Ex-Ryder Cup Captain Pavin honored by Wales and European Tour leaders

Corey Pavin, captain of the 2010 U.S. Ryder Cup team, was honored on Friday for his sportsmanship and leadership during the biennial match at the Celtic Manor Resort in Wales last October.

John Jermine, the former chairman of Ryder Cup Wales, met with Pavin at the Senior British Open to present him with a photo commemorating the Ryder Cup signed by the Rt. Hon. Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales. The First Minister expressed his gratitude to Pavin for the support and friendship he provided to Wales in the lead-up to and the playing of the 2010 Ryder Cup.

“Even when facing a significant deficit going into the last day, the American team  battled hard, with great passion and true sportsmanship -- the same characteristics that Corey showed throughout his career and clearly embedded in his side during Ryder Cup week,” said the First Minister. “Despite him being the opposition captain, I know the Welsh public really took Corey, and his wife Lisa, to their hearts, and there will always be a very warm welcome for him here in Wales”      

Jones personally selected and signed the photo to provide the Pavins with a lifetime reminder of their roles in the first Ryder Cup played in Wales in the event's 83-year history. The photo was taken by a remote camera and depicts a scene at the 18th hole of The Twenty Ten Course on the Saturday with USA in the ascendancy.
 
“It was a tremendous week and it was nice for John to come down to the Senior Open Championship and present me with this picture and the lovely note that goes with it,” said Pavin. “Everyone in Wales and everyone at the Celtic Manor Resort were so nice to Lisa and myself and we were treated like royalty there. I cannot thank everyone in Wales enough.”

“We are delighted that Corey was able to receive this well-deserved memento from the First Minister,” added European Tour Chief Executive George O’Grady. “Corey and Lisa were marvelous ambassadors both during the week and during their visits to Wales for the planning of the Ryder Cup.