Pavin brings in F-16 fighter pilot to motivate US golf team ahead of Ryder Cup

LONDON - The US golf team captain Corey Pavin has brought in an F-16 fighter pilot to give a motivational speech to his team ahead of the Ryder Cup, starting at Celtic Manor on Friday.

Pavin described Major Dan Rooney as a patriot and said: “I want these guys to be accountable to each other and have each other’s backs. That’s what happens in the military. It was very quiet when he was talking. Everybody was paying attention.”

“I think the military awareness in the United States is at an all-time high. People appreciate the military and what they do for our freedoms,” The Telegraph quoted Pavin, as saying.

“To put your life on the line for what you believe and for the freedoms of other people, it’s the ultimate sacrifice to do that,” he added.

On the other hand, European golf team captain Colin Montgomerie called in Spanish legend Seve Ballesteros to lift his team’s spirit.

The European team spoke to Ballesteros for about 10 minutes, which Montgomerie claims ‘was very motivational’.

“It was a real inspiration, especially for the rookies in the team, for Seve to speak to them. We had a team meeting and it was very different because of the passion that engulfed the room, and it was a super time that we had,” Montgomerie said.

“It was very motivational and also very sad to hear him in the way he is, but the passion is still very strong within Seve for us as a team and he just wishes he could be here.”

“He was extremely open about our chances and about the team that has been selected and we were just honoured to have his presence in the room. As for motivation, there’s no need for that. We are motivated by losing two years ago,” he added.

Ballesteros is battling brain cancer, and was too ill to take up the invitation to attend the Celtic Manor showdown in Wales. (ANI)