magic moments - rocca stuns woods (1997)
Woods - stunned in Valderrama
By Phil Casey, PA Sport
Costantino Rocca v Tiger Woods, Valderrama 1997: Much has been written about Tiger Woods' poor record in the Ryder Cup, the world number one winning just seven of his 20 matches. Two of those victories have come in the singles, with Woods also somewhat generously conceding a half to Jesper Parnevik at The Belfry in 2002 when the contest had already been decided before they reached the 18th. But the 12-time major winner has not always had it his own way in the singles, and his debut in 1997 will long be remembered for the shock victory of Italian Costantino Rocca. Rocca had already played in two Ryder Cups, crucially losing his singles to Davis Love from one up with two to play in 1993 but collecting three points out of five to help regain the trophy two years later at Oak Hill. Woods was making his cup debut, but had won the US Masters title earlier that year, ironically playing alongside Rocca in the final round as he cruised to a 12-shot victory. "I played with him in the Masters for the second time, the first time when he was still an amateur at the US Open the year before," Rocca told PA Sport. "At the Masters he was completely different already. He impressed me a lot." It was Rocca who impressed at Valderrama however, producing some of the best golf of his career to storm to a 4&2 victory. "It was a very good match, I putted a little bit better than him," he added. "I played my game and this was the reason I could beat Tiger Woods. If I play his game, I'm dead already before we start. After that he improved a lot more and is now fantastic. "I finished on the Sunday morning in the foursomes with Jose Maria (Olazabal) and Seve's come in to tell me about the singles. "He said, 'You know who you play against?' I know, if you tell me like this, I know! I'll do my best! "Seve helped me a lot before the start, he told me 'play your game and you can do it. If he plays good, he plays good, the most important thing is try not to lose the hole to a par'. "That I think was the key. Especially as every time I play my second shot first. I was never past him off the tee, except maybe on the par three! "I still remember it very well and it's something nice in my life. It was 4&2 but it was not easy because if you lost your concentration I know the kind of player he is. "Even if you are four up after nine he can make nine birdies and you're dead. I played good but I still respect the player but especially the man."
