Monty Winning The Captain's Battle For Hearts And Minds Of UK Press

Paul Mahoney on Monty out-quoting Pavin, and therefore, likely also proving a more inspiring leader in the team room than his counterpart.

So who'll be the goat and who'll be the hero? At the start of Ryder Cup week, Pavin said: "The players win the Ryder Cup but the captain loses it. That's the way it is. Which is fine." His dull and introverted performance at Celtic Manor now sounds like he was preparing for failure. He has even been dubbed Borey Pavin – and that's by the American media.

He has looked so devoid of energy that it is doubtful, in his present mood, that he could inspire lemmings to jump off a cliff. "My team doesn't need motivating," he said on Sunday night. Maybe this is all part of a secret plan. Maybe in the American team room, Pavin has been whoopin' and hollerin' and chucking teapots against the wall. Maybe he's sport's greatest poker player. By teatime today, history will hail one captain and ridicule the other.