by M. James Ward
This week's Presidents Cup Matches at Liberty National -- the 12th contested -- will provide point blank views of the Manhattan skyline and the iconic Statue of Liberty which is easily seen from a number of holes at the course. The return to Liberty National marks the 3rd time that the world's finest players will set foot on the Jersey City-based layout. The original design from the late Bob Cupp and former PGA TOUR star Tom Kite was panned by several players for not being playable. One player jokingly said even Lady Liberty had her back to the course.
In 2010 changes were made and after the '13 Barclays event was played the original feelings clearly had changed. To be fair -- the players were not enamored with the updated layout but the outright negativity had indeed softened considerably.
The dynamics of a team competition is clearly different from a 72-hole stroke play event. The contest features a match play format and the wherewithal to pair players correctly in order to get the needed chemistry and production is a critical decision for the respective Captain's -- Steve Stricker for team USA and Nick Price for team International.
The routing of the course has also been changed so that the actual closing stretch of holes will play a key factor in nearly all the matches. Weather leading up to the event has been above average and the forecast for the event calls for dry conditions with windy weather expected near the conclusion. With the course being adjacent to New York harbor it's very easy for wind velocities to be especially brisk.
Four architect's weigh in on the nature of this year's matches and how Liberty National will fare as the International team seeks to achieve just its second win in the series.
Q1. Liberty National is hosting the Presidents Cup matches this week and in the process in coming into existence had to overcome a number of significant challenges dealing with a former landfall site and a myriad of different governmental jurisdictions. What's been the most challenging site you've ever faced and what did you learn from it?
NATHAN CRACE: Bay Breeze GC at Keelser AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. The storm literally changed the landscape of the Gulf Coast. The Back Bay in Biloxi filled with storm surge and flooded the course from the north because the base sits between the Back Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, submerging the five holes along the bay. When the water receded, nearly one foot of marine silt was left behind that had to be removed before we could re-build and re-grass. Additionally, Keesler is an older base with a number of closed landfills on-site that were capped with clay decades ago. In those areas, there could be no cut and it was a challenge to re-design those holes in such a way that--as you play them--they blend in with the other holes and the natural lay of the site. That project proved that with the right team no project is impossible and patience and good planning is indeed virtuous.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: Early in my career I assisted Bob Graves in designing a public course on an old municipal landfill in the San Francisco Bay Area. Without a doubt, it was the most technically challenging project I've ever been a part of. There are a myriad of regulations and constraints working on top of a landfill that limit, or prevent, almost any kind of creativity. Between the underground methane recovery systems, HDPE irrigation system and drainage systems, we must have installed a few hundred miles of pipe. There were no natural site features to work with, just a barren plot of land capped with heavy clay that is subject to settling at any place at any time as the refuse decomposes. Like Liberty National we brought in tons of sand and soil so we could grow trees and turf. Unlike Liberty National, we did not have an unlimited budget.
FORREST RICHARDSON: My first project, Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix, had numerous environmental obstacles and eventually was blocked by a group of lawsuits. The decision went all the way to the Arizona Supreme Court and was ultimately approved. As a young guy entering golf design it was an eye opener, and taught me never to take anything for granted.
JIM NAGLE: The most challenging site we've worked is The Country Club of Orlando being completely redesigned and rebuilt. The property's situated on a poorly draining, flat site with a myriad of soils conditions. What we have learned from the process is the need for absolute and total open lines of communication between all involved parties. This includes civil engineers, golf course designer, club committee members, golf course superintendent, geo-technical engineers, adjoining property owners, irrigation consultant, golf course contractor and agronomic consultants. One small breakdown in communication can have a dramatic effect on costs and construction progress.
Q2. A number of criticisms were brought forward by tour players -- most notably Tiger Woods after the first Barclays event in '09. Eventually, Liberty National opted to make 70 plus modifications to the course with original architect the late Bob Cupp and Tom Kite participating in a consulting capacity. What's the standard you use in whether or not modifications or wholesale changes are needed in a design you've done?
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: We have never been involved in a remodeling project where we had to go back and make wholesale changes to the golf course after we completed the initial design work. To me, that would indicate that the designer didn't have a good understanding of his client's goals and objectives when they started the project. We tell all of our client's about the "two-year rule". Players need two-years after the renovation to play the golf course and experience the changes to the appearance and strategy. If after two years there are some lingering issues, they we are more than happy to address them.
JIM NAGLE: The majority of Forse Design projects involve the renovation/restoration of existing courses. No matter the scope of work involved there is instant feedback from members and owners. We process much of the feedback and determine early on if there are concerns that need addressing. Where we have had to return and make modifications often involve limited cupping areas on rebuilt greens. As maintenance standards improve and member desires for faster greens increases we have returned to soften portions of rebuilt greens to increase the cupping areas. We have also looked at bunker placements and their impact on pace-of-play and also determine if they are affecting weaker golfers and unnecessarily making the course harder for that particular group.
NATHAN CRACE: There's no doubt the game is changing. From equipment to maintenance practices to golfers themselves, we have to not only adapt, but also think ahead and stay out in front. I like to sit down with a new client and have them write down their goals. Most will say "We need more rounds" or "We need to cut maintenance costs," but a surprisingly small number have actually taken the time to write down their goals. Once we know where the clients wants to be when the work is complete, we can then determine the best way to get there and start putting together a realistic plan for the budget they have in mind. Whether that means zeroing-in on modifications to specific problem areas or wholesale changes throughout the entire course, you can't start that journey without knowing where you want to go.
FORREST RICHARDSON: In the end it is the customers -- the players -- who decide on what is good or needs work. I have been thankful that most of my work over the years has been well received. There is no doubt that when you add the ingredient of professionals to the mix you get people with not only a stronger voice, but an interest that involves their livelihood. Changing golf courses is to be expected. We just expect it later on, not after just a few years.
