Jeremiah Wooding Signs With Cobra Puma Golf

CARLSBAD, CA (FEBRUARY 13, 2013) – COBRA PUMA GOLF has announced Jeremiah Wooding as the newest addition to their global team of professional golfers ahead of his PGA Tour debut at the Northern Trust Open (NTO), where he received the 5th annual NTO Exemption awarded to a top minority golfer who represents the advancement of diversity in golf.

Jeremiah, a University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate, has had an accomplished junior golf career in Southern California and was an accomplished athlete in high school. His high school golfing career led him to UNLV where he played four strong years of collegiate golf. After graduating, Jeremiah competed in Q School where he advanced to the finals and earned conditional Web.com Tour status for the 2013 season.

“We are excited to welcome Jeremiah into the COBRA PUMA GOLF family,” said Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “He has tremendous talent and a bright future with serious goals. COBRA PUMA GOLF is looking forward to helping Jeremiah realize those goals and his dream to be the best.”

“I want to play golf and look good doing it – COBRA PUMA GOLF can help me do that,” commented Jeremiah. “They are changing the industry through innovative thinking and top performing products and I am thrilled to be a part of such an exciting company.”

Not only is Jeremiah a top-performing golfer, but he is also helping to grow the game. He works with Advocates USA to perform clinics and mentoring sessions for minority youth. His exemption into the Northern Trust Open is based not only on his top golf performance, but on how he has helped the advancement of diversity in golf through his work with Advocates USA.

Jeremiah’s new COBRA bag consists of:

• ZL Driver in Red 
• AMP CELL Fairway in Silver, MyFly set to 13° 
• AMP CELL 2-3 Hybrid in Silver 
• AMP CELL 3-4 Hybrid in Silver 

The AMP CELL Pro Driver and Fairway feature COBRA’s new MyFly and SmartPad TM Technology, allowing golfers to easily adjust their clubs between 6 trajectories while keep the face angle square at address. The AMP CELL metals are available in Silver, Vibrant Orange, Barbados Red and Directoire Blue.

Jeremiah will be wearing a COBRA Tour Cap and using an AMP Tour Staff Bag. He will be wearing products from PUMA Golf’s Spring / Summer 2013 Collection featuring PUMA CELL, a system of performance benefits that enhances human performance. Inspired by nature, PUMA CELL helps you Look Better. Feel Better. Play Better. in any environment. He’ll be rocking the new ZL (Zero Limits) shoe, part of PUMA Golf’s Lux footwear collection. It is a sleek style that offers the perfect blend of luxury materials and performance. Using a carbon fiber shank encased in TPU provides the ultimate lightweight support, control and dynamic flexibility while S2Quill® cleat technology provides maximum grip on the course. His PUMA Golf gear effortlessly fuses technology and style together

The AMP CELL family of products, ZL shoe and the Spring Summer 2013 Collection from PUMA Golf are available at retailers now.

Ian Poulter is Victorious at the HSBC Champions

CARLSBAD, CA (November 4th, 2012) – Ian Poulter, COBRA PUMA GOLF worldwide star, won the HSBC Champions in China today. Ian shot a 21 under par to secure the win using COBRA Golf equipment and wearing PUMA Golf footwear and belt. Ian’s win comes after four top ten finishes during the season along with a pivotal role in Europe’s win at the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Ian started the final round tied for fourth place and grinded his way to the top of the leader board with eight birdies in the final round. With seven holes left to play, Ian was tied for the lead with Phil Mickelson at an overall 20 under. On 12, Ian pulled away and another birdie on 14 put him 2 ahead of the pack.

“Ian is a worldwide golf sensation,” commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Ian is a global phenomenon with wins, and fans, all over the world. His world class performance, determination and unquestionable personality have made him an ideal ambassador for COBRA PUMA GOLF.”

Ian sported the Neo Classic ProTypes, a shoe developed by PUMA Golf for Ian when he switched to PUMA Golf footwear earlier this year. The Neo Classic ProType features S2Quill® technology, giving Ian ultimate traction, comfort and style on the course.

