Look at the history of the Presidents Cup, see the 9-1-1 record for the United States and it is easy to assume the USA will roll to another victory.
After all, the only time the International team won was in 1998 when they crushed the United States 20.5-11.5 in a match in Australia.
Despite the United States running off six straight wins, they have hardly been walkovers. Two years ago, in Korea, the U.S. side retained the Cup with a 15.5-14.5 win.
When the two sides square off starting today at the Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey, expect it to be battle no matter how strong the U.S. team looks on paper or what they history of the event says.
The Cup kicks off Thursday with the opening ceremonies followed by the opening five, Foursomes matches. In Foursomes the players hit alternate shots, including alternating tee shots.
Friday will see five, Four-Ball matches, where the players each play their own ball, taking the better-ball score on each hole.
Saturday is the busiest day of the week, with four, Foursome matches in the morning, followed by four, Four-Ball matches in the afternoon.
Sunday wraps up the event with 12 singles matches to determine if the United States keeps the Cup or it goes over to the International side for the second time in 12 events.
The 30 matches are each worth one point and if the Cup ends in a tie, then the two teams will share the Presidents Cup.
The United States is captained by Steve Stricker, who will be joined by assistants Fred Couples, Tiger Woods, Jim Furyk and Davis Love III. Nick Price is the captain of the International team and has Ernie Els, Tony Johnstone, Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Weir as assistants.
For more information on the Presidents Cup go to www.presidentscup.com.
By Dennis Miller