[Yoda]

It would also be great to see Larry Nelson as captain. It is shameful that a 3 time major champion, which includes 2 PGA's, has been overlooked. With the recent peformance of U.S. teams, the U.S. captain seems to be responsible for little more than the wardrobe selection. And as there is a retro 70's trend in golf fashion, the PGA may reconsider Larry Nelson. He definitely has experience with that fashion genre.

Thank you for your insightful post, Sligo33. For the U.S. team, perhaps the times will be "a'changin'." Then again, perhaps not.

Regarding one Larry G. Nelson, I could not agree more. Let's begin with the fact that he did not begin playing golf until he was 21 years old.

Now, getting a late start in golf doesn't necessarily qualify one for Captain of the Ryder Cup team. So, let's add a few more details...

Ten PGA TOUR victories;

Two PGA Championships (1981, 1987);

One U.S. Open (1983).

Three winning Ryder Cup Teams (1979, 1981, 1987).

This last stat is especially significant because Larry has the best record in the history of the Ryder Cup...undefeated on his first two teams. Read that:

9-0.

You want golf record? You got golf record.

You want courage...personal courage under fire?

Larry Nelson at age 20 was the 'point man' on more combat missions through South Vietnamese jungles than you can count. Unlike many, he lived to tell about it.

But he won't.

He is also the straightest-arrow husband, father and friend you have ever met in your life.

Consider the above and I think you have way more than the stuff of a Ryder Cup Captain.

Why was he 'passed over?' Only the politicos of the PGA know.

Remember, the Ryder Cup is a PGA of America event, not a PGA TOUR event. And during Larry's 'time,' the nod went first to Lanny Wadkins -- who himself said 'they' saw Larry's superior play and gave the captaincy to him instead -- and then to Tom Kite. Then to Ben Crenshaw and Curtis Strange and Hal Sutton. Finally, despite the intense lobbying for Larry by the committee of past Captains, to Tom Lehman. With all due respect to Tom -- a nice guy who finished first -- a guy just as nice with a far better record finished second. And now...Paul Azinger.

Does anyone want to compare records?

Anyone?

Larry, of course, remains the ultimate gentleman. Read this interview at http://www.golfonline.com/golfonline...333487,00.html.

Meanwhile, since joining the Champions Tour, Larry has continued his outstanding career. He's racked up 19 Champions Tour victories and almost $14,000,000 in Official Money. He was the Tour's 2000 Leading Money Winner and Player of the Year. Check this out: http://www.pgatour.com/players/00/18...dia-guide.html

I am proud to call Larry Nelson my friend. We have known each other since we mustered out of the service about the same time in the early '70s. With two very different career paths, we both joined Atlanta Country Club some thirty years ago. Last night, ACC members celebrated his outstanding accomplishments and induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The first image below is of Larry's World Golf Hall of Fame Award, and also, the large framed photo of his 1987 PGA win that today hangs in the Atlanta CC's lobby entrance. Other photographs that hang in that gallery include Davis Love, III, 1997 PGA Champion, whose father, Davis Love, Jr., was our first Head Professional. Also, Bob Tway, Jr. 1986 PGA Champion, son of member Bob Tway, Sr. Finally, Joe Inman, Jr., a PGA TOUR winner and Champions Tour 2000 Rookie of the Year.

The second is of Larry and me. I'm proud of that moment and all it captured. With this inspiration, I'll soon post in the 'Young Yoda' thread a snapshot of a much younger duo taken on the practice tee of Atlanta Country Club, a week after Larry won the U.S. Open at Oakmont. That was a fond memory, too.

The third photo is with Larry's wife Gayle, and Bert Seagraves and his wife, Susan. Bert, a two-time Georgia PGA Professional of the Year, was Head Professional at Pinetree C.C. when Larry went to work in his only 'club pro' job.

The final photo is with John Gerring, PGA Master Professional, 1981 National PGA Professional of the Year, and for 15 years the Head Professional of Atlanta CC. He is now Head Professional of Peachtree Golf Club, Bobby Jones's 'Atlanta' course.

It was indeed a night of memories. First, we viewed the film of Larry's accomplishments shown at his induction last year into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Then, we listened to several reminiscences of Larry's close professional friends. Finally, we were privileged to hear from The Man himself.

After the close of ceremonies, I asked Larry to sign my copy of the photo you see in the Gerring photograph (a tee shot off the 18th at The Masters). He thought for a moment and then wrote this:

"Lynn,

Thanks for your help.

All the best.

Larry Nelson."

Wow.

Over the years, I have watched Larry hit thousands of balls both on the practice tee and in tournament play. But, in no way could I be considered his teacher or coach.

Nevertheless, inexplicably, the words are there, and they are his.

If you have yet to get the picture...

That's Larry Nelson.