2024 Presidents Cup in Montreal: Jim Furyk wants to make an effort to speak French

BET À DAY

On the huge stage of the Golf National de France in September 2018, the captain of the American team at the Ryder Cup had dropped a few words of French in his opening speech. In 18 months, Jim Furyk would like to speak more to Montreal spectators in the language of Molière.

Chance would have it that he directed his training on two French-speaking soils. The 52-year-old is aware of this reality and wants to make the necessary efforts for his guests. 

Retracing the long history between the United States and France during his 8m30s speech at the Ryder Cup, he thanked the organizers and the “French federation” for the “magnificent” course.

“J I would have liked to say more in France, but I rather learned Spanish in my high school program, Furyk told the Journal in an interview. I recognize the importance of language and I will strive to prepare a good opening speech in Montreal.” 

He now has about a year and a half to deepen his French vocabulary. 

The veteran golfer with 17 professional victories has landed three times in the Quebec metropolis for stops on the PGA Tour. He came away victorious once. It was during the 2007 Presidents Cup. Seven years later, victory had slipped through his fingers in the final round of the Canadian Open, which he had already won twice (2006 and 2007). 

Her fondest memory of Montreal?

At the end of the line, Furyk racked his brains for a few moments before bursting out laughing.

Obviously he remembered an image strong from the team competition of 2007 which still turns the charts of comic moments in the world of sport. 

“When Woody Austin fell in the water, he chuckled. I was nearby and had to hide my face, because I knew the cameras were on us when Woody was in the water.” 

Indeed, on the second day of competition, he was about 20 yards behind the lakeside action of the 14th hole when Austin swung on his submerged ball. He then lost his balance while taking a little broth. 

Furyk immediately hid his face with his cap while many of his teammates smiled broadly in front of the comical scene.< /p>

Despite everything, the pair formed d'Austin and David Toms had managed to come from behind to extract a draw from Trevor Immelman and Nick O'Hern that day.

Austin, who was in his first participation in the Presidents Cup, was quickly nicknamed “Aqua Man”.