Presidents Cup: Four Factors for an International team upset
There are seven rookies on the Presidents Cup team. But, as we’ve come to known, youth isn’t as big of a detriment in golf as it once was.
I like Joaquin Niemann to be a possible hero. Leishman, Scott, and Oosthuizen are all rightfully going to be sent out often by Els. I think Niemann will be another one who’s tough to rest due to his impeccable ball-striking, particularly with his irons. Already a winner at age 20, the Chilean looks like he could be on the team for years to come.
He’s more of a ball-striker befitting of the American side, but Nieman, the world No. 1 amateur from May 2017 to April 2018, is still is too talented to ride the pine.
The same goes for Hideki Matsuyama. It’s not the ideal course for him, but he’s playing incredible golf this fall: T-16 in Las Vegas, T-3 at the CJ Cup, 2 at the Zozo, T-11 at the WGC HSBC Champions and T-8 at the Dunlop Phoenix.
Sungjae Im is as steady as they come. He was a top-25 machine in 2019 en route to PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors.
CT Pan was a first-time winner on Tour in 2019. I had to do a double-take when I realized Abe Ancer hasn’t quite found the winner’s circle yet. Ancer, does, however, have a win at the 2018 Australian Open.
Byeong Hun An is a former BMW PGA Championship and PGA Tour winner. His ball-striking and world-class short game make him a Jason Day-light while replacing the injured Day.
Adam Hadwin is a Presidents Cup veteran and nearly won this fall at the Safeway Open where he finished solo second.
Haotong Li is a multiple winner on the European Tour and has stared down Rory en route to a win.
Next. Rasmus Hojgaard wins Mauritius Open at 18 years old. dark
The Internationals have some players casual golf fans aren’t too familiar with, but that doesn’t mean they can’t play.