3 BOLD Predictions for the Presidents Cup
By Matt Cochran
It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year where we stop cheering for individual golfers and focus on the sport from a team standpoint. The Presidents Cup takes place this week at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea, as 12 of the best American golfers go up against 12 of the best international golfers outside of Europe.
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Since the beginning of the Presidents Cup in 1994, the International Team has only won one time and that was in 1998. Other than that, it has been Team USA all the way. However, this may be the most impressive roster the Internationals have ever fielded.
It will be the best chance for the International Team to win and they even have the home field advantage, but will they be able to pull it off? Let’s take a look at some of the bolder things that could happen this weekend in South Korea.
Sangmoon Bae Will Lead the International Team
Jul 24, 2015; Oakville, Ontario, CAN; Sang-moon Bae (South Korea) tees off on the tenth tee box in the second round of the RBC Canadian Open at Glen Abbey Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
The Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea is unfamiliar for most of the golfers playing in the Presidents Cup this year, but that’s not the case for Sangmoon Bae.
Bae is making his Presidents Cup debut in his home country and has plenty of experience at the venue. The Shinhan Donghae Open is held at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club Korea each year and Bae won the event in both 2013 and 2014.
He’s also one of the two Korean-born players on the International Team, which means his family, friends, and whole country in general will be out in full force, showing their support for the hometown hero.
South Korea enforces a mandatory two-year military service for men between the ages of 18 and 35, no matter how big of a celebrity you may be. The 29 year old was notified that his time has come earlier this season and the Presidents Cup will most likely be the last time we see Bae play competitive golf for a while. He’ll be looking to head into his service on a high note.
"“It’s really good to be back. I have a good energy level. Personally, since I’m very familiar with the course, I have very high confidence. This really means a lot, because we represent the International Team. And it’s the first time (I am) playing in the Presidents Cup. I’ve got to focus on my game and you know, just make a lot of birdies. I really want to help my team win.”"
He’s got a good attitude heading into an environment that he’s won at before. That confidence along with the support of his country, could make Bae a sneaky dark horse for the International Team.
Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed Will Go Undefeated
Sep 27, 2014; Auchterarder, Perthshire, SCT; USA golfers from left to right Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth do an interview after finishing his morning match during day two of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Captain Haas hasn’t announced the pairings yet, so I’m going to double down on the boldness of this one. Spieth and Reed will reunite as a duo and go undefeated. Their success when paired together at the Ryder Cup was dominant and it’d be foolish to pass it up.
They went 2-0-1 and the two matches they won were in commanding fashion. The young guns took down Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher 5&4 in their first match and beat Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer 5&3 in their second.
It’s never worth it to change a good thing, so it’d be wise for Haas to stick these two together until they lose their mojo. The way Jordan Spieth is playing golf right now will be hard to keep up with and Reed will be be able to feed off of Spieth. When you get Patty fired up, he’s the kind of guy you want on your team.
Courtesy: AdamSarson.com
I’m normally not a huge Patrick Reed fan, but in the team environment and when he’s on your side, he’s pretty fun to root for. On the contrary, I wouldn’t be able to stand him if he was on the opposing team.
Keep an eye for these two to link up yet again and successfully defend their undefeated record.
Team USA Will Win
Sep 28, 2014; Gleneagles, Perthshire, SCT; fans line the fairway during the Singles matches on day three of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. Mandatory Credit: Ian Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
This isn’t necessarily a bold prediction, since it’s 50/50, but America is going to continue its dominance and win a ninth Presidents Cup over the International Team. The International squad is stacked and the favorites to win in my opinion, but Team USA will prevail.
The way the golfers on Team USA have been playing this season has been pretty ridiculous. Guys like Spieth, Bubba, Rickie, and DJ have had incredible years and I think it will continue into the Presidents Cup this weekend.
Phil Mickelson may have not had the best season, but these team events is what Lefty lives for. He’s played in plenty of these things and will be able to impart his wisdom and experience onto the younger guys. Whether you like him as a captain’s pick or not, a wily vet like Lefty was a must especially now that Furyk is out.
Sure their golf game is enough to take down the Internationals, but that’s not what I like most about them. The chemistry between this squad is second to none. Most of these guys are friends on TOUR and thrive for this kind of event. They’ll kick things into second gear this weekend and keep the Cup in America.