Team USA has won every Presidents Cup since 2005, and they have only been beaten once in the event’s history. Now the International Team, captained by Geoff Ogilvy, are trying to end that run at Medinah. The last 14 years have shown what’s possible against Team USA, and the Internationals are hoping to take inspiration from Europe to do it.
Ogilvy’s underdog role
Ogilvy saw Team Europe produce a historic final-day comeback to claim Ryder Cup glory at Medinah. He now heads into the Presidents Cup as heavy underdogs, with all logic pointing to Team USA winning for an 11th consecutive time. The United States have won every edition since 2005, and the International Team arrive with four rookies and only three players from the world’s top 30.
Snedeker’s reset
Brandt Snedeker knows the pressure. Twelve months on from a home Ryder Cup loss where only a singles fightback prevented a heavier defeat, he is clear about what his side need to do.
“It’s the elephant in the room you have to address,” Snedeker said. “Just because these last (Presidents Cup) teams have been successful, doesn’t mean we’re going to be successful. We have to reset the bar for our team, tell them we have a standard to play to and we’re 0-0. These 12 guys have accomplished nothing and we’re going to hammer that into them.”
Fox’s lesson from Europe
Ryan Fox, the reigning Champion Golfer of the Year, thinks Europe can help the Internationals find their way.
“I think we can learn a lot from [Europe], just not being intimidated by it [playing Team USA],” Fox said at Wentworth. “I feel like we know a lot of the European players really well and if these guys can do it, we can do it, too. We can definitely emulate them and take a little bit out of how they get together as a team.”
Chamblee on the underdog
Brandel Chamblee sees the parallels between the Ryder Cup, where Europe have won nine of the last 12 editions despite being underdogs almost every time.
“These team events are so compelling of what Europe has done,” Chamblee told Golf Channel. “Europe have shown that a cohesion of a team can overcome a huge talent gap. Almost every time it [the Ryder Cup] is played, you [Europe] are the underdogs and just thrash the United States. Many people will think a massive victory for the United States is a foregone conclusion and they’re a massive favourite, but sport loves an underdog.”
McIlroy’s wish
Masters champion Rory McIlroy wants to see the Presidents Cup leave American hands.
“All we need now is the Internationals to do it (win) – that would be great,” McIlroy said at Wentworth.
The gap is closing
Ogilvy believes the gap between the two teams is tightening. He was part of the course redesign at Medinah.
“It’s probably more difficult than if you’re winning all the time,” Ogilvy admitted. “But we’re getting closer all the time.”
How to watch
The Presidents Cup runs live on Sky Sports, with all four days live from Thursday on Sky Sports Golf. The action starts this week at Medinah.
Key facts
- Team USA have won every edition since 2005
- Team USA have only been beaten once in the event’s history
- Ogilvy captains the International Team at Medinah
- Seven nationalities are represented on the International Team
- Nico Echavarria and Tom Kim are PGA Tour winners this season
Schedule
| Day | Event |
|---|---|
| Thursday | Presidents Cup, Day 1 |
| Friday | Presidents Cup, Day 2 |
| Saturday | Presidents Cup, Day 3 |
| Sunday | Presidents Cup, Day 4 |
The question is simple: can the Internationals become the next team to defy the odds at Medinah? The format and line-ups are set, the pressure is on Team USA, and the underdogs have a plan. The answer comes over four days, live on Sky Sports.
Source material: “Can Europe inspire new 'Medinah miracle' at Presidents Cup?,” Sky Sports.
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