Ian used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Ian’s bag consists of:

• ZL EncoreTM Driver in White, 8.5 Neutral with 45.75” Aldila RIP Phenom 50X 
• AMP 3Wood with Project X 7B3 X 
• Baffler Rail 2H with Matrix Radix 8X Hybrid 
• S3 Pro Irons 4-6 CB, 7-P MB with Dynamic Golf X100 

His ZL Encore Driver features Multi Material Construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole , 6-4 Titanium body and 6-4 Titanium Face that features E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and maximizes forgiveness, combined they maximize distance and accuracy. Ian plays the ZL Encore in White with Black and Red options also available to consumers. The AMP 3 Wood features E9 Face Technology, Advanced Material PlacementTM and Adjustable Flight Technology TM for fine tuning launch and distance.

Faldo: 'Very Dangerous Time' for Rory

So, the news is out that Rory McIlroy will not be using Titleist club next season.  It leaves me wondering, how much of an affect do you think this type of equipment change will have on McIlroy's game?  Here's Nick Faldo's thoughts on the subject...

With the news Tuesday that Rory McIlroywill not play Titleist clubs in 2013, the narrative shifts from his potential equipment supplier to a bigger, more significant query regarding his future: Should the Northern Irishman have stuck with the clubs that helped fuel his rise?

Six-time major winner Nick Faldo, appearing on Golf Channel’s “Morning Drive,” on Tuesday, has already sounded the alarms for the upcoming equipment switch.

“I call it dangerous,” he said. “I’ve changed clubs and changed equipment, and every manufacturer will say, ‘We can copy your clubs; we can tweak the golf ball so it fits you.’ But there’s feel and sound as well, and there’s confidence. You can’t put a real value on that. It’s priceless.

“You have to be very, very careful. You easily could go off and do this and it messes you up because it just doesn’t quite feel the same. When you’re striping it, it’s fine. But as soon as doubt comes in…

“I’d be very cautious. I’d love someone like him, in his position, to sell the bag. That bag is worth a fortune; it’d be on TV all the time. Stick with the clubs that you know best, that you believe the best.

“It’s really important. It’s the feel and confidence of knowing that your equipment will perform how you want it to perform on Sunday afternoon. You can’t mess with that at such a young age.”

That’s one of the most thoughtful takes we’ve seen on the topic, from a player who’s been in a similar position: at the top of the world ranking, faced with the decision of whether to cash in and change equipment, or stick with the clubs he used to win major championships.

For McIlroy, his new equipment is just the latest in a series of changes over the past 16 months. Since winning the 2011 U.S. Open, the 23-year-old has switched agents, taken up PGA Tour membership and, now, is close to signing with another equipment company.

The latter figures to be his most significant decision of all.

Cobra Puma Golf Star Jonas Blixt 'Blixts' the Field at Frys.com Open

Jonas Blixt Secures his First PGA Tour Victory 

Jonas Blixt, COBRA PUMA GOLF Ambassador, won the Frys.com Open last Sunday to secure his first PGA Tour victory as a rookie on Tour. Jonas shot a 16 under par to secure the win using COBRA Golf equipment and wearing Tomato (red) PUMA Golf gear in honor of his alma mater, Florida State University. Jonas’ win comes after four top ten finishes, the most recent a third place finish at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, in his rookie year on the PGA Tour.

Jonas started the final round in second place and competed his way to the top of the leaderboard with five birdies. With eight holes left to play, Jonas was in a four way tie for the lead with an epic birdie on 17th to take the outright lead.

“Jonas’ rookie year on the PGA Tour has been excellent and he has been a perfect fit with COBRA PUMA GOLF,” commented Bob Philion, President of COBRA PUMA GOLF. “Jonas has been with COBRA Golf for two years while he graduated from the Web.com Tour and secured his first PGA Tour win this week.”

Jonas wore the Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo and Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes in Tomato and paired them with the 5 PKT Tech Pant in white and a COBRA Tour Cap. The Raglan Jacquard Golf Polo has a lightweight construction and innovative seaming system that reduces friction during swings, its wicking fibers absorb and release moisture to keep comfortable for the round. His Super Cell Fusion Ice shoes feature PUMA’s newest S2Quill technology, giving Jonas ultimate traction and comfort.

