The US Open, which kicks off Thursday at the Los Angeles Country Club, has seen many memorable shots over the years. One was struck with a 4-wood. Corey Pavin On the final hole of the 1995 British Open at Sinek Hills Golf Club in Southampton, New York
Holding a one-stroke lead, Pavin brought an approach from about 225 yards to within five feet of the pin. He missed his birdie putt but won by two.
At the time, NBC’s Johnny Miller called it “the shot of his life.”
Pavin, 63, who played for the UCLA golf team, recently reflected on what happened in 1995 and the courses players will encounter this week.
Conversations have been edited and condensed.
Where are the modern 4-woods?
The 4-wood is currently stored in a nice case. I had it on display at my house. When we moved we didn’t have enough space to put it.
Did you use it after opening?
I used it for a few more years and then switched to another club.
What options did you consider in terms of shots?
I also carried a 2 iron in my bag. I said, [to his caddie] ‘Do you think you can hit a 2-iron there?’ He said, ‘No, it’s not. That was our conversation. It was shortened to the point without any hesitation about which club to hit.
Did you know right away that you had reached your goal?
When I touched the ball, I knew it was a really good ball. I was able to hit it as I thought. I did the exact same shot on Friday and put it on the green with a 4-wood. I did it on Friday, so I had a good image in my head.
Did you get so much attention because you hit it with a 4-wood?
The 72nd hole, the fairway wood that hits the second shot of the par 4 is a little special. He was 35 at the time, and he had won 12 tournaments, but no majors. That was also a factor.
Did not win a major hurt you?
Indeed, it was one of my goals at that point in my career. I don’t know if eating and running is the right way to say it, but I really wanted to win a major. If I hadn’t won a major in my entire career, I would have been annoyed by it.
How would you rate your career?
When I started on tour, if someone told me, “You won 15 tournaments and one of them is going to be a major,” I told them I was probably crazy. would have been I had never set such long-term goals. My yearly goal was for him to win at least one tournament and play consistent golf at the highest possible level.
Did you play at the Los Angeles Country Club in college?
Only played a few times. It’s a beautiful golf course. I think it will be maintained pretty well.
Are there specific challenges for the players or is it a typical open layout?
One of the challenges is that no one has actually seen it in a tournament setting. I don’t know how it is set.Lack [the Bermuda rough] It’s very difficult. And it’s very difficult to hit a full shot from there.
Why did the Ryder Cup bring out your best?
I love the Ryder Cup. The pressure there is 100 times stronger than I’ve ever felt. When you feel that pressure, your focus increases, and you focus even more. I don’t get the chance to represent my country very often.
Do you have any regrets about being captain in 2010?
It was a great experience. Of course, I wish I could have won, but I have no regrets about my method. I acted as thoroughly as I could, gathered as much information as I could, and made decisions based on that information.
