The United States Open, commencing on Thursday at the Los Angeles Country Club, has witnessed numerous unforgettable shots throughout its history. One shot that stands out is the 4-wood strike by Corey Pavin on the final hole of the 1995 Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southhampton, N.Y.
In a nail-biting moment, Pavin, holding onto a one-stroke lead, executed an exceptional approach shot from roughly 225 yards away, landing the ball within five feet of the pin. Although he missed the birdie putt, he ultimately prevailed by a two-stroke margin.
At the time, Johnny Miller of NBC called it “the shot of his life.” Recently, Pavin, who played golf for U.C.L.A., reflected on the events of 1995 and the challenges that players will face on the course this week.
Moving on to Pavin’s 4-wood, it currently rests in a splendid display case in storage. Previously, it adorned his house, but due to limited space after moving, it found a new home in storage.
When asked if he continued using the 4-wood after the Open, Pavin revealed that he utilized it for a couple more years before opting for a different club.
Regarding the shot itself, Pavin considered the option of using a 2-iron. However, after consulting with his caddie, they agreed that the 4-wood was the best choice. The conversation was concise and left no room for doubt.
Pavin recalls being confident in his shot as soon as he made contact with the ball. Having successfully executed the same shot on Friday, hitting a 4-wood onto the green, he had a clear image in his mind, which contributed to his success.
The shot received significant attention not only because of its technical execution but also due to the rarity of utilizing a fairway wood for a second shot on a par-4 hole in the final round of a major championship. Pavin’s previous lack of a major victory added to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the moment.
Winning a major was a crucial career goal for Pavin at that point. Although he wouldn’t describe it as eating away at him, he deeply desired to secure a major title. The absence of a major victory would have bothered him if his career had concluded without one.
Evaluating his career, Pavin expresses his satisfaction with his accomplishments. When he embarked on his professional journey, he wouldn’t have believed anyone who told him he would win 15 tournaments, including a major. While he didn’t set long-term goals, his focus each year was to win at least one tournament and maintain consistent high-level performance.
During his college days, Pavin had the opportunity to play at the Los Angeles Country Club a couple of times. He describes it as a beautiful golf course and believes it will provide a strong challenge for the players in the competition.
Regarding the unique aspects of the course for the tournament, one particular challenge is that it hasn’t been showcased in tournament conditions before. Pavin isn’t sure how the course will be set up, but he anticipates difficulties with chipping and hitting full shots from the Bermuda rough.
Switching gears to the Ryder Cup, Pavin expresses his love for the event. He thrived under the immense pressure that comes with representing his country. Despite feeling the pressure intensify, he found that it sharpened his focus and concentration. Opportunities to represent one’s country are rare, making the Ryder Cup a special event.
As for his time as Ryder Cup captain in 2010, Pavin views it as a fantastic experience. Although he wished for a victory, he harbors no regrets about his approach. He conducted thorough research, gathered as much information as possible, and made decisions based on that information.
In conclusion, the United States Open holds a rich history of memorable shots, and Corey Pavin’s 4-wood strike in the 1995 Open remains one of the most remarkable. Pavin reflects on his career, goals, and experiences, offering insights into both his past and the upcoming competition at the Los Angeles Country Club.
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