The United States golf team defeated the International team this past weekend to capture the Presidents Cup once more. This victory marks five straight victories for the United States in the biannual tournament.
The Americans were led by solid performances all-around, especially from veteran Tiger Woods, who remained undefeated all tournament. Woods and teammate Matt Kuchar sank the final shot that clinched the victory for the Americans, with Kuchar draining a 15-foot birdie.
The United States held a lead early and often, taking a four-point lead into the final day of the tournament, an occurrence that has been common for the past four tournaments.
“It was really exciting to see the Americans play this well, especially with what happened at the Ryder Cup,” said Sam Maruscak, a senior at Ramapo College.
Maruscak was referring to the embarrassing defeat the United States suffered in the last Ryder Cup in 2012. The European team managed to produce the biggest comeback in the history of the Cup, taking 8 ½ of the 12 points possible on the last day to beat the Americans by exactly one point.
As Woods and Kuchar cruised to victories in this year’s contest, Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley struggled on the front nine. They did however get hot after being down two holes and defeated Ernie Els and Brendon de Jonge by birdying seven of eight straight holes.
The United States was very happy with their performance, but this is not uncommon territory. According to ESPN, the United States has not lost a Presidents Cup in 15 years. Since the tournament started in 1994, the U.S. has only lost once and tied once.
“I can’t even remember the last time they lost to be honest. They definitely have the International team’s number in this tournament,” said Ramapo senior Richard Ramdeen.
The United States raised the trophy on Sunday on the rainy Ohio golf course in Dublin. The next venue has already been chosen and it is far away from Ohio to say the least. The 2015 Presidents Cup will be held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon, South Korea. It will be the first to be held in not only South Korea but in all of Asia. Europe has not even had the chance to hold the young yet prestigious charity game.
As the Presidents Cup comes to an end, the Americans hope to take this dominance to exalt their revenge next year at the Ryder Cup.
—
mgill@ramapo.edu
