asked about his nomination to Captain of the U.S. Ryder Cup team, Corey said: “I think if you cut my arm open, Ryder Cup would just bleed out.”
After 26 consecutive years as a fully exempt player on the PGA Tour, Corey will take his game to the Champions Tour in 2010, where the expectations and opportunities are significant. Of course, no one is more aware of this than the Bulldog himself. It promises to be a compelling chapter in the tremendously successful career of Corey Pavin.
