Could Pavin Come Back?

Pavin's victorious past might return

Ted Finnerty's picture
T.Finnerty
Mon, 26 Feb 2001
Could Pavin Come Back?

Since 1996, Corey Pavin has struggled to walk on to the 18th green smiling. His last victory was in 1996, and he won the U.S. Open in 1995. This weekend at the Nissan Open, Pavin stalked Love entering the final round. While Pavin was three shots behind Davis Love III, he was tied for second starting on Sunday morning. Could Pavin be making a comeback?

Returning to his former coach, Pavin has spent the last month refining parts of his game that he has missed. He finished tied for twentieth, as his hopes for victory diminished on the 7th hole yesterday. He has already made 4/4 cuts this year. His 2000 season brought him to 11/25 cuts made.

With his last tour victory in 1996, he has won 14 times on the US Tour and 10 times internationally. He has also played in three Ryder Cup matches (1991, 1993, 1995), holding an 8-5 record. In each tournament this year, Pavin has progressively finished higher on the leader board.

Pavin has the patience and dedication to wait for that day when he can approach the 18th green and once again wear take the laurels. He has said before, “Having a great round? Don’t let yourself get too pumped up. Excitement and emotion can force you to quicken your pace…and that can lead to mistakes. Instead, walk a little slower and take a little more time than you usually do.” He continues, “By thinking ‘slow and smooth,’ you’ll make better decisions.”