Corey Pavin plays down ‘War on the Shore’ link after hero’s talk

David Smith13 April 2012

Corey Pavin today denied trying to invoke the spirit of the War on the Shore', one of the most controversial Ryder Cups, by inviting a major who flew jet fighters in the first Iraq conflict to give an inspirational speech to the current American team.

Pavin caused outrage when he marked his playing debut in the 1991 match at Kiawah Island in South Carolina by wearing a camouflage cap bearing Desert Storm insignia.

The former US Open champion insisted the cap was a show of support for the armed forces taking part in Operation Desert Storm, the first Iraq war.

But it contributed to a series of unsavoury incidents that tarnished America's victory in a match that also saw the Ryder Cup debut of Europe's current captain Colin Montgomerie.

Now Pavin has risked whipping up a new storm by asking Major Dan Rooney, a decorated war hero who flew F16 jets during three tours in Iraq, to talk about his experiences to the team, who will compete at Celtic Manor this week.

Pavin denied it would have been more diplomatic to avoid military connotations during his captaincy. The 50-year-old said: "I think the military awareness in the United States is probably at an all‑time high. And I think people, certainly in the States, and over here, appreciate the military and what they do for our freedoms.

"That's what it was about at Kiawah, it was about supporting the troops in Desert Storm. Not only the US troops but the troops from Great Britain and around the world. What the military does is amazing. To put your life on the line for what you believe, and for the freedoms of other people, is the ultimate sacrifice. It's very worthwhile to recognise that."

Major Rooney is also a keen golf fan and is a member of the Professional Golfers' Association of America.

Pavin said: "He is a very inspirational guy and a great patriot. I've known him for a little while now. I just thought it would be neat to have him come over and talk to the guys."

Pavin believes last night's talk by Major Rooney in the American team room was a success. He said: "It wasn't so much a motivational speech, per se, but maybe a little more awareness of what's happening around the world and how, in a military sense, team unit and accountability to each other is very important. It was very quiet when he was talking. Everybody was pretty riveted."

Pavin added that he would not try to engineer a final-day clash between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.

The Ulsterman sparked controversy last week when he said he would like "to take Woods down".

Pavin and Montgomerie hand in their line-ups separately but the American was asked today whether the skippers should get together on this one.

"I don't think there's any possibility of that," said Pavin. "I really don't think it's in the spirit of what the Ryder Cup is all about."

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