Sept. 22, 2008
Opening Statement…
“We play in the fall and the spring. Fall is a short season; we will playin four events. We played at Wolf Run in a tournament that we co-host with Indiana.We finished fourth out of fourteen teams and played mediocre, not bad and notgood. We go to Vanderbilt this weekend, we go out to PGA West in La Quinta, Cali.in October and we finish up in Orlando. This is probably the premiere event incollege golf where Tiger Woods played and J.B. Holmes lives and plays there now.It is a pretty special tournament and a pretty special place. In the spring iswhen we have all our championships like the SEC, our regional and the NCAA.”
On what J.B. Holmes and his performance in the Ryder Cup means to the program…
“I think it is tremendous for the program to have an alumnus out there doingwhat he did and playing like he has played, not just in the Ryder Cup but inhis young professional career. He has taken off and done so well. It is hugeand it really helps with recruiting. It helps to get your foot in the door. Ithelps people listen when you are trying to go after them. It is enormous.”
On J.B. Holmes’ performance as a professional golfer…
“I’m not surprised at all. I thought he was going to be a better professionalplayer than college player. His game is better suited for the tour than it isfor college courses. We play great courses but when you get on the tour it ismore demanding. The guy that hits it as far as he hits it and can hit it in theair like he can hit it and with his shots around the green will do well. Thebigger the stage the better he plays. I thought he was going to do great. I didn’tthink he would make a Ryder Cup in three years but I’m not surprised. He hasa lot of game and a lot of heart.”
On the shot in the water by J.B. Holmes…
“I was shocked to be honest with you. He has played that course between30 and 40 times and has never hit it in the water there. That shows what nervescan do to you. I was surprised, but he handled it well.”
On J.B. Holmes’ performance Sunday…
“He played great on Sunday. He has played now in his fourth event representingthe U.S.A. He has played great in every one of them and has been on the winningteam each time. His overall record is very good.”
On J.B. Holmes’ ability to win a major…
“I think the only major he would have a problem with is the British Open.He can certainly learn to do that. The other majors set pretty well for his game.The Master’s probably sets up the best for him. He has to get better, but I absolutelythink he can win a major.”
On watching the celebration of the U.S. win at the Ryder Cup…
“It was unbelievable. I was right there beside the flag when he made thatputt on Hole 17. To watch all those guys celebrate and see the camaraderie theyhad was really special. It reminded me a lot of Holmes college days at UK. Wehad some of that on a smaller scale. John (Holmes) loved the team atmosphere.He is a huge “team first” guy. The emotion was pretty incredible.”
On J.B. Holmes setting up a scholarship at the University…
“There are a few options going on there. All the players in the Ryder Cuphave a chance to donate back to their school, but it is designated for “PlayGolf America”. I think a J.B. Holmes scholarship fund is going to help kidsfrom Taylor County come to UK.”
