Can They Take The Heat

Pressure is the X factor in the Ryder Cup. The players' abilities to keep their cool in the heat of competition will determine the outcome of the Sept. 22-24 matches at Oak Hill in Rochester, N.Y. How will our guys hold up? The SI Heat Index is based on ability, past performance and—what do we know?—the first five numbers of the Illinois lottery. Players are rated by how much heat they can tolerate before boiling over (the higher the boiling point the better) and listed in order of qualification.

Heat Index

[5 Suns] Man of steel
[4 Suns] No sweat
[3 Suns] Is it just me, or is it warm in here?
[2 Suns] Half-baked
[1 Sun] Gooey mess

Corey Pavin [5 Suns]
Shades of Walter Hagen. Gritty Little Bruin also known as Mr. Cool.

Tom Lehman [2� Suns]
We've seen the ring around the collar. Show us some starch.

Davis Love III [3� Suns]
Beat Rocca in '93, but who hasn't? A little on the jumpy side.

Phil Mickelson [4 Suns]
Could be a warrior. Because of putter, already feared match player.

Jay Haas [1 Sun]
What's he doing here? Besides Curtis, only guy on team who hasn't won in two years.

Jeff Maggert [2 Suns]
Nice swing, no Sunday punch. Could be the weak link when things get tight.

Loren Roberts [3 Suns]
Steady Eddie. Will not beat himself. Psst, Lanny, pair him with Jake.