Chills, Cheers & Chip-Ins: Jay Haas Reflects on Ryder Cup Moments That Still Give Him Goosebumps

Jay Haas may have played in just a few Ryder Cups, but the memories remain etched in his mind — from his 1983 debut alongside Tom Watson to his improbable 2004 selection at age 50. With vivid details and humble charm, Haas takes us through iconic moments, the evolution of the Ryder Cup, and what it means to play for something bigger than yourself in the latest episode of Ryder Cup Rewind.

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Goosebumps in Red, White & Blue
"Looking around and the home crowd cheering us on, and a lot of red, white and blue everywhere. Very unforgettable. I am getting kind of chills right now thinking about it."

A Clutch Warning from Tom Watson
"He comes over to me and says, ‘He’s going to make this putt. So you need to get ready. You need to make it for us to win this match.’ It kind of shocked me... but I happened to make it, and we won the match."

From Modest Crowds to Massive Roars
"In ’83, maybe 7,500 people were there the whole week. In ’95, we walked out Tuesday and there were 25,000 fans chanting 'USA!' The hair on the back of my neck stood up."

Nervous Means You’re In It
"Being nervous is great. You’d much rather be nervous in the fray than sitting on the couch watching with the clicker in your hand."

A Surprise Call at Age 50
"I was 50 years old… and then I got the call from Hal. He said he wanted me to have one more chance. Being on that team was awfully special."

21 Years Between Ryder Cups
"I’m very proud that I made the Ryder Cup team 21 years apart. That doesn’t happen very often. That goal kept me practicing and pushing."

Match Play is a Mental Test
"We don’t play match play very often. It’s hard to turn the page. But the champions, the best players, they’re able to stay in the moment."

Nicklaus and Scheffler: Calm in the Chaos
"Jack was probably the best at hitting every shot the same, no matter the moment. Modern times? It’s Scottie. He seems unfazed. That’s a great lesson."

Those Halves Add Up
"If you’re not playing great and your partner picks you up for a half point? That goes a long way by the end of the week."