Strange adjusts after tragedy, wonders, waits.(Daily Press)

JAMES CITY, Va. _ Curtis Strange planned on a two-pronged hangover Monday. Prong one: jet lag from a trans-Atlantic flight. Prong two: elation over the United States' Ryder Cup victory.

September 11 changed everything.

Less than a week after the terrorist attacks in Virginia, New York and Pennsylvania, the biennial Ryder Cup match between the U.S. and Europe, scheduled for last weekend in England, was postponed until 2002. Strange, the U.S. captain, saw two years' of work placed on hold by a joint decision by the PGA of America and European Ryder Cup Board.

So instead of hung over, Strange was well-rested and contemplative Monday as he began preparations for this week's Michelob Championship at Kingsmill.

"There's just nothing you can do," Strange said as he played the front nine of the River Course. "Like everyone else, I'm concerned about what may happen next overseas and in this country."

Strange spent much of Sunday perusing newspapers and watching talk shows. He read about security alerts for Americans traveling abroad. He heard Attorney General John Ashcroft warn of additional attacks.

"The more I learn," Strange said, "the more relieved I am we didn't play. You always look for reasons to play, but the reasons weren't good enough."