Jonas used his COBRA Golf equipment to help secure his win. Jonas’ bag consists of:
§ ZL EncoreTM Driver in Black, 8.5 Neutral with UST Attas T2 6X shaft
§ Baffler® T-Rail 2H with Graphite Design DI 105X
§ S3 Pro Irons MB 3-P with DYG X100

His ZL Encore Driver features Multi Material Construction with a carbon fiber crown and sole , 6-4 Titanium body and 6-4 Titanium Face that features E9 Face TechnologyTM with dual roll and Adjustable Flight TechnologyTM. These powerful technologies provide a larger sweet zone on the face, optimized ball flight and maximizes forgiveness, combined they maximize distance and accuracy. Jonas plays the ZL Encore in Black with White and Red options also available to consumers. The Baffler T-Rail Hybrid features a tungsten rail sole for improved turf interaction and moves CG low and deep for a high, penetrating ball flight and longer carrying distance.

To celebrate Jonas’ win, fans have the chance to win a set of clubs as Jonas plays (ZL Encore Driver, Baffler T-Rail Hybrid and choice of iron set) at www.cobragolf.com and win his winning look from Sunday at www.puma.com/golf

Phil Mickelson misses shot at $1 million dollar target

All that stood between $1 million and Phil Mickelson was 100 yards.

Unfortunately, he went long.

Teaming with his corporate sponsor KPMG, Mickelson took dead aim from one end zone during the halftime intermission of the San Diego Chargers-Denver Broncos Monday Night Football game. At stake was as much as $1 million for First Book, a non-profit organization which provides new books for children in need. Mickelson was set up in one end zone, aiming for a target in the other end zone. Mickelson knocked his shot long but will still earn $50,000 to buy 20,000 books.

Mickelson, using a 56-degree wedge, needed to land his shot within 5 feet of the hole to win $1 million. According to the PGA Tour, Mickelson has hit 13.5% of his approach shots from 95-105 yards to inside 5 feet since 2003.

The hometown Mickelson is a season ticketholder to the Chargers who recently bought a stake in the San Diego Chargers.

"My wife, Amy, and I, feel strongly that literacy and education are critical to the future success of today's youth," Mickelson said.

KPMG's Family for Literacy began five years ago in cooperation with First Book and is led by the spouses of KPMG partners and professionals from across the firm's offices. To date, KPMG has delivered more than two million books to children in local communities throughout the country.

Before the game, Mickelson, dressed in the powder-blue of his Chargers, joined the MNF set and was asked about the Ryder Cup. Two weeks ago, the Americans couldn't make a 10-6 lead after two days hold up and lost 141/2-13½ Europe.

"I'm still licking wounds," said Mickelson, who counts four major championships among his 40 career PGA Tour wins. "It still stings. It was one of the toughest losses I've even been involved with. I can't believe we didn't pull it through."

But Mickelson had little doubt who would win the game. Mickelson, pointing out that the Chargers have beaten Manning-led teams five of the last six games, and that the Chargers have beaten the Broncos nine of the last 12 games, took the Chargers.

via: www.usatoday.com

US suffers huge loss at 2012 Ryder Cup

MEDINAH, Ill. – The Americans never stood a chance.

Even with a commanding 10-6 lead going into the Ryder Cup’s Sunday singles, they were doomed.

There were just too many mystical forces working against them in a 14 1/2 to 13 1/2 loss at Medinah Country Club.

There were the Europeans playing in Seve Ballesteros’ Sunday blue, the garb once fancied by the man who became a legend escaping from more tough spots than Houdini. The Euros had his emblem on their shirt sleeves. They had his silhouette on their golf bags. Mostly, they showed they had his indomitable spirit in their marrow.

“I think if Seve could have written this script, he would have written it exactly like this one,” Europe’s Graeme McDowell said.

Ballesteros would have liked the way Justin Rose and Sergio Garcia dug themselves out of holes Sunday to win vital matches. Rose was 1 down to Phil Mickelson with two holes to play but poured in birdie putts at the 17th and 18th holes to win. Garcia was also 1 down at the 17th but likewise won the final two holes to defeat Jim Furyk.

