Seve told Paul he would take care of business, and he did
When American fans turned up to the 1983 Ryder Cup at the PGA National in Florida, they were kind and sympathetic towards Europe.
There was no need to boo or cheer because there would be no tension. The USA were expected to win as they always did.
“The American crowd back then was incredibly tame,” recalls Englishman Paul Way, who was a 20-year-old rookie.
“The fans were really nice to us. Women were saying they wanted to adopt me!
“They were on a winning streak, and expected that to continue.”
But that week was when everything changed, and the Ryder Cup began to morph into the huge spectacle we see now at Whistling Straits.
Under new captain, Tony Jacklin, Europe were re-born.
Jacklin was not going to accept the team surrendering in a meek and mild way, as had happened previously.
Way was right in the heart of the battle as the Americans eventually won 14.5-13.5.
He had only nailed his spot on the team with a runner-up finish in the final qualifier.
And his late flourish earned him the most-coveted spot in the European team – Seve Ballesteros’ partner.
“It’s hard to believe it’s 38 years ago,” said Way.
“I never dreamt that I would partner Seve four times. In that team, he was like God.
“Seve had won The Masters that year, was the best player in the world, and had the best short game I had ever seen.
“Tony had not said much until we got over to America, and then he told me I was playing with Seve.
“I was pretty nervous ahead of the opening Foursomes match, but Seve asked me to go first.
“He said to me: ‘Paul, don’t worry, wherever you hit it. I’ll put it on the green.’ And he was right! I hit it into the bunker from where he hit a five-iron to 15 feet.
“We lost to Tom Kite and Calvin Peete, and I thought I might not play again. But then we won in the afternoon.
“We halved our fourball on the Saturday morning, and I asked Tony if I could have a rest ahead of the Singles.
“But he was blunt. He told me I was out with Seve again as he wanted to play his strongest eight players as much as he could.
“That was Tony’s way, and it very nearly paid off.
“I played really well to beat Curtis Strange on the Sunday, so to win 3.5 points out of five on my debut was incredible.
“The match all came down to Lanny Wadkins’ pitch at the last, and US captain, Jack Nicklaus, kissed the divot.”
Having gone so close, there was a quiet confidence about Jacklin’s Europe at The Belfry two years later.
So it transpired, as they won the Cup for the first time since 1957 on a magical Sunday afternoon, which Way loved.
“I was on the practice ground before my Singles, and had to get two big policemen to escort me to the first tee,” he says.
“About 50,000 people turned up. I’d never seen so many fans in my life. It was incredible.
“Tony had told us to focus on doing our own jobs. I got four up on Raymond Floyd after eight, and then held on in difficult conditions.
“You’re so wrapped up in the match, you feel the pressure but not always the atmosphere.
“But you see it now and it’s amazing. It’s great for golf.”