Jim Furyk

A Ryder Cup player nine times, he’s now tasked with masterminding America’s first win in Europe since 1993. The US captain talks pairings, crowd abuse, camaraderie, the course, and that 2014 press conference.

- Huggan

Even sitting in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower, Jim Furyk bears little resemblance to Gene Kelly. But this American in Paris is aiming to be just as successful as the legendary song and dance man. The 42nd Ryder Cup matches are still almost a year away, but Furyk, who will lead the United States team into the biennial contest in search of its first away win in a quarter of a century, is already consumed by that difficult task.

In conversation and in contrast to his often-grim on-course persona, the 47-year old Pennsylvanian is animated, interesting and often surprising. A former US Open champion and a nine-time Ryder Cup participant – only twice has he been on the winning side – Furyk nevertheless has a deep affection for what he calls “my favourite event”. That it means so much is not exactly shocking, of course. His passion for representing his country has always been obvious on the course. And it is equally apparent in conversation.

I see we have more in common than our hairstyles. Your favourite movie is ‘Animal House’?

(laughs) It is. I’m almost embarrassed to say I like stupid comedy. It was probably a little ahead of its time. It was certainly the first of its kind. The characters were great though. John Belushi was amazing. I have to admit too that I was probably too young to watch it when I first saw it. What I do for living isn’t that important – we’re not curing cancer – so when I go to a movie and while I like suspense or a thriller, my choice is comedy.

You still know the best lines from Animal House?

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbour? The Germans? He’s on a roll. Zero point zero. Fat, drunk and stupid is no way to go through life, son.