Captain Watson Inspires The Lads

(Tom Watson enters the private dining room where the American team is gathered to deep silence. He smiles and stands at the head of the table. )

Okay, boys, listen up.  I have the starting lineup for tomorrow, and I want you to know where we stand right now.

We have the Euros right where we want them.  That’s right.  Go back to Medinah, as painful a memory as that is .  Who was up 10-6 after two days?  We were.  What happened? We lost.  That is exactly what’s going to happen to the Euros tomorrow. 

Phil, you are going to get us started.  I rested you, now I need you to come out of the gate roaring tomorrow.  You are the man.  Start us on our road to victory.

Keegan, same for you, you are tanned rested and ready, buddy.  Take it to them.

Now we’re up 2-0.

Jordan and Patrick. Shame on me for not playing you yesterday afternoon.  Be pissed off at me tomorrow and make the Euros pay.  Now were even, 10-10.

Zach and Matt, I need you like you’ve never been needed before.  You’ll be shoring up the middle of the pack.  Webb and Hunter, you were my captain’s picks.  Make me proud tomorrow.

Down the stretch we’ll come with Bubba leading our cleanup hitters.  Bubba, be strong for us tomorrow.  Jim, you’ll be up next.  You have played great so far, keep it up. 

Jimmy, I know you are tired, but your country needs you.  You rookies have been outstanding, keep it up. 

Rickie, you too are the man.  You will have greatness thrust upon you tomorrow.  I am confident you have the game and mental ability to seize the moment and anchor our squad as we pull out an amazing victory.

Gentlemen, I have won 8 major golf championships, including 5 Open championships, four of them here in Scotland.  I have played in 15 Ryder cup matches and lost just four.  I was on the team that lost the Ryder Cup for the first time on American soil.  I captained the last American team to won the Ryder Cup on British soil.  I know what it means to win on the world’s biggest stage, and what it’s like to lose.  I can tell you with absolute certainty that it will be the biggest thrill of my golfing career when I am able to hoist the Ryder Cup over my head tomorrow and pass it to each and every one of you.  Enjoy your dinner, and get a good night’s sleep.  And dream of victory.

(Captain Watson turns and leaves the room to a standing ovation and cheers.)

                                                                  AMDG