U Walker Cup was last weeku Solheim Cup ends this weekend and next on the team’s calendar of events is the Presidents’ Cupwhich goes live in less than two weeks at Medinah Country Club outside of Chicago.
The Americans will be heavily favored once again, and lead the all-time series 13-1-1. The tie came in 2003, and the International team’s only win came in 1998. It’s been two decades of US dominance, as the Americans have won the last 10, and three of the last four wins have been by five points or more.
How does the Presidents’ Cup become more competitive? It has been a lobby question in recent years, and it is reached on the most recent episode of GOLF’s Subpar Podcast.
Brendon de Jonge was the guest, and the native of Zimbabwe played in the International team 2013. He said that if he was in charge, he would adjust the points system.
The Presidents’ Cup is four days of matches with 30 points at stake. The Ryder Cup, which has a much richer history, is three days and 28 points.
“The fewer points you play for the closer it will always be,” he said. “You have a proven product with the Ryder Cup, 28 points, and that was what (captain) Nick Price worked very hard for – and then Trevor (Immelman) and Ernie (Els) and the following captains – to try to get those points.
When the Presidents Cup started, there were 32 total points. That eventually changed to 34 and, in 2015, to 30. With so many points available, de Jonge says, it makes it more likely that there could be a “massive explosion” on the one hand.
“The American team will always be deeper, so the more points you play for the bigger the advantage for them,” he said. “The points are down now, so we’re getting closer, but I still think if you can get to 28, you’ll increase the chances of the International team.”
Will the International team end its losing skid this year? We’ll have to wait until September 24-27 to find out.
“I’m saying this, they need to win this,” de Jonge said. “It’s been so one-sided to have a win and a win since 1994, it’s tough. It’s tough to really call it a competition when it’s that one-sided.”
Can you listen to the podcast hereor look YouTube below.
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