I have always been an overly optimistic and patriotic person, so I have been preaching the merits of the United States team over the Internationals in the Presidents Cup.
I had the United States holding a lead at the end of the first two days, but under no circumstances did I see an 8-2 lead, which is where we stand. Doing the math, the U.S. team needs just eight points out of the remaining 20 matches on Saturday and Sunday to keep the Cup.
It’s looking more and more likely that this will be a blow out or epic measure. Now there will be some who forecast perhaps a 6-2 International win in the eight matches Saturday to tighten things up heading into the 12 singles matches.
And it has happened, but it won’t this time. There are four, Foursome matches, followed by four, Four-Ball matches Saturday and I see no worse than a 4-4 finish to the day, with 5-3 or even a 6-2 U.S. advantage.
What’s different this year?
It’s not that the International team is bad, it’s just that the United States is that good – and that young. This is probably the most excited I have been for a Ryder Cup and it’s over a year away.
We are young and we are good. Our team that is boot-stomping the International side is without the hottest American player right now in Xander Schauffele who didn’t earn enough points and wasn’t a Captain’s pick.
Alright, without any more discussion, here is a look at the morning Foursome matches that start at 4:07 a.m. on the West Coast.
4:07 a.m. Spieth/Reed (USA) vs. Leishman/Day (INT)
A great match to start the day with two of the biggest marquee players in the event with Spieth and Day. The U.S. combo easily won their first match on Thursday and then halved their Friday encounter.
The Internationals need to come out strong and send a message to the rest of the team that this is not over.
Not going to happen. Spieth and Reed are just too consistent to fall way behind and will battle all the way.
Prediction: United States 3 and 2.
4:13 a.m. Kuchar/Johnson vs. Hadwin/Scott
This should be a great match. Kuchar is the consistent, steady player and Johnson can stand the game on its head with his distance and shot-making. Hadwin is arguably the most underrated player in the event and Scott is now the elder statesman of the team.
Will be fun to watch.
Prediction: As much as it pains me, I just see Scott leading the way to a win. Internationals 2 and 1.
4:24 a.m. Kisner/Mickelson vs. Grillo/Vegas
The American duo has played the closest pair of matches, winning 1 up and halving a match. Interesting pairing for the International team and I am not quite sure how to take it.
I thought it was going to be a great pairing combining the sage wisdom from Lefty with the youthful talent of Kisner. It has been.
Prediction: United States 3 and 2.
4:35 a.m. Fowler/Thomas vs. Grace/Oosthuizen
The party boy American’s knocked the International duo from the unbeaten ranks Friday in the Cup after they started 5-0. They will be looking for revenge -will they get it?
Not a chance. Fowler and Thomas as the flavor the month and show no signs of slowing down.
Prediction: United States 4 and 3.
That gives the United States a 11-2 lead heading into the afternoon Four-Ball competition. He lineups will be announced after the Foursomes and at this point, the only guarantee is that Mickelson and Kisner will sit in favor of Hoffman and Chappell. No big deal as the two cruised to the biggest U.S. win on Friday.
By Dennis Miller