The greatest leaders will lead from the front, not from the rear.
That’s why Tiger Woods wasted no time in the decision as to who would go out in the first singles match at Royal Melbourne with the Presidents Cup on the line.
The score was 10-8 in favor of the Internationals at the start of the final day’s singles competition and Woods sent out his team’s best player — himself.
Abraham Ancer got his pre-tournament wish. He wanted to take on Tiger Woods and said that weeks before the team arrived in Australia. Once again, Ancer found out that when you mess with the best, you’re a loser with the rest. He would become another notch on Woods’ pistol, another victim of the man who has all the shots and can still bring the heat when he needs to.
By the second hole, Woods was 1-up and he’d never trail. He made Ancer look at his full arsenal of fades, draws, knock-downs, stingers, incredible pitches around the greens and a putter that will rip your heart out. Sorry — not today, Abraham.
By the 16th hole, Woods stood over a 10-footer for birdie to close out Ancer and before the ball was halfway to the hole, his hat was off and he was walking toward his opponent.
Good try, kid. Good match. But this is Tiger Woods. He’s nearly 44 but he has 82 tour wins and 15 majors so who the hell are you to say you wanted a piece of him? Tiger’s reaction: “Abe wanted it, he got it,” Woods said with a laugh.
Tiger, the leader, got things rolling then went out to captain his teammates, to get them across the finish line after they trailed all week.
Dustin Johnson had no problem crushing Haotong Li, who was the worst player on either team. Li flat out stunk all week and was no match for D.J. or anyone else for that matter.
After failing miserably in team play, even lightning rod Patrick Reed got after it and was four-up on C.T. Pan before Pan could say “C.T.”
Patrick Cantlay churned out seven birdies in 15 holes and put an end to Joaquin Neimann.
Tiger’s guys were coming through for him when he needed them most.
Tony Finau found himself 4-down to Hideki Matsuyama with just eight holes to play and Tony found a way to rally fiercely and salvage a tie. Beginning of the end for the Internationals.
Matsuyama was one of the big names who let Captain Ernie Els down on Sunday. Adam Scott and Louie Oosthuizen, the two majors champions on the International team, failed Ernie miserably when it counted most. Xander Schauffele had Scott 4-down at the turn and would close that match out at the 17th. Oosthuizen was 3-up on Matt Kuchar at the turn but couldn’t get a point for his team. Kooch rallied to get a tie and his half-point clinched the cup for team USA.
Els has to look no further than his senior leadership — Scott, Oosthuizen and Matsuyama — to see where it all fell apart. He was also counting on Marc Leishman for points. All he got was a tie with Rickie Fowler and by that point, it was all over.
Tiger’s guys managed to come up with eight points in the singles and that was good for a 16-14 American win.
“All my boys, they did it,” said an emotional Tiger Woods, tears in his eyes. “It’s been the most amazing challenge of my career,” he said of his playing captain stint Down Under.
“We relied on one another as a team and we did it — together,” Woods said emphatically. “This cup wasn’t going to be given to us. We had to go earn it. And we did.”
Yes, 16 years after that stinking tie, Woods hoisted the prize.
It wasn’t easy, but in his world, very few things are.
5 Comments
baxter cepeda
It’s tough for the internationals to rely on 4 stars whom cannot putt. Anytime hideki putts, especially when it’s important, I tend to relax,
Because frankly I don’t like his chances. Something even get me started on Adam and Louie. This leaves that team relying on nice guy Mark. We all know where nice guys finish.
We all know reed won. Tigers 2 mistakes despite the W were subjecting Webb to 3 rounds with the bad boy if golf. And of course benching himself. It all Worked out for Tiger, but only thanks to the international leaders putting woes.
The rookies were great. But imo the internationals need to purge themselves of all the old names, find some putters…you know all the stuff the US Ryder Cup team still needs to do.
baxter cepeda
Oh and grow some rough. How do they not see rough is America’s crypto nite.?
Tom Edrington
Im was really their strongest guy and Ancer was great until he got the “Tiger Wish”….
RM
Nice take on this, as usual. I had not realized that Ancer had said on the record that he wanted to play Tiger. Careful what you wish for.
Also enjoyed the reactions from several of the USA teammates who spoke afterwards of how nobody wanted to be the one to let Tiger Woods down. Say what you want, but I do believe his willingness to go out there first and put it on the line – and then to set the early tone in his match – had to be pretty inspirational.
Very enjoyable weekend of golf. Looking forward now to the Tournament of Champions which always reminds me that yes, there is a new season here, and that I also will be out playing in the somewhat foreseeable future without gloves, jackets, stocking hats, handwarmers, etc.
Happy Holidays, Tom, and thanks for your work here!
Tom Edrington
RM: Always great to read your takes; Here’s to a fun new season!