Presidents Cup: Is the biannual team event under rated?

AKRON, OH - AUGUST 01: Captain Steve Stricker of the United States Presidents Cup Team speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 1, 2017 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
AKRON, OH - AUGUST 01: Captain Steve Stricker of the United States Presidents Cup Team speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the World Golf Championships-Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club South Course on August 1, 2017 in Akron, Ohio. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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The Presidents Cup is getting closer, and with Lady Liberty as the backdrop, this one could be epic. However, is the colorful team event under rated?

Ah, yes, the Presidents Cup. An event where the world’s best golfers collide for an epic team showdown. It’s the one event where you can witness some of the best non-European players take on the stars of the United States.

It’s such an easy event to overlook, with many fans looking ahead to the Ryder Cup, which has become one of the biggest events in all of sports. Some may even view the Presidents Cup as just a “taste” of the Ryder Cup, but it’s really more than that.

As mentioned, it’s the one tournament where the best players from all over the world get their shot on the International squad. In the Ryder Cup, as we know, it’s only players from Europe that duke it out with team USA.

With the Presidents Cup, you get to see superstars such as Jason Day, Hideki Matsuyama, Adam Scott and Louis Oosthuizen in a team setting. This, while fans of the American and International teams don their colors proudly.

From a golf course standpoint, Liberty National Golf Club will be an excellent site to watch these teams duel it out. If things get dramatic, there’s no doubt that some new fans of the Presidents Cup will be born. An epic match with Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty in the background is never a bad thing after all.

The Presidents Cup is still establishing its place in golf history

Team events in golf are a rarity and every one of them should be viewed as a treat for the golf fan. Although the Presidents Cup has only been around since 1994, it already has a rich history with many of the game’s legends being captains. From Jack Nicklaus and  Peter Thomson to Fred Couples, Arnold Palmer, and Nick Price, these superstars have elevated the contest immensely.

Not to mention, that prize that’s being won is not too shabby either. The Presidents Cup itself is one of the prettiest trophies in all of golf. Although we, the fans aren’t lifting the trophy, seeing a successful team lift it in victory can be inspiring.

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I think with the Presidents Cup not being as old as the Ryder Cup (created in 1927), may be a contributing factor in why it is an under rated. The fact that the team-based tournament has had the fun ride its had in its short, 23 years of existence is amazing. 23 years is a long time, but for a sport as ancient as golf, it may be perceived as not being as special. Surely, in due time, the Presidents Cup will rise and become more of a fan favorite.

It’s also a great way for fans from international countries to experience the joys of a Ryder Cup style setting. There’s no doubt that fans from our neighbor to the North, are excited to see Adam Hadwin make the International squad, as his stardom rises.

Things like this are what makes the Presidents Cup great, because it brings a unique perspective to the world of team golf. It’s been 23 years, and with the popularity of social media, it gives the tournament an even larger voice.

In short, bring out your U.S. and International flags, because epic team golf is near, at Liberty National. Let’s go!

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Do you feel the Presidents Cup is under rated or over rated? Let us know in the comments and you can also hit me up on Twitter @ChiGolfRadio