If there’s anyone who knows how to lead and inspire athletes in an international competition, it’s Winthrop’s own Mike Eruzione. And that’s why Mike was called upon to speak to the members of the United States Ryder Cup team that will compete against the European team in the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Course in Minnesota. Mike delivered an inspiring message to the team of golfers who included Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson, Patrick Reed, Jimmy Walker, Brooks Koepka, Brandt Snedeker, and Zach Johnson.
Ryder Cup captain Davis Love III and vice-captains Jim Furyk and Tom Lehman also listened intently as Mike spoke about the honor of representing the United States in such a prestigious event and how to prepare oneself mentally for a competition on the world’s stage. Mike’s appearance came at Gillette Stadium and the event was hosted by New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft prior to the Deutsche Bank Championships that was held Labor Day weekend at TPC Boston in Norton.
We’re sure that Mike’s words will inspire the team that is seeking to return the Ryder Cup to the United States. Europe has won four of the last five Ryder Cups.
As a golfer himself who has competed in celebrity tournaments and played at the Winthrop Golf Club, Mike understands what a difficult game it is to master.
If the United States team does emerge victorious, we in Winthrop will credit Mike Eruzione for his message of inspiration to the captains and the players.
Thirty-six years ago, Mike Eruzione delivered the greatest moment in Olympic history, one that Sports Illustrated called the greatest sports achievement of the 20th century. Scoring that goal against the Soviet Union was simply unforgettable for all who were in Lake Placid and all who watched on television as our hometown boy became a national sports hero. The memories of the 1980 Winter Olympics still shine brightly today and Mike’s appearance as the main speaker at the Ryder Cup team’s gathering showed just how much the sporting world remembers Mike’s exceptional leadership of the U.S.A. hockey team.
By the way, Mike and his Winthrop Charities organization will be holding a Comedy Night on Saturday at the Winthrop Yacht Club. More than 240 people have already purchased tickets and there will be tickets available at the door. There is a social hour at 6 p.m., followed by a comedy show and music by Vinyl Groove. We hope Winthrop residents will support this effort for a worthy cause.