Well, here it is. It’s Presidents Cup week. I admit it, I’ve been just a tad harsh about the Presidents Cup. I’ve used the term second-rate and afterthought among others to describe the event. It will never be the Ryder Cup but it’s still newsworthy in the world of golf.
Upon completing the Hero World Challenge the United States team departed The Bahamas to head to Melbourne, Australia to get set for a few days of practice at Royal Melbourne Golf Club before the event takes place. Of course, the International Team was already assembled in Australia as the Emirates Australian Open was played last week (won by Matt Jones).
Personally speaking, it is my opinion that the event itself will be a “bloodbath” in terms of the results. Unless something miraculous happens, “Divine Intervention” or otherwise I expect the American team to win in a rout. Honestly, as a golf writer, golf lover, and golf fan I just hope that we see some good golf and some close matches Are there any matches to really pay attention to?
Well, I guess that all depends on who you are and what you’re looking for. Of course, when Captain Woods is on the course playing that will garner a ton of viewers. It goes without saying right?! Gee, thanks for pointing that out Captain Obvious… Or in my case is it Oblivious? Either way. You know that native Aussie’s Adam Scott and Marc Leishman are going to be the sweethearts of the fans (Cameron Smith as well) because both are Aussies playing in their “home and native land”. Speaking of “home and native land I’ll have an interest in anything that Adam Hadwin does during the week. Honestly, I still select Corey Conners between the two golfers… Or both. And then there’s Patrick Reed.
Oh Patrick! Everybody and their “proverbial” uncle have weighed in on last week’s controversy, debacle or whatever you want to refer to it as. If he intended to cheat than you know what… bad on him. But, I suppose if he can look at himself in the mirror with a clear conscious than good for him. Was he looking for a slight advantage to use the rules of a waste bunker to his advantage? I think that’s a clear yes. You could suggest that he set a precedent in 2015 at the same event in the same situation. In that event, no penalty strokes were assessed. Hey, if his teammates aren’t in that much of a lather about it, than why should we be? It’s over!! If anything, Patrick’s “demonic ways” (I use that term tongue in cheek) will fire up the Australian galleries and could breathe life into what is otherwise a pretty mundane event.
It could be great from a viewer rating point of view. That’s all that matters right? It’s a business.
Gimmes
Photo Credit: Presidents Cup
With little fanfare last week was the Junior Presidents Cup. Won by the American Team 13-11. Let’s hope that the big boys are as entertaining. Congratulations to Canadian from the Canada National Junior Squad LAURENT DESMARCHAIS on his selection to the the team.
Isn’t it funny? Patrick Reed is the scourge of the Earth. Yet, fans rooting for the American team love Patrick in these events. He is after all… Capatain America.
I’ve seen comments on social media suggesting that the Aussie fans will be extra hard on P Reed asking and hoping for them to be classy. Seriously, like the American fans have been classy on their side of the pond during Ryder or Presidents Cup. Folks, it goes both ways.
The Next Tee (TNT) 