Presidents Cup Report Card: Team USA
By Sam Belden
Captain Jay Haas–Team USA opened up a decent lead after the first session, so Haas did what many of us would have in the same situation: he went for the kill. He sent out his strongest tandems at the beginning of the second session, but the internationals struck back and moved to within one point by day’s end. With his path to victory less clear than it had been 24 hours ago, Haas sent out thoroughly inoffensive pairings on Saturday, resting some guys, mixing it up with the stragglers and sticking with what worked; the team split both sessions to carry a slim lead into the final day.
It seems that Haas’ plan for his singles lineup was to tread water in the early part of the day and finish the internationals off with Mickelson, Spieth and Zach Johnson heading out in quick succession. Team International was resilient, though, and it all came down to Haas’ last two men: Matt Kuchar and Bill Haas, two of the colder players on the week.
While the younger Haas eventually won his match and clinched the cup, the captain opened himself up to a potentially embarrassing defeat by using two of the team’s weaker links as his anchors. All turned out for the best though, and most of Haas’ pairings were conventional plays. There’s nothing wrong with that–especially when your team ends up going home with the Presidents Cup. Grade: B+
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