“I have no doubt in my mind that Seve was with me today,” Garcia said. “Because there’s no chance I would have won my match if he wasn’t there.”

There was another force working against the Americans.

There was September in Chicago.

The Americans confirmed no lead is safe in this city in September. Cub fans know this better than anyone, and now the folks who live here have another epic collapse to remember, one as stunning as the Cubs’ blown pennant in ’69.

The way the Americans struggled Sunday, you had to wonder if they were playing on the same type of turf used at Wrigley Field.

You had to wonder if a guard at the front gate of Medinah turned away a restaurant owner wanting to bring his billy goat inside with him to watch Sunday’s finish.

And now you have to wonder if that Chicago cop who helped a desperate Rory McIlroymake his tee time with a police escort will be looking to rent a room from Steve Bartman.

Apparently, beating the Americans has become as easy as rolling out of bed.

Saying he confused the U.S. Central Time Zone with its Eastern Time Zone, McIlroy arrived just 10 minutes before his tee time with the police escort. He didn’t hit a single shot on the practice range but was 2 up on Keegan Bradley after six holes and went on to beat him, 2 and 1.

“We’re all kind of stunned,” American captain Davis Love III said. “We know what it feels like now from that ’99 Ryder Cup. It’s a little bit shocking.”

Love was on that ’99 team that won at Brookline in the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. The Europeans on Sunday equaled that historic comeback in winning for the fifth time in the last six Ryder Cups, the seventh in the last nine.

With the Europeans charging early Sunday, you had to wonder if ’99 U.S. captain Ben Crenshaw was watching somewhere with a bad feeling about this.

Olazabal was on that European team that lost so epically. He was in the middle of the chaos when Justin Leonard holed an improbable bomb at the 17th at Brookline to set up the United States’ victory. Leonard rolled that putt in against Olazabal.

Asked on Saturday night, if, like Crenshaw, he had a “good feeling” about what was going to happen on the final day, Olazabal said he believed.

“I think the boys understood that believing was the most important thing, and they did,” Olazabal said.

Sunday was a sad day for the Americans, but it was a great day for golf, a spectacular Sunday of dizzying dramatic turns.

The Ryder Cup proved yet again it is the best event in golf, a spectacle even more magical than the Masters, if that’s possible. The golf is so much larger in the Ryder Cup, it feels like it ought to be played on Mount Olympus. The thrills are so much grander, the heartache so much more severe.

Unfortunately for the Americans, they’re becoming more familiar with the heartache.

Steve Stricker felt the sting of another Ryder Cup as deeply as anyone.

With the first five players Europe sent out Sunday winning, the match boiled down to Stricker on the final hole in the second-to-last match. After lipping out a 6-footer for par at the 17th to fall 1 down to Martin Kaymer, Stricker knew the match’s outcome was on him. He had to win the 18th or Europe would retain the cup.

Stricker watched Martin Kaymer halve the hole by sinking a 6-foot putt at the last to deal the Americans yet another Ryder Cup disappointment.

“I just didn’t get it done,” Stricker said. “I’m a little stunned. I can’t really believe what happened to us.”

The Americans have been dealt some bitter blows in the Ryder Cup. There were the back-to-back record routs in 2004 and ’06, but this might have been the worst loss of all. The collapse coming with the Americans feeling as if they had one hand on the cup makes the loss that much harder to swallow.

Tiger Woods endured his fifth consecutive Ryder Cup loss.

No other American Ryder Cupper has ever played on five consecutive losing teams.

Mickelson has now played on seven losing Ryder Cup teams. No American has been on more losing teams.

Mickelson’s Ryder Cup record is now 14-18-6. Woods is 13-17-3. No Americans have lost more matches than Mickelson and Woods.

American veteran Jim Furyk felt the sting, too. He bogeyed the final two holes to lose to Garcia. In a year in which Furyk endured losing the U.S. Open and the WGC-Bridgestone with late stumbles, Furyk drove home just how important the Ryder Cup has become.

“This is the lowest part of my year,” Furyk said.

