Captain Watson

I hereby commend the PGA or whatever group of individuals decided to appoint Watson as Captain to lead the next US Ryder Cup team. It is clear to me that this choice was not the result of a popularity contest nor a rote selection of who should be next on the list based on custom. The Powers That Be obviously want to win the damn match next time and bring the silly precious metal dust collector back State-side. Watson has always been a no-nonsense player and certainly deserves a favored chair at the Pantheon Table of Golf. That he can still compete at his age against the younger generations and sometimes keep his name on the First Page in the weekends is amazing. I would suspect that he will not ask his players to do anything he would not be willing to tackle himself and that any bitch-moaning about his pairings for the "Couples" events will be quickly quashed.

I disagree. I think Fred Couples should have been chosen. Many people were rallying for Larry Nelson but the majority of the population has no idea who he is. Since TV ratings are the big issue, Larry Nelson cannot be considered. Plus, he's been out of the loop forever.

Watson: Kind of a curmudgeon. I don't like his constant smirk and arms folded in front of him, as if he's the ambassador of golf. To me, he looks like a guy who has some demons. I have never liked him and I can't really put my finger on why that is. To me he seems like a resentful person. I watched an interview with Feherty and he doesn't seem like a warm and fuzzy guy.

I don't think he'll relate well with the current hot shots on tour and he's way too serious. What is it with the mentality of the people who pick the Ryder Cup captain? It's always some ultra serious guy like Davis Love or Paul Azinger.

If they wanted to pick an old dude make it Arnold Palmer. He's the king and nobody has more friends or is more highly regarded in golf.

Freddy Couples delivering a victory would have been a given.

Azinger and Freddy are sort of weak personalities. Azinger let Faldo get in his head for years and his golf game suffered for it. Freddy is everyone's buddy but I imagine he'd cave at the first grimmace from some veteran Cupper who had just been told that he was being "Coupled" with Keegan for the alternate shot matches (Foursomes. Fourballs. Foreskins. I always forget which is which). Watson, like Faldo, has that mental toughness necessary to whip those prima-donnas into a take-no-prisoners mindset. With any luck, Watson might enlist Johnny Miller as a Captain's Little Helper. Now that would guarantee victory.

I like Freddy, but think Watson can do a better job. Besides, I think Watson would raise the going price by a couple of bucks of some of my old wedges.

I'm completely against the appointment of Tom Watson as Ryder Cup captain. Short people make terrible leaders. Everybody always says Napoleon. Really? Napoleon? Fact is, if you want to get something done right, get a tall person to do it. Azinger is really tall so of course he kicked ass.

Short people just strut around trying to feed their insecurities. Even if they were capable, noone ever listens to a short person. Short people need to accept that they can make good followers but can't be good leaders.

I just hate to see us give away another Ryder Cup by hiring a midget.

Big mistake. What kind of fashion sense is that old codger going to have? We're going to show up in Ashworth, frumpy Dockers, saddle shoes, and khaki rain gear. The Euros are undoubtedly going to win the style war, which in my opinion is at least 50% of the comp.

It appears to me that PGA is operating like a corporate of America... i.e. "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could to lead the team..." and in their eyes Tom Watson would be that "someone" who lead the USA team and won the Ryder cup yrs ago and Tom has shown his ability - outside of his personality - to compete with young guns... Right or wrong, decision was made. Corporate America and Pro sport teams in USA operate he same way and the outcome could be a disaster. Years ago Scotts Paper company in Phila brought in a new CE0 to change the company, he fukkked it up, Scotts has to close several plants and several jobs lost, the only winner was that CEO, he walked away with tons of money... and I am pretty sure you know several companies in that category. My old director used to say "The only thing that stays constant is CHANGE"... it could be good or bad but we don't know until we try

Pky6471 wrote:It appears to me that PGA is operating like a corporate of America... i.e. "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could to lead the team..." and in their eyes Tom Watson would be that "someone" who lead the USA team and won the Ryder cup yrs ago and Tom has shown his ability - outside of his personality - to compete with young guns... Right or wrong, decision was made. Corporate America and Pro sport teams in USA operate he same way and the outcome could be a disaster. Years ago Scotts Paper company in Phila brought in a new CE0 to change the company, he fukkked it up, Scotts has to close several plants and several jobs lost, the only winner was that CEO, he walked away with tons of money... and I am pretty sure you know several companies in that category. My old director used to say "The only thing that stays constant is CHANGE"... it could be good or bad but we don't know until we try

If there were no corporate America, golf would be relegated back to an esoteric game played by a few weathy elite at what few exclusive private club courses that would remain open. There would be no golf on TV, no Golf Channel, no golf magazines, no PGA, no LPGA, no Ryder Cup, no USGA, and no surviving large volume equipment makers. I dare say that the only people who really care about which team wins the Ryder Cup are some of the participants and those who have wagered on the games.

