MEDINAH, Ill. – After a last-ditch effort by Europe in the day’s last two matches, the score looked eerily familiar. Jose Maria Olazabal sat down to speak with the media after the long, exhausting day for his European team and was asked the obvious question.
“Do you have a feeling,” Olazabal was asked by a reporter.
Chuckling, Olazabal said: “I believe that it’s not over.”
The 10-6 deficit that Europe is staring at is the same score the Americans faced at Brookline on Saturday night at the 1999 Ryder Cup. On that same evening U.S. captain Ben Crenshaw spoke with the media for nearly 30 minutes, then left with one final comment.
“I’m a big believer in fate,” Crenshaw said. “I have a good feeling about this. That’s all I’m gonna say.”
Then he stood up and walked out the door. The next day the Americans rallied with an 8 1/2 to 3 1/2 singles victory to produce the largest comeback in the history of the Ryder Cup. The decisive half-point was earned by Justin Leonard, who sank a long putt that triggered a much-criticized U.S. celebration on the 17th green.
Leonard's opponent that day? Olazabal.
This time around, Olazabal doesn’t have a feeling. But he needs the same fate.
-
Tags: Ryder Cup
Related Articles
McGinley finalizing Ryder cup qualifying process
by Ryan Lavner | Mar 26, 2013 5:03 PM ETThis May, Paul McGinley will make his recommendation for the Ryder Cup qualifying process to the European Tournament Committee, with a public announcement to be made in June. Read More
Watson reduces Ryder Cup captain's picks by one
by Ryan Lavner | Mar 20, 2013 8:03 AM ETLooking to win on foreign soil for the first time in two decades, Tom Watson has changed the selection process for the upcoming Ryder Cup. Read More
Watson to make 'major announcement' on Ryder Cup
by Ryan Lavner | Mar 19, 2013 11:34 AM ETTom Watson will make a ‘major announcement’ at 8 a.m. ET Wednesday, regarding the selection process for the 2014 Ryder Cup. Read More
Coffin has been editorial director since 2008 and is a contributor to the "Grey Goose 19th Hole."
Latest News
- Garcia apologizes to Woods | Tee times
- Sergio 'fried chicken' jab | Tiger: 'Hurtful'
- Mell: Disagree with anchor ban, but pure intent
- Sergio sponsor TMaG: Comment 'offensive'
- Z. Johnson back at Colonial | Groupings | Tee times
- Colonial reax: Garcia remark | Singh, anchor
- Fantasy: BMW PGA, Crowne Plaza power rankings
- Lewis in rainy Bahamas | Under water | Tee times
- USGA, R&A ban anchored stroke | Explanation
- Chapman set to defend at Senior PGA | Tee times
- Fowler plans to donate $100K to tornado relief
- McIlroy denies G-Mac rift, mum on management
