“I learned to win by hating to lose. And I’m tired of losing.”
These are the words of Tom Watson at today’s Ryder Cup captaincy press conference at the Empire State Building in New York City. It’s been rumored and expected that Watson would become the 2014 Ryder Cup captain for the USA team over the past couple of weeks, but it was only made official today.
This is the second time Watson will be a Ryder Cup captain, the first being at the 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry in England. Moreover, he will be the first repeat captain for the Americans in 25 years, since Jack Nicklaus in 1987! Ironically, the last time Watson was captain was also the last time the Americans won away from home – the Americans have lost seven of the last nine Ryder Cups and have not won away from home since that 1993 Ryder Cup. In 2014, Watson, the eight-time major champion will be 65 and in some ways “going home” to Gleneagles in Scotland. Watson won his first major at Carnoustie in 1975 and eventually won five British Open titles – four of those wins in Scotland.
Most players seem pretty excited about Watson being the 2014 captain, giving their congratulations and showing their excitement through Twitter. Keegan Bradley said he “couldn’t wait to play again,” and Rory McIlroy tweeted back with a “Ready to lose again?!” message!
Tiger Woods also made a statement on the captaincy – “I’d like to congratulate Tom Watson on his selection as Ryder Cup captain. I think he’s a really good choice. Tom knows what it takes to win, and that’s our ultimate goal. I hope I have the privilege of joining him on the 2014 United States Team.” Many players were also pulling for Larry Nelson to be an eventual captain of a Ryder Cup team as well though – hopefully in 2016!
With the Americans coming off a shocking loss at Medinah this year, giving up a 10 – 6 lead going into the final day of singles and losing by one point, there will be a lot of pressure on the 2014 captain and team to bring back the Ryder Cup. With this pressure, Watson had this to say: “I’ve lived for that pressure, and lived underneath that pressure all my career,” Watson said. “I hope I can set the table for these players. I’m the stage manager. I set the stage and they go out and perform. In two years, I hope they can get it done.”
Source:Â ESPN Golf
