GLENEAGLES, Scotland (AP) – Jim Furyk is the only player in the last 25 years to experience both ends of emotion in that moment the Ryder Cup is over. He knows how empty it feels to lose the decisive game. And he has been soaked in a celebration of champagne.
Oddly enough, both happened in the same match.
It was in 2002 when Paul McGinley made an 8-foot par putt for a half-point against Furyk that won the Ryder Cup. Pandemonium broke out on the 18th green at The Belfry. European captain Sam Torrance was close to tears. McGinley was mobbed by his teammates.
“I’m trying to go over and shake hands,” Furyk said. “Sam Torrance had a bottle of champagne in his hand and he was spraying everyone. He had his back turned to me. He saw someone come up from behind and he turned and sprayed me – and then he realized it was me. He immediately put the bottle down and said, ‘Oh my god, Jimmy, I’m so sorry.’ I said, ‘Sam, look, it’s OK. You all deserve to celebrate. I know it was an accident. You all have a good time tonight.'”
Furyk eventually got his day.