U.S. will lose Presidents Cup because Tiger Woods is too good
For a while, there were high hopes around here for the U.S. team in the upcoming Presidents Cup. Mainly due to momentum.
You see, in recent years, U.S. teams have lost every event in every sport, played anywhere against anyone, under any rules. Maybe that’s an over exaggeration, but not by much. After literally decades of wiping the floor with the world in all manner of sport, the last several years have been a time of depressing comeuppance, as U.S. teams have lost in golf, basketball, baseball, boxing, rugby, jai lai, etc., etc.
Recently, however, it seems times have changed. In basketball, the U.S. finally may have a dream team worth dreaming about, as the team blasted through Olympic qualifying. In golf, both the Walker Cup and Solheim Cup went to the U.S. teams. Could it be a rebirth of American domination? Could a smashing victory in the President’s Cup be around the corner?
Simple answer: No.
Simple reason: Tiger Woods.
Simple fact: Tiger Woods is just too good for the U.S.’s own good.
I come to these painful conclusions due to the lead paragraph in a Reuters story about the President’s Cup:
“U.S. captain Jack Nicklaus has given up trying to find the perfect match for Tiger Woods after three Presidents Cups and he will leave it to the world number one to decide who he wants to partner.”
That’s enough for me. Because you can bet the International Team isn’t having this problem. They’ve come together as a team, taken their marching orders, and are ready to rock, regardless of who they are playing with or against.
Woods doesn’t have an impeccable record in Ryder Cups or Presidents Cups, but he’s been just fine. But obviously, he’s having some type of effect on his teammates. Face it, Woods may be the best individual athlete of his time. Being part of a team, however, he may be a distraction.
Sure the U.S. has a good record in the Presidents Cup. Sure it’s not the Ryder Cup, where a loss is seemingly preordained. But it’s just hard for me to see the U.S. meld into the team they need to be to win this thing. All because, in the end, Tiger Woods is just too good.
–WKW
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6 comments
I think the international style of competitiveness simply lends itself better to team play. I also believe this shines through given the fact that the international team is made up of players from many countries, yet they are always able to find a common bond which leads them to their success.
As with most of your blogs, you're making no sense. I know, you're joking.
As for our north-of-the-border Canuck friend, the US team will clean the clocks of the rag-tag Internationals.
Canadians and the Internationals have always been
better known for their team spirit and hospitality.
A bunch of Americans joined together in a sport
that has always been solitary is a recipe for
disaster. They may stand out on their own but they
don't have it in them to share the glory with their
peers.
Have to say that the Internationals are most
definitely the favorite - and I really like Tiger.
"---internationals are most definitely the favorite---"?
No way, my man!
All the major wagering sites(Pinnacle, Ladbroke's, etc.) have the Americans as solid favorites.
"---a bunch of Americans joined together in a sport that has always been solitary is a recipe for disaster." Your words.
Leaving aside for the moment the irrefutable fact that virtually all international golf starsw have honed their games on US tours, let's dissect your statement.
The President's Cup has been contested six times. The results have been four US victories, one International win, and one draw. The US leads in practically all statisical categories
As for the other and more venerable international competition, the Ryder Cup, which is obviosly the basis for your erroneous assumption, these are the statistics:
Although the British team has enjoyed some spectacular success of late, the US is still miles ahead. In 36 of these competitions, the US has won 24, the British 10, and two have been draws. In addition, the US twice won the cup for seven consecutive revivals. The US leads in every facet of the cumulative statistics.
So, TRAC my friend, your blanket assumption that Americans when playing as a team are ALWAYS a recipe for disaster is grounded more in wishful thinking than in historical fact.
Those were nice stories you fellows concoted about the Internationals knowing more about sportsmanship and teamwork than the self-centered Americans.
And what is your take on the sporting gesture of conceding Vijay's three and a half footer so that Mike Wier could get on the board with the only half point that the International Team could muster?
Alternate shot is arguably the most team-oriented competition in the President's Cup.And the "selfish" Yanks romped.
Nolan, bellying up to the bar after the rounds are over doesn't get any points.
5 1/2 to 1/2! Read it and weep!
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