Duval says Ryder Cup is not the be-all and end-all of golf

David Duval is not among those who believe the Ryder Cup Matches between the United States and Europe have become golf's No. 1 event.

In fact, while a lock to play in the event this Sept. 23-26 at The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., the world's top-ranked player said making the United States Ryder Cup team was not among his major goals.

"I don't see it as the end-all, be-all thing in golf that a lot of other people seem to view it as," he said today after competing in a pro-am the day before the Buick Classic begins at the Westchester Country Club.

Duval said he has heard some European players characterize the Ryder Cup as the biggest event in golf.

"I just don't see it that way," Duval said. "If I had to choose between a U.S. Open and a Ryder Cup, I mean there is not much of a choice for me."

Duval said he views the Ryder Cup "more as an exhibition."

"I think that was the intended nature when it was started and I think it has gotten a little bigger and a little more influenced by other things than golf," he said.

Duval has never played in a Ryder Cup, but he is the runaway points leader to qualify for the U.S. team this year.

No. 3 on the points list is Payne Stewart, the new U.S. Open champion, who said that if any of his teammates were not excited about playing in a Ryder Cup, he will shake them by the throat to get them fired up.

"Better not put his hands around my throat," Duval said.

Duval took pains, however, to say he doesn't mean he won't prepare hard for the matches and try his best.

"But ... I am not going to be bedridden for a month if we get beat," he said. "It is not going to destroy me or something."

AP