It was a wild, wondrous Sunday that ended with it feeling like the Americans never stood a chance.

• By Randall Mell

NBC Notes and Quotes - After Day 2

More notes and quotes from NBC commentators after the end of day two.

Day Two Afternoon Matches

“Steve doesn’t seem to quite have it this week so far.” Johnny Miller on Steve Stricker’s struggles in Saturday’s afternoon matches

 “Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner have that quiet confidence that any captain and any teammate would look for.  They don’t get too up and they don’t get too far down.  All they do is just pepper the flag with their shots and knock their putts in.” – Peter Jacobsen on the team of Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson

“This is the little team that could.  These guys are tough.  They don’t look too intimidating but they keep dripping you on the forehead.” – Johnny Miller on the team of Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson

“They are not going to break this team up for a while.  This is going to be a go-to team for the U.S. for a while.” – Johnny Miller on the team of Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson

“I’ve seen more lipped putts by this European squad in this Ryder Cup than I think I have ever seen.” – Peter Jacobsen on the European Team’s putting

“This is Justin Rose’s second Ryder Cup, but to me he is one of the most experienced and reliable players on this team.” – Peter Jacobsen on Justin Rose

“If I were to grade Stricker’s play I think he has played reasonably solid.  But certainly by his standards he hasn’t made anything like he normally does on the greens.” – Roger Maltbie on Steve Stricker’s play the first two days at the Ryder Cup

“Only at the Ryder Cup, where Halloween comes early.” – Dan Hicks on the fans’ patriotic costumes

“When you drive the golf ball as well as Bubba Watson does, especially the way he has been driving this week, you basically don’t have par-5’s, you  just have long par-4’s.” – Dottie Pepper on Bubba Watson

“Johnny, we have done a lot of Ryder Cups together, and I can’t remember ever seeing as many people at one of these.” – Gary Koch on the Ryder Cup galleries at Medinah Country Club

“They are a fantastic gallery.  They are so in to this.” – Johnny Miller on the Ryder Cup galleries

“What a feeling it must be to walk through this.  It is like you are in a ticker tape parade on every hole.” – Dan Hicks on the gallery following Watson and Simpson

“Interesting time for the U.S. right now.  A new wave of real great Ryder Cuppers.  Guys that don’t have a losing record that handle the pressure.  It is an exciting time for the United States right now.” – Johnny Miller on the U.S. Team

“If there is a legacy of the players in the last 15 years it is really losing Ryder Cups.  I think these new guys will show a new wave for the U.S.” – Johnny Miller on the U.S. Team

“They are just flat, they are not making putts, they are not making many birdies, and that has got to change real quick.” – Johnny Miller on the European Team’s deficit in the afternoon matches.

“Nobody walks ‘em in from five feet like Webb Simpson.” – Johnny Miller on Webb Simpson

“I agree with Johnny in that Rory, having had this late fantastic summer, is really tired.” – Guest analyst Colin Montgomerie on Rory McIlroy

“I thought Tiger, having rested this morning, he would come out fired up and ready to go but that hasn’t happened at all.” – Guest analyst Colin Montgomerie on Tiger Woods after the opening nine holes in his afternoon match

“What a difference a day makes…today is the total opposite.” – Johnny Miller on Nicolas Colsaerts’ struggles on Day Two

“The Europeans have owned the lips, the United States Team has owned the cup.” – Peter Jacobsen on Justin’s Rose’s lip-out to secure Watson and Simpson’s 5&4 victory.

“Tiger Woods’ could have hit a small bucket and not hit a better one.” – Johnny Miller on Woods’ tee shot on 13

“He’s fueling this comeback on the back nine.” – Peter Jacobsen on Tiger Woods’ play on the back nine

“Wow. That is a timely putt.  You talk about loud.  For golf, now that is loud.” Johnny Miller on Dustin Johnson’s birdie and subsequent crowd reaction on No. 17 to go 1-up

“When Tiger gets in this mode, it seems like he reads these unbelievable well and knocks them in.  Other days, not so good. But he seems to have turned back the clock a bit.  Seems like the magic is back for now.” – Johnny Miller on Tiger Woods’ run of birdies on the back nine

“Those are maniacal eyes, aren’t they.” – Dan Hicks on Ian Poulter

“Predatorial is what they are.” – Johnny Miller on Ian Poulter

-NBC Sports Group-

NBC Notes and Quotes on Saturdays Ryder Cup

Here's some more insight into the Saturday morning action from the Ryder Cup... I hope you're enjoying the excitement!

