Tom Watson believes the respect the players have for each
other will ensure the 2014 Ryder Cup is played in the correct spirit.
Speaking at Gleneagles to mark one year to the start of
the event, the US captain insists he, and Europe counterpart Paul McGinley,
will have their sides fired up, but not for a victory at all costs.
"We all know that this is a partizan event, we are
on away turf now and obviously Europe will be the favourites," said
Watson, who led the US to victory at The Belfry in 1993.
"But the one thing that Paul and I agree on is the
manner in which these matches should be played is paramount.
Ryder Cup captains press conference
"We all know there will be an edge with Paul in his
corner and me in mine as managers trying everything possible to create a
winning atmosphere.
"But beyond the matches, the way we will handle it
is the most important thing.
"Beyond the matches, the way we will handle it is
the most important thing. Golf is that type of game. It requires respect.
Respect for the person who beats you when you lose and respect for your
opponent when you win."
"Golf is that type of game. It requires respect.
Respect for the person who beats you when you lose and respect for your
opponent when you win.
Friends
"The players of today on both sides have been
playing against each other for years so they are familiar with each other -
they are friends - but when they go in each other's corner they draw the line
right there.
"That is what makes this event so wonderful. There
is a winner and a loser, but at the end the guys go back and are immediately
friends again."
McGinley, who is taking charge of the European side for
the first time, joked: "It's been real fun spending time with Tom over the
past two days, but I've learned nothing about his team. Although I never really
expected to learn anything.
"Having this event at the home of golf makes it very
special for both Tom and myself and we want to have the most magnificent golf
tournament ever staged next year."
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