Greetings Golfers,
Before the 2016 Ryder Cup … PGA Professional Extraordinaire Marty Lass of Edina CC and I had our own battle – but we used words instead of golf clubs.
Due to popular demand … we did it again in 2018 … and are teeing-it-up for this week’s President’s Cup.
Marty has the International Team … and here’s his argument for their victory in Australia:
WHY THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM WILL WIN
I think the International team might surprise a lot of people this year. Although the United States has a gaudy, lopsided-winning record in this event and more players toward the top of the World rankings, here’s a few things that I think will bring the underdog ‘home team’ a victory at Royal Melbourne.
Experience in the President’s Cup. The I-team features 5 players (Oosthuizen, Leishman, Matsuyama, Scott & Day) who have been on each team since 2013, and for the most part, they all have losing records which they want to rectify. The U.S. team has only 2 players (Kuchar & Fowler) who have been on all of the teams since 2013. Even though the U.S. team on opposite years has the Ryder Cup, the President’s Cup ‘experience factor’ favors the Internationals.
The Rookies. The I-team has 6 rookies, compared to 5 for the U.S. The I-team rookies have won 3 times on the PGA Tour, compared to 16 by the U.S. team. I think those rookies feel like they have to prove a point to the golfing world, and this is a rare opportunity for them to prove it on the world stage.
The Darkhorse player. Australian Cameron Smith is the player to watch. He is under the radar compared to many players, goes about his business playing solid golf, and being in his home country will quietly be the player with the most winning points when the matches are concluded!
Bravo Marty! Well said … here’s my rebuttal:
WHY THE U.S.A. WILL WIN
This match reminds me of the 2016 Ryder Cup. Europe was the underdog to volatile American team. This American team is so loaded with talent that they can lose the #1 player in the world and not really feel it with Ricky Fowler replacing Brooks Kopeka.
The course is going to play hard and fast like true links style golf … which is probably better for Ricky than for Brooks. See what I mean? This USA team would win anywhere and on any type of course. They’re just too good.
Who will be the American star? Justin Thomas. This guy is so good it’s ridiculous.
Does Team USA have some goofballs and chemistry issues? Yeah. But just like 1977 NY Yankees … this team is too good to fail.
Sorry Marty … you’re a great wordsmith … but, Team USA will win the President’s Cup.
Cheers,
The Tom Abts
GM/Head PGA Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com
Deer Run Golf Club
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