Well, the U.S. is off to another roaring lead after the first round in the 2015 President’s Cup with a 4-1 score on the books. Historically, the U.S. leads the series against the international team 8-1-1, so posting huge numbers on Day 1 isn’t entirely out of the norm, but the 2nd round 4-ball matches will show just how quickly (or if) the U.S. will be able to put a pin in this thing.
What can we expect from the 2nd round? I’m betting on another strong U.S. showing, even though International Captain, Nick Price, is certainly throwing all his ammo into these pairings. The International Team will certainly have some motivation to close the gap here, but will they be able to do it?
Here’s how it’ll break down:
Match 1 – 7:35 PM CST | Dustin Johnson & Jordan Spieth vs. Louis Oosthuizen & Branden Grace
Can we hope for a repeat from our awesome twosome on Day 2? Day 1 saw “long ball” Johnson and “clutch putt” Spieth come away with a big win on Thursday. They will be facing a South African team that came away with the only point for the International Team on Day 1. What will happen? This may be a close one and Oosthuizen and Grace will certainly be motivated to take down golf’s hottest duo.
Prediction: USA Win – 1 Point
Match 2 – 7:50 PM CST | Rickie Fowler & Jimmy Walker vs. Danny Lee & Sangmoon Bae
This matchup is a bit like having a home field advantage for Korean-born Lee and Bae. In particular, Sangmoon Bae is anxious to put on a strong showing for his home country and having been sat by coach Price for the first round, I think he’s going to come out of the gates ready for action. However, the all-Korean team is facing off against a hot Fowler/Walker team who won handily on Thursday by a 5 and 4 margin. Even with Rickie & Jimmy’s strong showing yesterday, I think that the hometown vibes are probably going to work some magic for the international team in this match.
Prediction: International Win – 1 Point
Match 3 – 8:05 PM CST | Zach Johnson & Phil Mickelson vs. Adam Scott & Jason Day
Johnson and Mickelson are coming off a solid 2-up victory on Thursday and will face off against the all-Australian team of Adam Scott and Jason Day. Side note here: Coach Nick Price’s strategy for pairings may be solely based on geography. Day is one of the hottest golfers on tour right now, coming off a string of victories and excellent showings late in the season. Johnson and Mickelson seem like a solid team. Mickelson has said how much he enjoy’s Johnson’s energy. All players here have excellent President’s Cup records, but I think the Aussie’s might just take this one.
Prediction: International Win – 1 Point
Match 4 – 8:20 PM CST | J.B. Holmes & Bubba Watson vs. Marc Leishman & Steven Bowditch
Another all-Aussie team will go up against two of the longest hitters on tour in J.B. Holmes & Bubba Watson. Holmes & Watson are virtual birdie machines with both players being ranked in the top 10 in birdie average. Conversely, Leishman and Bowditch were tied for that stat at 67th. However, the Australians have a great repore with each other, having known each other since their amateur days. I hope they enjoy the round because this one will be going to the Americans.
Prediction: USA Win – 1 Point
Match 5 – 8:35 PM CST | Bill Haas & Chris Kirk vs. Thongchai Jaidee & Charl Schwartzel
We’ve got some fairly well-rested players for the final match of the day. Haas, Kirk and Schwartzel all sat during Thursday’s round. Jaidee did play, but got thoroughly demolished by a tough Fowler/Walker team. He’ll certainly want to make a strong showing in today’s match. While Jaidee and Schwartzel may put up a valiant effort, I have a feeling the Americans will come out victorious in this match.
Prediction: USA Win – 1 Point
Final scores end of Day 2: USA 7, International 3