Pky6471 wrote:It appears to me that PGA is operating like a corporate of America... i.e. "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could to lead the team..." and in their eyes Tom Watson would be that "someone" who lead the USA team and won the Ryder cup yrs ago and Tom has shown his ability - outside of his personality - to compete with young guns... Right or wrong, decision was made. Corporate America and Pro sport teams in USA operate he same way and the outcome could be a disaster. Years ago Scotts Paper company in Phila brought in a new CE0 to change the company, he fukkked it up, Scotts has to close several plants and several jobs lost, the only winner was that CEO, he walked away with tons of money... and I am pretty sure you know several companies in that category. My old director used to say "The only thing that stays constant is CHANGE"... it could be good or bad but we don't know until we try

There are a few holes in your argument. First, the "success" of the event is not gauged by whether or not the American team wins. It's based on how many people attend it and watch it on TV. It's also based on how good the competition is and whether or not it ends up being a good match, which in turn will lead to more viewership. The players and coaches are what draw people to watch the event in the first place. That being said, I don't see how one could argue that Tom Watson would bring more attention to the event than Fred Couples. Couples is part of the "buzz" that attracts viewers to the President's Cup. Plus, he's won both events.

Tom's too old, he gave away the Open and he's no fun.

Tiger Woods as captain would have generated the biggest buzz.

FamousDavis wrote:

Pky6471 wrote:It appears to me that PGA is operating like a corporate of America... i.e. "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could to lead the team..." and in their eyes Tom Watson would be that "someone" who lead the USA team and won the Ryder cup yrs ago and Tom has shown his ability - outside of his personality - to compete with young guns... Right or wrong, decision was made. Corporate America and Pro sport teams in USA operate he same way and the outcome could be a disaster. Years ago Scotts Paper company in Phila brought in a new CE0 to change the company, he fukkked it up, Scotts has to close several plants and several jobs lost, the only winner was that CEO, he walked away with tons of money... and I am pretty sure you know several companies in that category. My old director used to say "The only thing that stays constant is CHANGE"... it could be good or bad but we don't know until we try

There are a few holes in your argument. First, the "success" of the event is not gauged by whether or not the American team wins. It's based on how many people attend it and watch it on TV. It's also based on how good the competition is and whether or not it ends up being a good match, which in turn will lead to more viewership. The players and coaches are what draw people to watch the event in the first place. That being said, I don't see how one could argue that Tom Watson would bring more attention to the event than Fred Couples. Couples is part of the "buzz" that attracts viewers to the President's Cup. Plus, he's won both events.

Tom's too old, he gave away the Open and he's no fun.

Tiger Woods as captain would have generated the biggest buzz.

I totally agree with you about Tiger. Maybe TW The Elder will co-opt TW The Younger to be his co-captain and pair himself with Eldrick in several team matches. Watson can surely still play and probably could have done better (or at least no worse) in a Sunday singles match last time than half the US competitors.

I think you're getting off track Pky. Are you suggesting they should have stuck with the incumbent? I think changing captain is normal in the Ryder Cup and don't think your comparison with the corporate world is relevant.

I for one am looking forward to Tom Watson captaining the US Ryder Cup team. Several days of TV shots of him standing with one arm folded across his chest with the other hand resting on his chin giving us that all knowing smirk will be great. I also look forward to his enlightening words of wisdom to the great unwashed in his daily interviews and press conferences.

Kiwigolfer wrote:I think you're getting off track Pky. Are you suggesting they should have stuck with the incumbent? I think changing captain is normal in the Ryder Cup and don't think your comparison with the corporate world is relevant.

I for one am looking forward to Tom Watson captaining the US Ryder Cup team. Several days of TV shots of him standing with one arm folded across his chest with the other hand resting on his chin giving us that all knowing smirk will be great. I also look forward to his enlightening words of wisdom to the great unwashed in his daily interviews and press conferences.

Kiwi ... I am not suggesting anything, USA is desperately looking for a win and I believe it applies this slogan "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could lead the team and win...". I think Larry Nelson was upset on the Golf Channel that he was not selected and Tom got it twice, but I don't think it's should be the reason why he's upset

Pky6471 wrote:

Kiwigolfer wrote:I think you're getting off track Pky. Are you suggesting they should have stuck with the incumbent? I think changing captain is normal in the Ryder Cup and don't think your comparison with the corporate world is relevant.

I for one am looking forward to Tom Watson captaining the US Ryder Cup team. Several days of TV shots of him standing with one arm folded across his chest with the other hand resting on his chin giving us that all knowing smirk will be great. I also look forward to his enlightening words of wisdom to the great unwashed in his daily interviews and press conferences.

Kiwi ... I am not suggesting anything, USA is desperately looking for a win and I believe it applies this slogan "if you can't win we will bring in someone who could lead the team and win...". I think Larry Nelson was upset on the Golf Channel that he was not selected and Tom got it twice, but I don't think it's should be the reason why he's upset

I really like Larry Nelson but let's face it. Compared to him, Davis Love III has as much personality as Jay Leno.

To this day I'm perplexed as to how Davis Love III was ever given the chance to be captain of a Ryder Cup team. The guy won exactly one major and has the personality of a dirt clod. You need a leader who is respected by the players, who can get along and pal round with the players and, probably most important, has charisma. Tiger Woods, Fred Couples and Johnny Miller meet this criteria. Guys like Hal Sutton, Davis Love, Paul Azinger and Tom Kite do not. Tom Watson is kind of middle ground.

