For Corey Pavin, the right club for the win

The United States Open, which begins Thursday at the Los Angeles Country Club, has produced plenty of memorable photos over the years. One was the 4 wood that was hit Corey Pavin on the last hole of the 1995 Open at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in Southhampton, NY

Pavin clung to a one-stroke lead and hit his approach from about 8,000 yards out to within five feet of the pin. He missed the birdie putt but prevailed with two.

“The shot of his life,” NBC’s Johnny Miller called it at the time.

Pavin, 63, who played on UCLA’s golf team, recently reflected on what happened in 1995 and the course players will face this week.

The conversation has been edited and shortened.

Where is the 4 wood these days?

The 4-wood is currently in a nice case in storage. I had it on display in a house. When we moved, we didn’t have enough space for it.

Did you use it after the Open?

I used it for a few more years and then switched to another club.

What options did you consider for the recording?

I also carried a 2 iron in my bag. I said, [to his caddie] “Do you think I can get a 2-iron there?” He said, “No, I don’t. I think it’s a 4 wood.” I said, “I agree.” That was our conversation. It was very short, to the point, without any doubts about which club I should hit.

Did you immediately know you were on target?

When I made contact with the ball I knew it was really good. I hit it exactly the way I wanted it. I had the exact same shot on Friday and also hit a 4-wood on the green. So I had a good picture in my head because I did it on Friday.

Did the shot get so much attention because it was hit with a 4 wood?

A fairway wood is somewhat unique to hit a second shot on a par-4 on the 72nd hole. I was 35, had won 12 tournaments at that time and hadn’t won a major yet, that also played a role.

Did it bug you that you didn’t win a major?

It was definitely one of my goals at that point in my career. I don’t know if eating away is the right way to put it, but I really wanted to win a major. If I had gone my whole career and not won a major, I would have suffered.

How do you rate your career?

When I started touring, if someone had told me, “You’re going to win 15 tournaments, one of which is a major,” I probably would have called them crazy. I’ve never had such a long-term goal. My goal every year was to win at least one tournament, play golf consistently at the highest level possible.

Did you play at the Los Angeles Country Club when you were in college?

We’ve only played a few times. It’s a beautiful golf course. I think it’s going to hold up pretty well.

Is there a unique challenge for the guys or is it a typical open layout?

One challenge is that no one has ever really seen it in tournament conditions. I’m not sure how it’s going to be set up. Cut out [the Bermuda rough] is very difficult. And it’s very hard to get full shots out of it.

Why has the Ryder Cup brought out the best in you?

I like the Ryder Cup. The pressure there is 100 times stronger than anything I’ve ever felt. When I feel that pressure, I can concentrate better and focus even better. You don’t often get the chance to represent your country.

Do you regret your time as captain in 2010?

It was a fantastic experience. Of course I would have liked us to have won, but I don’t regret how I handled it. I was as thorough as I could, gathering as much information as possible and making decisions based on that information.