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 With an 8-5 record in Ryder Cup matches, the Oxnard native displayed the same tenacity during the biennial competition as he did when he played as an individual on the PGA Tour. 1991: Controversial debut Pavin’s first Ryder Cup appearance is remembered most for a wardrobe choice. With the United States embroiled in the Gulf War, Pavin and playing partner Steve Pate wore camouflage hats during their Saturday afternoon four-ball match against Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie. This raised eyebrows — some felt it was a just show of patriotism, others wondered about its relevance at a sporting event. On Sunday, Pavin defeated Steven Richardson 2-and-1 in singles at Kiawah Island in South Carolina to secure a valuable point and help the U.S. seize the Cup. 1993: Nerves of steel One story Pavin has relished sharing came in 1993, when he initiated the proceedings at The Belfry in England with the opening tee shot: “I can't even describe how nervous I was. I put the tee in the ground and I went to put the ball on the tee, and I got about that far from the tee and I realized that my hand was shaking so much.” U.S. captain Tom Watson had a lot of faith in Pavin, making him one of three team members to compete in all five matches. That proved to be wise, as Pavin paired with Lanny Wadkins to win both their Friday matches. The U.S. won the competition 15-13. 1995: Carrying the load The year Pavin broke through for the U.S. Open title also included an incredible performance at the Ryder Cup. The Europeans ended up winning the Cup by a 14.5-13.5 tally thanks to a furious Sunday comeback, but Pavin led the U.S. with wins in four of five matches at Oak Hill in New York — including a calm 3-and-2 victory against Langer in singles. Arguably America’s most memorable moment of the week came courtesy of Pavin, who chipped in for birdie on the 18th hole in his Saturday four-ball match to propel him and partner Loren Roberts past Langer and Nick Faldo. 2006: Learning experience Pavin served as assistant captain to good friend Tom Lehman at The K Club in Ireland. The U.S. didn’t win any of the five rounds and ended up losing 18.5-9.5, but Pavin did fulfill a role he had long sought — serving in a leadership capacity at the Ryder Cup — and the experience proved to be successful enough to allow the PGA of America to select him to lead the squad this year. ALSO SEE: Corey Pavin leads U.S. against Europe in 2010 Ryder Cup Paul Goydos brings wisdom as assistant captain Jamie Mulligan thinks Goydos has been one of a kind Southern California's connection to the Ryder Cup |
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