The PGA of America is reporting that Tom Lehman, who was recently dubbed captain of Team USA for the 2006 Ryder Cup, has named his assistant captains – Corey Pavin and Loren Roberts. Between them, they have four combined appearances at the Ryder Cup (Pavin has three, Roberts has one).
The 2006 Ryder Cup matches will be played at The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare, Ireland on September 22-24, 2006.
Corey Pavin, a 14-time winner on the PGA Tour including the 1995 U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills, began his Ryder Cup experience in 1991, continued in 1993 and he played last in 1995 at Oak Hill Country Club in Rochester, N.Y. He is 8-5-0 overall. In more recent events, Pavin made 18 of 26 cuts in 2004 and had two top-10s, the most since he had three in 1998.
Loren Roberts played only once in the Ryder Cup, alongside Pavin in 1995, going 3-1-0 there. He has 8 PGA Tour victories, but more impressively, Roberts ended his 2004 season having finished in the top 100 on the money list for 17 consecutive years. In 2003, he shot a career low 62 at the Valero Texas Open in the 4th round, though still finished tied for second, coming close to defending his 2002 title there. Roberts was nicknamed “Boss of the Moss” for his putting ability by fellow TOUR member David Ogrin in 1985.
The 2006 American 12-member team that will compete against Europe won’t be selected until following the 88th PGA Championship in August 2006 at Medinah (Ill.) Country Club.
Loren Roberts and my brother, John Horton, used to play golf together in San Luis County. My brother now has liver cancer and I am coordinating a fundraising golf tournament for him on June 10th. I am looking for Loren’s email address to invite him to “attend”, “drop by”, or whatever. Any help is greatly appreciated.