Ryder Cup Captain

RYDER CUP CAPTAIN Ben Crenshaw believed in his 1999 American team. On the final day of competition, they rewarded his faith.

The United States trailed their European counterparts 10–6 after the four-ball and foursome rounds. With 12 singles matches remaining, the Americans needed 8½ points to reclaim the gold chalice. In an emotional Saturday meeting, every team member spoke passionately.

On Sunday, Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Phil Mickelson, Hal Sutton, David Duval, Tiger Woods, Steve Pate, and Jim Furyk all edged out their opponents to earn a point. But 14 points weren’t enough; Justin Leonard needed at least a tie to give the United States the victory.

The situation appeared hopeless, however. Spain’s Jose Olazabal led by four holes with seven remaining. But the Texan won the next four, nailing a 35-foot putt on 15. Two holes later, Leonard connected on another incredible shot. Facing a 45-foot uphill putt, he stroked perfectly and watched the ball bang the back of the cup for a birdie. Olazabal sank an 18-footer for a birdie on 18 to tie, but Leonard’s ½ point gave the Americans a 14½ to 13½ edge. The victory brought the Ryder Cup back to U.S. soil for the first time since 1993.

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POINT Despite being played every other year, many call the Ryder Cup golf’s fifth major tournament. Samuel Ryder, an English nurseryman, had helped found and fund the inaugural event in 1927 and commissioned the trophy to encourage American and British golfers to compete officially as teams.

Ryder’s seed money literally came from seeds. The son of a corn merchant, Ryder dreamed of selling penny seed packets to English citizens. When his father questioned the idea, Ryder began the business himself. The seed packets sold, but in his 50s the wealthy man became ill from overwork. Doctors encouraged him to start exercising outdoors, so he took up golf. In the 25 years he enjoyed the sport, Ryder sowed seeds promoting the game.

Jesus knew the value of tiny seeds. He compared faith to the smallest of all seeds, the mustard seed. Faith that small, he said, can move mountains.

GOAL! Examine a seed. Imagine what it can grow into. God can use your faith to change the world.