Why isn't Johnny Miller captain? Well, we know why but it seems to me that he has earned it more than anyone.

I can't believe Corey Pavin was a captain either.

How about the Walrus?

Maybe Dottie Pepper could be the Ryder Cup captain.

FamousDavis wrote:To this day I'm perplexed as to how Davis Love III was ever given the chance to be captain of a Ryder Cup team. The guy won exactly one major and has the personality of a dirt clod. You need a leader who is respected by the players, who can get along and pal round with the players and, probably most important, has charisma. Tiger Woods, Fred Couples and Johnny Miller meet this criteria. Guys like Hal Sutton, Davis Love, Paul Azinger and Tom Kite do not. Tom Watson is kind of middle ground.

Why isn't Johnny Miller captain? Well, we know why but it seems to me that he has earned it more than anyone.

I can't believe Corey Pavin was a captain either.

How about the Walrus?

Maybe Dottie Pepper could be the Ryder Cup captain.

I'm willing to think outside the box a bit more than most. Why does the Ryder Cup captain have to be a golfer? Let's pull in a Navy Seal drill sargeant or Mike Tyson.

FamousDavis wrote:To this day I'm perplexed as to how Davis Love III was ever given the chance to be captain of a Ryder Cup team. The guy won exactly one major and has the personality of a dirt clod. You need a leader who is respected by the players, who can get along and pal round with the players and, probably most important, has charisma. Tiger Woods, Fred Couples and Johnny Miller meet this criteria. Guys like Hal Sutton, Davis Love, Paul Azinger and Tom Kite do not. Tom Watson is kind of middle ground.

Why isn't Johnny Miller captain? Well, we know why but it seems to me that he has earned it more than anyone.

I can't believe Corey Pavin was a captain either.

How about the Walrus?

Maybe Dottie Pepper could be the Ryder Cup captain.

Walrus a no go. The Euros already joke about the morbidly obese Americans and this would just add another distraction to the fray.

Johhny Miller will never be captain because he doesn't drink alcohol. Or soft drinks. Or caffeine. He was shunned on tour because he wouldn't go out with the guys after a round to the clubhouse bar and the potential TV sponsors like Miller and AB and Coke and Pepsi might do their research.

Pavin was captain because he is a gritty little bulldog who does more with less than any player in history with the possible exception of Hillary Lumpke.

Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

This looks like an interesting forum.

Watson is a classy guy who understands how the game should be played. He's won several majors and is respected by his peers. I can think of no better captain for the US Team. As Americans, we have been shamed by Europeans for several years now. I think it is time to do what is necessary to get back on track. Watson is the clearly our man.

edgey wrote:Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

This was uncalled for.
Watson certainly choked on the final hole of the British Open a few years back.
At least Larry Nelson will never get a captaincy. That dude is uninspiring, and half the players don't even know who he is.

Horseballs wrote:

edgey wrote:Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

This was uncalled for.
Watson certainly choked on the final hole of the British Open a few years back.
At least Larry Nelson will never get a captaincy. That dude is uninspiring, and half the players don't even know who he is.

Watson didn't choke. He just hit his approach two or three grooves low and the ball bounded off the back of the green onto the collar. It was the Adams. GFF like Luke's and his ball would have spun back into tap-in range.

I think Watson should pick JB Holmes to be his co-captain and chief liaison between him and the players. Just think of some of the conversations and interviews we could see:

"I have the advantage of knowing your habits, my dear Watson," said JB Holmes. "When your round is a short one you walk, and when it is a long one you use a cart. As I perceive that your footjoys, although used, are by no means dirty, I cannot doubt that you are at present busy enough to justify the cart."

"Excellent putt!" cried Watson.
"Elementary" replied JB.

Tom Watson: "Are you sure we should pair Mickelson and Tiger together JB?".
JB: "You know my methods, Watson"

Interview with JB Holmes: The Media: "JB, what do you think of the European team?".
Holmes: "London, that great cesspool into which all the loungers and idlers of the Empire are irresistibly drained."

Johnny Miller to Watson: Man, can you believe the Europeans came back from 6 down to win?
Holmes: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth".

Brilliant. Holmes and Watson. LMFAO.

edgey wrote:Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

Right there with ya bro. I think we might end up administering one of the greatest beatings of all time.

Go Europe

Lorenzzo wrote:

edgey wrote:Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

Right there with ya bro. I think we might end up administering one of the greatest beatings of all time.

Go Europe

Once they ban belly putters the USA will never win a Ryder Cup again.

edgey wrote:

Lorenzzo wrote:

edgey wrote:Unless Watson can stop team USA choking like Horseball swallowing his old mans load it wont matter a jot.

Go Europe

Right there with ya bro. I think we might end up administering one of the greatest beatings of all time.

Go Europe

Once they ban belly putters the USA will never win a Ryder Cup again.

They are a belly putter using lot, aren't they.

If they ban panties, they're truly finished.