THE CAPTAIN'S SPEECH

By Torleif Sorenson on 10/15/13

H/T Ryan Lavner

In advance of the 2014 Ryder Cup Matches at Gleneagles, Team Europe captain Paul McGinley's preparation includes more than just logistics and scheduling. McGinley is also getting help with public speaking:

"I'm not concerned about my presentation, as that's been great. I've been fortunate because for the five years I spent at college public speaking was a part of my marketing and international business courses.

"I'm not going to be an amateur standing up there on the stage when I am trying to be a professional, so there are so many facets. That's why I have been trying to upgrade my public speaking.

"If that means getting outside help in some areas, then I will do that."

In posting McGinley's quotes, blogger Bernie McGuire recalls Nick Faldo's unforced speaking errors at the 2008 Ryder Cup, including a cringe-inducingly lame attempt at humor when he said that Padraig Harrington had hit more golf balls than potatoes had been planted in Ireland.

Kudos to McGinley not just for seeking outside assistance with his public duties, but also for keeping his priorities in line. The captain is in Boston and New York City this week, and he is minimizing the pleasant distractions:

"I've got a lot of public speaking coming up speaking to the the Irish/American Society and on Wall Street with with Ernst and Young as they are a top tier sponsor of the Ryder Cup. I'm taking the Ryder Cup trophy with me. There will be no business on any golf course, so I'll be leaving my clubs at home."

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