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Thursday October 8, 2009

Internationals need sharper Cup edge, say Ogilvy and Weir

THE time has come for the Internationals to give the Presidents Cup a sharper competitive edge, according to Australian Geoff Ogilvy and Canadian Mike Weir.

Five of the seven editions in the biennial team competition have been won by holders the United States, who are heavy favourites to seal victory at Harding Park Golf Course this week.

“The event would definitely benefit from us winning a couple of times, especially over here on US soil,” Ogilvy told reporters after the first official day of practice on Tuesday.

“The Ryder Cup was a big event up until the 80s, but until Europe started winning regularly it didn’t become what it was. It became a real battle with a true bit of animosity on both sides.

“I’m sure if this event goes on for a hundred years, it will balance out. But it’s about time we started (winning).”

Left-hander Weir, who has represented the Internationals at the last four Presidents Cups, agreed.

“We need to step up and play a little better,” the 2003 Masters champion said. “But the event still seems to be growing. You cannot get more exciting than South Africa. That was incredible.”

In 2003, the two teams battled to a 17-17 draw in South Africa after local favourite Ernie Els and Tiger Woods had parred the first three extra holes in an unprecedented playoff for the title before it became too dark to continue.

However, the Americans went on two win the next two editions, by a three-point margin at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in 2005 and by five points at Royal Montreal in 2007.

“Even though we got beat pretty soundly in Montreal, the support of the event and everything was outstanding,” Weir said.

“But it would be nice if we get it (winning) done a little bit more, get that rivalry going a little bit.”

Although the Internationals do not come under one flag since they represent several countries outside Europe, Ogilvy believes the 2009 team has already begun to gel.

“Everyone’s pretty excited to be here and I think it feels like a team already,” the 2006 US Open champion said. “Everyone’s got great English and we all know each other pretty well from the (PGA) Tour anyway.”

Eight countries are represented on the 2009 Internationals line-up, matching the record number set in 2000 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club.

“The bonding has started already,” Ogilvy added.

“We all had dinner last night at the same place and we’ve already had a couple of bus trips together.

“Bus trips are some of the things that really create that team bond. It’s kind of like going back to school. Good kids sit up front, the bad kids sit in the back.”

The eighth Presidents Cup starts today with the opening foursome matches. — Reuters

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