Day Two Morning Matches

“A guy like Webb Simpson that gets to play Bubba Watson’s drives that are out there nine miles … you feel like King Kong all of the sudden.” – Johnny Miller

“The U.S. didn’t really have a ‘go-to’ team … but now, I think, the U.S. actually has a ‘go-to’ team that everybody can rally around, almost like the Seve-Olazabal-type teams in the past.” – Johnny Miller on the U.S.A. team of Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley

“The American fans back here gave the Euros a little of their own medicine when they started singing ‘Away, away, away, away, you’re away.’” – Mark Rolfing

“So many times it seemed like the U.S. players would kind of shut it down after the PGA Championship and really hadn’t been playing any competitive to speak of before these matches were held.” – Gary Koch on how the PGA TOUR Playoffs have kept the American players sharp

“He’s made him young.  All that enthusiasm he’s brought has really got Phil fired him up.” – Roger Maltbie on Keegan Bradley’s effect on Phil Mickelson

“He’s sort of an irritating player to play with – in a good way – for Europe.” – Johnny Miller on Ian Poulter

“I think it was the introduction of Seve.  We were very, very lucky with Faldo, Seve, Langer, Woosnam, Lyle.  We were very fortunate to have the top five or six players in the world at the time and that helped us greatly, and it helped the lesser-likes to come through.” – guest analyst Colin Montgomerie about the recent European dominance since 1985

“Sort of like two poker players, too, they don’t show you much, they just got the toughness inside.  They’re just the opposite of an Ian Poulter or Bubba Watson.  They just keep it quiet and nip at ya.” – Johnny Miller on the team of Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson

“Remember his first Ryder Cup in ’99, when he’s playing with Jesper Parnevik.  He’s jumping around the place, all over the place.  He has calmed down .. and so has his game, unfortunately.”- guest analyst Colin Montgomerie on Sergio Garcia

“I’m also glad for Phil Mickelson.  He’s had a bad time in the Ryder Cup over the years, Phil Mickelson, and he’s lost a lot of games that he deserved to win. And it’s that he’s found a partner now that he enjoys playing with.” – Colin Montgomerie

“These matches have just gotten huge. It’s amazing, the synergy and the nationalism involved, and it’s just amazing how exciting it is to watch the Ryder Cup.” – Johnny Miller

“Europe had to expect this great Irish team to do better than looking like one win and two losses.  That really hurts Europe.” – Johnny Miller after the European team of McIlroy and McDowell lost to the American team of Furyk and Snedeker in Saturday morning foursome matches  

-NBC Sports Group-

Golf Channel Notes and Quotes From the Ryder Cup

Here's an interesting recap of the start of the Ryder Cup through some notes and quotes from our friends at the Golf Channel...

On Friday’s Day One at the Ryder Cup

Brandel Chamblee: “I don’t know when the United States will see another day like this.  It was extraordinary to see youth trump experience.”

On Nicolas Colsaerts’ Day One Performance at the Ryder Cup

Frank Nobilo: “Star of the future. When the bulk of the crowd was going for that final twosome for America, he stood up and stood tall.”

On Bubba Watson’s Standing Ovation on his Opening Drive in the Afternoon Session

Rich Lerner: “The Masters this is not.”

Frank Nobilo: “America had to wait a whole session before they saw their reigning Masters and U.S. Open champion.  It was almost like something was stolen from them…When Bubba went to the first tee, I have never seen this in golf.  I’ve never seen a player hit like that.  But what that did to the crowd, they had waited all day to see a Masters Champion and a U.S. Open champion stand on that first tee.  It will be hard-pressed to see a moment that is actually better than that.  That changed the whole afternoon in my book.”

