In the every-man-for-himself world of professional golf, a
team event like the Ryder Cup is a different animal. Sports Illustrated asked some of the players who have been there
what they think are the most important things to do, and
not to do, in order
to be successful in team
competition.
|
David
Feherty
|
DO
Stick with your partner in foursomes. Go to the tee with
him when he hits the tee shot. You're a
team.
|
DON'T
Don't be tentative, even though you're playing for your
mates, your country and half the English-speaking
world.
|
José María
Olazábal
|
DO
Support your partner even if he's playing
badly.
|
DON'T
Don't say "good shot" to your opponents. That
will only distract you from your
game.
|
Jack
Nicklaus
|
DO
Just play
golf.
|
DON'T
Don't harp on your mistakes. Leave them behind. The cardinal sin in team play
is
apologizing.
|
Tom
Watson
|
DO
Try to have some fun. Keep it
light.
|
DON'T
Overseas, don't worry about your swing and start making
adjustments. Wait for your body to
adjust.
|
John
Cook
|
DO
Enjoy the company. It's the only time you'll be here with
these
guys.
|
DON'T
Don't play bad in practice
rounds.
|
Jay
Haas
|
DO
Expect your opponent to hit every shot perfectly, so be
mentally prepared to be
disappointed.
|
DON'T
Don't expect to win a hole. If you do, you'll probably end
up losing
it.
|
Davis Love
III
|
DO
Get a lot of rest because it's a long, long
week.
|
DON'T
If you're a rookie, don't plan on an easy week. You'll be
rudely awakened if you do.
|
Lanny
Wadkins
|
DO
Know the match-play rules. They're different, especially in
foursomes. Just ask Chip Beck and Paul
Azinger.
|
DON'T
Don't hack off Seve. Be civil to the guy you're playing.
I've always said "nice shot" to my
opponents.
|
Dave
Stockton
|
DO
Handle your emotions and ignore the Ballesteros slow-play
tactic.
|
DON'T
Don't posture, like Bernard Gallacher. He said their team
fears nothing and that picking Strange was
questionable.
|
Raymond
Floyd
|
DO
Take advantage of your first opportunity. It will be
psychologically crucial to your
partner.
|
DON'T
Avoid gamesmanship. It's counter-productive. It only gives
the other side an
edge.
|