Gary Player - The Legend

Presidents Cup: Player Set on Victory, Not Sentiment

Jun 6, 2007 | Filed Under: General News   

A growing crop of high-ranking international golfers is set to challenge America’s dominance at the Presidents Cup this fall, but it also means Canada’s top two golfers, Mike Weir and Stephen Ames, will have to earn their spot for the tournament’s initial run in Canada, according to Captain Player.

“Is this a sentimental tournament or is this (something) you’re trying to win?” Player asked rhetorically at a news conference at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Ile Bizard, Quebec, where the Presidents Cup will be played this fall.

With the August 13 deadline for team lineups fast approaching, both Weir and Ames still find themselves outside the cut-off. The top 10 U.S. and non-European players make up the respective team, though each captain also has two picks at their discretion. Following South Korean K.J. Choi’s win at the Memorial Tournament over the weekend, Weir and Ames find themselves ranked 18th and 15th respectively.

Player said he’s been watching Weir’s performance closely and believes the 2003 Masters champion from Bright’s Grove, Ontario, has been swinging better of late despite missing the cut at the Memorial.

“I’m confident one of them will make the team,” Player said.

Since the Presidents Cup was first played in 1994, the international side has managed one win and one tie in six tries at the event, which is held every two years. But U.S captain Jack Nicklaus pointed out that with a larger pool of talent to choose from, the International team is gaining in depth.

“Lately, outside of Tiger, there has really been a strong influence of international players,” said Nicklaus, who will be American helm for the fourth time.

The U.S. side won the 2005 edition of the Presidents Cup, which like the Ryder Cup features a variety of match-play events, edging the International team 18.5 to 15.5.

This year’s Presidents Cup runs from September 25th to 30th. Prime Minister Stephen Harper will serve as the tournament’s honorary chairman. Tickets still remain, though organizers warn that they expect to be sold out within the next two months.

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