Preface
I want say right up front that I really don’t want to do this. The Cup won’t be half as fun for me without Jammy being there. Some of my favorite moments in golf have been the matches we played together. I’m not like some of the others, though, I say a man can do whatever the hell he wants to do and he doesn’t really owe anybody an explanation. I still don’t care for it, War Eagle.
Jim Hartsell
Captain, Team USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
CONTACT:
Jim Hartsell, Team USA Captain
Jhartsell88@gmail.com
Mark Skiba, Team USA Assistant Captain, Captain-in-Waiting
skiba@bellsouth.net
Erwin Retires from The Kiva Cup
BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 9, 2011 – An emotional Captain Jim Hartsell announced today that Team USA and Kiva Cup legend James L. “Jammy” Erwin has confirmed his long-rumored retirement from the annual 3 day gathering of friends known as The Kiva Cup. Erwin, a founding member of Team USA, will not participate in the 9th annual matches to be held November 10-12 at Kiva Dunes Golf Club in Fort Morgan, Alabama.
Captain Jim Hartsell said that Erwin’s retirement is a crushing blow to the 2-time defending champion USA side. "I really don’t even know where to begin. Jammy is irreplaceable. His reasons for leaving are known only to him, but I want it to be known that this was wholly his decision. Jammy is the most well-liked member of either team and has probably been our MVP over the last several years,” Hartsell said. “He is hard-noised and a great partner, with an excellent grasp of the unique strategies of Match Play golf. I honestly don’t even like to think about not spending a weekend each fall with Jammy watching football, boiling shrimp and knocking back a few co-colas. It’s something I look forward to every year. Jammy has always been my favorite partner at the Cup and a source of strength and inspiration for me as Captain.”
Team USA Assistant Captain Mark Skiba, for his part, was more direct in his commentary. “I really have no comment on this because I just don’t understand,” said Skiba.
Team Europe Captain Brian Burnett declined comment. Despite repeated attempts, Erwin could not be reached for comment.
Not a particularly strong singles player (his lifetime Kiva Cup record is 1-6), Erwin played a key role in Team USA’s last 2 Cup triumphs through his contributions in the Four Ball and Alternate Shot matches. His gutty performance in the opening round match of 2010, in which he competed in cutthroat formatted singles matches, jettisoned Team USA's spirits and the competitive focus that propeled the USA to its second straight victory. His lone victory in singles, and perhaps the highlight of his career, was a 3 & 2 win over State Am contender Andy Dufresne in 2010.
About Team USA
Team USA traces its roots to 2003 and has won the last 2 Kiva Cups.
14 comments:
Very sad day for golf. Do I have a motion for 4 man teams?
Lets go get our nails done that weekend Jammy. I am sooooooo excited you no longer hang out with the guys.
Isn't Jammy the one that has begged for years to be a non-playing participant? As I recall, he's volunteered to cook, clean, cheer, be the roving reporter on the course, read the blind draw as Coach Housel and/or anything else he could do to support the Kiva Cup that didn't actually involve him playing golf. Why won't y'all let him go if he isn't playing golf?
Because they're bully dictators.
Hello. I am Kutilda Woods. This the sad news for me. Jay Meerwin a true gentleman of game. He being sportsmanlike in all his ways. Also, my Eldrick to destroy Phil in head to head matches today. That all I say now.
Kutilda Woods
Can I take Jammy's place? Also, I really like watching Bama football.
W
I'm drinking a Buhlie tonight at the Cajun Steamer in Trussville in honor of the golf career of one James L. W. Erwin.
Bone
This is a joke right?
Kerri
lodging@kivadunes.com
Sorry Truth. The Cup is for playing participants only. Man's weekend if you will. Girls weekend should be fun though. Heard you gals have a great weekend planned. Pedi's, mani's, watching Ya Ya Sisterhood, followed by a game of spades. Buttery nipple anyone?
Cannot have it both ways.
Well, I've heard Big Ben chime, seen the view from Alcatraz Island, rode a bike across the Golden Gate Bridge, did a 20 mile run in Central Park (even saw Natalie Portman running around Reservoir Lake), gave high fives to spectators from Hopkinton to Boston, watched games at Fenway and Wrigley, got Wild On Seagrove in 2000, met Boog in Turks & Caicos, played in the Kiva Cup, and even got to go to Outrigger one time. I reckon I've lived about as much of a life as an independent is allowed.
Good luck boys!
Oh, and ended up married to a Mu. That had to send shock waves through the Office of Greek Affairs.
Toodles.
Esto es devastatiing noticias del Equipo USA. No puedo creer una leyenda de la Copa es llamarlo un día. Ąviva James L. Erwin.
Seve
Well...Bye.
You smell that? It smells like something died. Probably Team USA's chances.
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