As U.S. captain for October’s Ryder Cup in Wales, Pavin selected Tom Lehman, Davis Love III, Jeff Sluman and surprised many with the pick of Paul Goydos.
After the selections, Goydos responded by saying the choice was between he and Brett Favre, in reference to Fred Couples bringing along Michael Jordan to the Presidents Cup in September.
“What about Brett Favre?” Adler asked Pavin.
“I asked Brett Favre but he couldn’t make up his mind,” Pavin said, gaining laughter from the crowd.
Adler also asked Pavin about the chances of selecting Tiger Woods for the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Woods, a part-time Corona del Mar resident, is returning to a routine that includes golf and fitness after his fallout that stemmed from infidelity, according to the Associated Press.
Pavin answered with another joke.
“Tiger said he’s coming back at the 2025 Toshiba Classic.”
He then changed his tone.
“I hope he comes back and plays. But he does have things in his personal life that he needs to put in order. I’ll have to wait and see when he comes back and go from there.”
Woods is six among the possible eight members of the Ryder Cup team, determined by a points system.
But Woods can’t hold the spot if he continues to sit out. Pavin will choose four others, and has until Sept. 7 to do so.
Pavin is no stranger to Ryder Cup teams. The 15-time PGA Tour winner has been on three Ryder Cup teams (1991, 1993, 1995) and he was an assistant captain in 2006.
He brought on more laughs when he said he was chosen as captain because he’s a Bruin and because an attribute for the role is high intelligence.
