The United States is the clear favourite going into this week’s Presidents Cup in Montreal, but Mike Weir, the captain of the International Team, stated that his team shouldn’t be taken lightly in their attempt to end the Americans’ dominance.
In the biannual competition that started in 1994, the United States is 12-1-1, having lost in 1998 and required a tie in 2003. Despite these setbacks, Weir isn’t bothered by the past and understands that matchplay golf can be surprising and a wonderful leveller.
Weir said: “Golf’s golf, and there are going to be challenging matches no matter what, the odd time there’s a team that runs away with a match here and there, but most of the matches are always tight.”
An intense competition
With five of the top 10 players in the world and all 12 of his teammates ranked in the top 25, Jim Furyk’s formidable U.S. team is preventing the International Team from winning the Presidents Cup again.
In contrast, the highest-ranked player on an International Team that includes eight players who are ranked outside of the top 25, is Japanese world number seven Hideki Matsuyama, who is making his sixth Presidents Cup start.
Weir admitted: “So we’ve got a tall challenge, but the guys are up for it, they’re ready for it, and they’re embracing that.”
Weir is also counting on a lot of support from the galleries, much as he did during his 2007 victory over Tiger Woods when the Presidents Cup was held at Royal Montreal. Weir is a former Masters champion, and his group includes three other Canadians.
“It’s a big part of this competition, I believe, and a big part of team golf where you can ride some momentum and the crowd gets behind you, and you can really feed off that” Weir stated.
“I certainly did here in 2007, not only with my match playing Tiger, but just the other matches, you get the crowd energy, and you can raise your level a little bit. So it can be a huge factor,” he added.
First-round play is set for Thursday and will comprise five four-ball matches with yet-to-be-announced pairings.
Source: CNA