2013 President’s Cup: Friday Predictions
Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar share the world’s nerdiest handshake.
So a lot happened yesterday. There were squirrels, butt slaps, USA chants, and most importantly, the Fresh Prince and DJ Jazzy Jeff show. At the end of the day, the US squad held on to hold a one point lead as we move into Friday’s action. And as you can see from my predictions yesterday, everything pretty much went according to plan. Will we see more of the same today? Let’s take a look at the Friday Foursome matches.
Match One: Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley vs. Jason Day and Graham DeLaet
Phil and Keegan surprised me yesterday on two fronts. First, I thought they would play a lot better. Second, they were out bro’d by Tiger and Kuch. I never saw that coming. Not in a million years. But theatrics and coordinated handshakes aside, I would expect a bounce back day from the Americans here. Jason Day and Graham DeLaet also surprised me yesterday. They were dead in the water, but somehow stormed back from three down to beat the American team of Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker. This should be a good one right of the bat.
Prediction: Halved
Match Two: Bill Haas and Hunter Mahan vs. Ernie Els and Brendon de Jonge
The American team here is a shake up from yesterday. As I mentioned above, Mahan kind of blew it yesterday. But that’s okay! He’ll get a new partner, fresh of a TIE!. So the mojo for the Americans may not be that great going into this one, but I think the new partnership will be beneficial to both sides here. Els and de Jonge played in a wild one yesterday before eventually falling to Stricker and Spieth. Maybe they’ll be a little emotionally drained today? Hey, it’s possible.
Prediction: USA
Match Three: Steve Stricker and Jordan Spieth vs. Brenden Grace and Richard Sterne
The Savage and the Kid had an up and down day one, but I really like this pairing. I think as the week goes on, these two will get better and better. Grace and Sterne on the other hand may not be together after today. They really didn’t do much against Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner yesterday, losing 5 and 3. That qualifies as a beat down in my book. I don’t expect much from them today either, so prove me wrong boys!
By the way, I like that George W. Bush casually mentioned he plays golf with Jordan Spieth all the time. Want to feel old? Jordan Spieth was SEVEN years old when Dubya took office for the first time. Let that marinate.
Prediction: USA
Match Four: Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker vs. Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman
As I predicted yesterday, Angel Cabrera and Marc Leishman didn’t really stand a chance against Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar. And I was right! They got pounded 5 and 4. Will they bounce back today against the new US duo of Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker? NOPE. Sneds’ putter will get hot and another blow out is on the way. (Note: Bold predictions are not my forte, so that is GREAT news for Cabrera and Leishman.)
Prediction: USA
Match Five: Tiger Woods and Matt Kuchar vs. Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel
These four guys provided a lot of entertainment yesterday. Let’s start with the Americans, because U-S-A! U-S-A!, you guys. First, Matt Kuchar is right. Tiger Woods is Carlton. But so is Matt Kuchar. We have a team of Carltons. They are both so nerdy it hurts. But for some reason it works! They are loose and having fun, laughing and holing putts all the live long day. Just don’t you dare get that stupid squirrel near Tiger. Let’s not forget, squirrels are just rats with a fuzzy tail. But let’s also not forget, these guys know the course better than anyone. Look for another strong showing from Tiger and Kuch (or Carlton and Carlton).
The South African duo of Oosthuizen and Schwartzel provided some amusement on the first tee yesterday when they showed up wearing wigs. When they took them off, you could see why. They got butchered at a local barbershop. Well played, Columbus barber, obviously showing his support for the US squad. Obviously. International haircut relations aside, they ended up playing well, beating Mickelson and Bradley. This will be a good one, folks.
Prediction: USA
Match Six: Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson vs. Hideki Matsuyama and Adam Scott
Duff Daddy and ZJ played some really spectacular golf yesterday, winning 5 and 3. But, Matsuyama and Scott had a pretty good afternoon as well. This will be another tight one. I am not sure Dufner and Johnson can play as well as they did yesterday.
Prediction: International