US players seek inspiration

From the Battle of the Alamo to Muhammad Ali, American Ryder Cup captains have never hesitated to link some great struggles to the U.S. battle with Europe for golf supremacy.

While it would be hard to connect the blood-stained ground of the Alamo to the manicured fairways of a golf course, then future President George W. Bush challenged American players to “remember the Alamo” at the 1999 Ryder Cup in Brookline.

With the U.S. badly trailing Europe, the U.S. president was invited into the locker room and read a letter from the Alamo helping inspire the Americans to a dramatic comeback victory — their last in Ryder Cup competition.

Having lost five of the last six Ryder Cups, including the last three, the U.S. team paid a motivational visit to Muhammad Ali Centre on Monday and expect to meet with the inspirational former heavyweight champion before action begins on Friday.

“We weren’t able to meet Muhammad Ali last night,” captain Paul Azinger told reporters during a media briefing on Tuesday. “We’re going to meet him later on in the week.

“I love boxing. I’ve idolised Muhammad Ali all my life.

Azinger added that former Notre Dame college football coach Lou Holtz, who was renowned for his inspiring speeches, is also expected to have a few words with the U.S. team.

“Lou Holtz is a good friend, and he wants to hang out with us, and I said absolutely. He loves golf. He’s a great guy. Always has a great message.

“He’s going to follow some groups today, just hanging out, real casual and then tonight he’s going to eat dinner with us. He’ll probably say a few words.”

Justin Leonard, who clinched the U.S. victory at Brookline when he holed a 45-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole, said he welcomed President Bush’s support in 1999 but that the team needs no more motivation than the sight of their European opponents holding the Ryder Cup.

“I knew quite a bit about the Alamo and to have President Bush come in and read that speech was very special,” Leonard said. “I think it’s just a bonus to the week when things like that happen.

“Last night we went to the Muhammad Ali Centre, and it was pretty inspirational to get a sense of what he went through in his life and all the things that he did outside of the sports world.

“I don’t think that we as players need that for further motivation. I think the motivation is already there. But it just adds some memories to the week.”