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The 19^th Hole

October 1, 2007

What Winning Looks Like

The Internationals were in trouble from the very beginning of the Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal in Canada this weekend.  The United States traditionally finds itself at a disadvantage following pairs matches in this team format.  For whatever reason, the Americans have a difficult time in finding pairs that click. 

In the last version of the Presidents Cup, though, it appeared that Captain Jack Nicklaus’ hands off style was beginning to produce democratically chosen teams that could come together and earn points.  This time, Nicklaus’ continued use of a loose style paid off in even greater dividends.  The American teams paralyzed the Internationals from the opening session.  Were it not for Nicklaus’ benevolent suggestion to Woody Austin and Phil Mickelson, the Americans would have swept half of the team sessions.

The result of the Americans’ successful teams was that the US of A only had to figure out a way to manage three of twelve possible points on the Sunday singles matches to win the Presidents Cup for the first time on foreign soil – and for the first time on any foreign soil in nearly 15 years.

By the middle of the afternoon, that result was academic and the rest of the focus of the day was on Mike Weir and Tiger Woods’ epic match.  Although that match turned out to be fantastic (way better than I anticipated), the rest of day turned out to be underwhelming.  That underwhelming feeling has not been too uncommon for the United States in their past few tries at the team competition format.  Unfortunately, the feeling of massive disappointment has accompanied the emotion on Sunday for the red, white, and blue for a long time running.

This week was different.  It seemed like the Americans were able to let loose and actually enjoy themselves for the whole week.  Players repeatedly said that Jack Nicklaus kept the team feeling loose and confident from start to finish.  That kind of coaching leads to better golf on the course.  Better golf on the course leads to winning and points.  Points keep the pressure off and obviously get the Americans closer to the end goal of winning the entire competition.  It seems like a very simple formula, but it is apparently one that has eluded the American Ryder Cup captains of recent memory. 

The formula does not operate in a vacuum, though.  The Presidents Cup format is much more beneficial for the Americans. 

The matches are spread out over four days, as opposed to the Ryder Cup’s three days of play.  It allows for more examination of what worked and what did not, which means that changes can be made more quickly. 

The Presidents Cup format also forces more players into matches.  It is no secret that, despite a lack of a deep American golf pipeline, the United States consistently puts teams together that look much better on paper than their opponents in these formats.  The Presidents Cup format allows the Americans to exploit their depth to their advantage.

Also, the Americans’ opponent in the Presidents Cup is simply not as motivated as the Europeans are in the Ryder Cup.  A team comprising all of the countries of the world not in Europe or the United States is hardly a way to create nationalized unity.  Like it or not, that is a motivator for both the US and Europe in the Ryder Cup – seemingly more so for the Europeans, as they consistently fail to deliver in tournament formats.  This makes for an American advantage as they are driven by more than personal pride.

Last, the results of the past two Ryder Cups (complete drubbings by Europe) did not behoove this Presidents Cup.  The Americans were playing for pride and revenge this week and they enjoyed delivering this beating, instead of receiving it.

All of these factors combined to lead to an American victory this week in Montreal.  They played better up and down the lineup and it leads – again – to hope that the Ryder Cup could return to this side of the Atlantic next September.  Perhaps this time that hope is much more likely based in reality.  One can only hope.

Ryan Ballengee is host of The 19th Hole Golf Show, found at The Golf Newsnet.com.  Having graduated from the University of Maryland in 2004 and 2006, Ballengee brings the perspective of the younger golf fan to the microphone and his columns.  Over the nearly five years he has been broadcasting and writing, Ballengee has developed a reputation for a unique interviewing style that asks both the difficult and fun questions. You can also get The 19th Hole on the go through podcasting by clicking here The Golf Newsnet Contact Ryan via e-mail at the19thholeshow@hotmail.com.