Brandel Chamblee: “This was raw talent, ridiculous talent.  Insane talent with unseen emotion, unseen exuberance.  Ever.  This might be the day that the U.S. needed to sort of change and give them a new perspective.”

On Keegan Bradley’s Day One Performance at the Ryder Cup

Brandel Chamblee: “He was money today.”

Chamblee: “Now Phil, he has kicked a lot of butts in his career.  How many do you think he has patted in his career?  Not many.”

Frank Nobilo: “He’s different.  He is not trying to copy anyone else.”

Nick Faldo: “His intensity.  He turns it up and he plays better.  Very few guys can do that. You’ve got to be able to control the intensity.  He really does show it.  We always say you’ve got to ‘rev the engine the right amount.’  This guy takes it to 15,000 revs and plays great with it.”

David Feherty: “There is more meat on a butcher’s pencil than there is on Keegan Bradley, yet he has this incredible energy that is infectious.”

On the Passing of the Torch in American Golf

David Feherty: "We saw the passing of a torch, and I think the torch was a part of a giant campfire that Davis Love built in a cage somewhere last night, where he kept Bubba Watson and threw him pieces of raw meat and then unleashed him this afternoon.”

On the European Team Heading into Day Two

Nick Faldo: “I think you have to go back to your team room and be really honest.  Olazabal has got to look at the guys and say ‘Look, I really need the eight best guys tomorrow, and I might have to play my top eight guys for the whole day.’  That is what we did back in the good old days.”

On what Colin Montgomerie would say in the European team room

Colin Montgomerie: “He has got to be very brave – and I had to be brave as well – to leave out people tomorrow.  Tomorrow is the most important day of the Ryder Cup.  Tomorrow will probably decide who will win the Ryder Cup….Tomorrow, the Europeans have to do what the exactly what the Americans did to us.  Hole putts, silence the crowd and win at least 5-3 tomorrow or this is going to very difficult for the Europeans to have any chance on Sunday, knowing the strength of the American singles.”

On Westwood and Kaymer’s struggles on Friday’s Day One

Colin Montgomerie: “For Lee Westwood not to make a birdie out there today is shocking, as of course, Martin Kaymer the same.  For that pair not to make a birdie today when there was birdies flying around all over the place is astonishing.”

On the Decision to Sit Donald, Garcia and Poulter in the Afternoon on Day One

Colin Montgomerie: “We have a great captain here, no question about it.  And he has not made a mistake.  What happened today is our top performers did not perform.   And the youth were beaten well today.  The Europeans played OK.  The Americans played very well.  And all credit to them.”

Montgomerie: “There are 20 points to play for here.  We have only played eight.  There is a marathon to go here.  That is what I would tell my team, ‘there is a marathon to go.’”

On the Decision to Sit Tiger Woods for Day Two Morning Matches

Brandel Chamblee: “It was definitely the right move on so many different levels.  I have never seen Tiger Woods worse than he was this morning from technical aspect.  He was tangled up, missing shots to the left and to the right.  I don’t have any doubt that mentally, he was a mess as well.  There is also the issue with his knee.”

Frank Nobilo: “It does a lot of good things.  From a team point of view, you are telling the team, ‘we believe in all 12 guys.’ That is a great stamp in the right direction.”

Nick Faldo:  “It’s no big deal to me.  Give him a rest.  He is not great at foursomes.  He can practice or chill out or whatever, and stick him back in the afternoon.”

-NBC Sports Group-

Justin Timberlake at the Ryder Cup - Opening Ceremony

The Ryder Cup is arguably the most fun golf event of the season; and the festivities kicked off earlier today.  This afternoon at Medinah Country Club, 2012 Ryder Cup U.S. Team Ambassador Justin Timberlake kicked off the Ryder Cup at the Opening Ceremony and also joined Golf Channel's Rich Lerner, Brandel Chamblee, Frank Nobilo and Nick Faldo to preview the Ryder Cup on the network's Live From the Ryder Cup news show following the Opening Ceremony this evening.  Have a look at Justin reciting a golf peom...

Here's the segment later in the afternoon where he joins Lerner, Faldo, Nobilo and Chamblee to preview to upcoming competition...