The USA team leads 14 1/2 to 3 1/2 as we head into the 12 Sunday singles they merely need a point to clinch after they won the Saturday afternoon fourballs 3-1.
Much is being made by the US media about this being the greatest golf team ever assembled. In my opinion there are many variables involved and each competition is different. For example as I have been saying all week, the US team came into this week in great form, high in spirits after the completion of the Fed Ex Cup and with a nearly perfect record at the Presidents Cup, while only 5 of the International team even played in Atlanta, and the form of the rest therefore was therefore in question.
However with 10 wins in 12 matches it may be time to alter the selection process to make this as compelling an event as the Ryder Cup which was going in the same direction until Jack Nicklaus suggested the GB & Ire., team be changed to include Europe, and that along with the arrival of Seve changed everything.
The Internationals play as a team every two years, many of the US squad play every year, so maybe we should look at players from the US Ryder Cup team not being eligible for the Presidents Cup to even things out a little. Most of the US team have been playing with or against each other since college, many are friends, neighbours, while the International team is spread all over the globe.
While the fans who have paid their money and are whooping it up in New Jersey are having a great time, there is nothing compelling about today's singles, no passion, no desperation, no joy, nothing... and ratings will reflect that with a full schedule of NFL games and MLB wrapping up the regular season.
The President's Cup has had some compelling Sunday's, last time the US won by a point, after Anirban Lahiri missed a 3 footer, there was a dramatic draw resolved in the dark on the final green between captains Gary Player and Jack Nicklaus in South Africa. Those were compelling, must see TV events, like a good who dunnit, in doubt right until the end.
However far too often it isn't, so maybe my idea will provide a fairer match. For sure unless the International team starts winning, the future of the Presidents Cup is in doubt.
Bryan Angus
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