Strange way to inspire U.S. team

Advertiser News Service

SUTTON COLDFIELD, England — Curtis Strange broke out the inspirational artillery last night.

Parents.

Celebrities, politicians and coaches are fine. But no one inspires like Mom and Dad.

So on the eve of the 34th Ryder Cup matches, the 12 United States players heard from their parents. Strange, the U.S. captain, created a 35-minute video that includes clips from each player's career and messages from their mothers and fathers.

The parents' words varied, but their theme did not: This event transcends individuals. Terror delayed you for one year, but now is the time to represent your country in one of sports' most rousing competitions.

"It's just to remind them how good they are," Strange said before the private screening in the U.S. team room. "It was fun for me to do, and I think it's a little different. It's something that will reach down and stir their emotions."

Competition at The Belfry, a par-72, American-style course in Britain's midlands, began this morning with four four-ball matches. The American team is a combined 7-22-7 in previous Cup four-ball matches.

Today's opening match pits Americans Tiger Woods and Paul Azinger against Darren Clarke and Thomas Bjorn. The subsequent matches are: David Duval-Davis Love III vs. Sergio Garcia-Lee Westwood; Scott Hoch-Jim Furyk vs. Colin Montgomerie-Bernhard Langer; Phil Mickelson-David Toms vs. Padraig Harrington-Niclas Fasth.

Strange and European captain Sam Torrance will determine pairings for this afternoon's four foursome matches later in the day. Morning foursomes and afternoon four-balls are scheduled for tomorrow, with 12 closing singles Sunday.

"I'm anxious," Strange said. "This is what Sam and I waited three years for."

The U.S. reclaimed the Cup in 1999 at Brookline, Mass., winning 14 1/2-13 1/2.