Q3. This year's Presidents Cup features a re-routing of holes -- the closing stretch #15 thru #18 is actually the first four holes normally. The purpose was to make sure key holes are played since match play is the format and matches could end prior to getting to them. What's your take on re-routing in general terms and when par designations are changed or composite courses are used?
NATHAN CRACE: It certainly isn't the first time we've seen a course do that and I understand the powers-that-be want the matches to go the distance not only for the fans, but also for television. The problem, however, is not so much the course where a match play event is hosted as it is the way in which a match play event is concluded. Too many matches end before the last hole.
FORREST RICHARDSON: Look, the Old Course plays forward and backward. And before it has been formalized into a “course” it was simply an open area where players made up their own holes. I support adaptation by clubs and tournaments. We leave behind a playing board, but they make the rules and set it up they way it needs to be handled.
JIM NAGLE: We have been witness to successful and unsuccessful re-routings as well as the changing of par. Compromising quality design for overall par is not something we as designers will pursue. I do concur with the re-routing of the Presidents Cup course. We experienced this first-hand at Rolling Green Golf Club during the 2016 USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. The match play event limited the need for their final two holes (17 & 18). Those two holes are some of the best at the Club but were not played as often as hoped because of the match play format. The routing of the course did not allow for switching of holes like Liberty National.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: In this case, re-routing the holes makes perfect sense because of the match play format. You want to give the best holes a good chance of being played. In general, we have no objection to rerouting the sequence of holes especially if it improves the rhythm of the entire round. We like to design a series of closing holes to create drama and memorability for the players. If that involves re-sequencing existing holes, then so be it. We would like to see more clients open to the idea of par 69,70,or 71. Too many players and owners are handcuffed to the idea that the only real golf course is a par 72.
Q4. How much of a role should an architect have when future changes are being contemplated in dealing with one's work?
JIM NAGLE: Some believe an architect is an unnecessary expense, yet, we have witnessed projects being more expensive without the aid of an architect than with. This involves revisiting long standing clients and reviewing past work while continually looking to the future. The game has changed much in the last 15-20 years since much of our work was completed. The courses all require a fresh look as the game, golfer expectations, budgets, equipment, rounds played and cultural/management practices continue to evolve.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: Steve [Pate] and I work hard to build and maintain long-term relationships with all of our clients and we are always gratified when they call us to consult on potential changes either big or small. We provide the continuity of design philosophy and intent that gets lost as superintendents and leadership evolves at a club or course. However, the reality of the design business is that ownership changes, and green committees change, and sometimes they want to go another direction with a different designer, or make the changes in-house without consulting anyone. It's frustrating, and many times leads to poor results, but there's not much we can do about it.
FORREST RICHARDSON: Of course I think 100%. The issue is that relationships come and go. The right thing to do is not always what gets done. When I see that, I feel it is a shame.
NATHAN CRACE: Understandably, we as architects want to be involved with the changes our courses undergo in future years. That's not always possible because owners change, public bid laws impact how architects might be selected for some public course projects, new owners may want to use an architect they've worked with in the past, etc. We've all re-worked other architects' work and had others re-work our past courses.
Q5. Can courses still be created that test the world's best and still be playable for the broader masses?
JIM NAGLE: I was told during a conversation with the agent of a Major Champion and multiple time Presidents Cup/Ryder Cup member that “the average golfer cannot comprehend how tour players approach the playing of a golf course.” That was very telling and led me to understand the constant changes performed on many of the courses hosting PGA and major USGA events. Often those courses which may lack overall length, have their fairways narrowed, the greens are made ridiculously fast and tees added in never thought of locations to maximize distance. This is all done to challenge the world’s best.
FORREST RICHARDSON: Yes. That has to do with set-up, length, and course conditions. I put length in last place. While Cypress Point may not involve any long irons or approaches for a tour event, it certainly could be set-up to be challenging for the best players in the world. And, without any doubt, it is enjoyable for anybody.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: Of the roughly 15,000 US golf courses maybe 100 are qualified, or even desire, to host the World's best players. So on that very small percentage of courses there are certainly things that can be done to test the most elite players and still convert it back to be enjoyable for the broader masses. We think it has to do mostly with the way the course is setup. There is too much emphasis on length as a means of creating difficulty. How about trying some unconventional ideas such as not raking bunkers. After all, they are hazards. Why compact 2 inches of sand on bunker faces so that the ball releases down to the bottom? Let the ball plug if that's what it does naturally. How about slowing down the speed of the greens a little so that we can design more contour into the putting surface? Let's play with the height of turf cut everywhere from fairway to secondary rough and see how that impacts the challenge.
NATHAN CRACE: Yes! The key is flexibility. Options derived from multiple tees, angles or play, location of hazards, and the willingness of the architect and the owner to take the time for due diligence to make it work. At my current renovation of The Refuge near Jackson, Mississippi, we are installing the Longleaf Tee System with a series of 5 to 6 tees stretching from 4,000 yards to 7,045 yards and a total of 9 "courses" you can play within the same 18 holes. It will be as much--or as little--golf as any player from scratch to beginner could ask for based solely on his or her skill level--not gender or age. It takes time, planning, and a project team that includes the architect, the owner, the contractor, the superintendent, and the golf professional all being on the same page. It can be done, but it can't be done haphazardly.
Q6. With the possibility of 8,000+ yard courses looming has golf reached a point where the rules dealing with golf equipment must be separated between those at the highest skill levels and the overall golfing audience?
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: In general we would have to say no. The fact is, professional golf at the top levels is entertainment for the viewer. We like watching how far these guys hit the ball. We like the drama of players going head-to-head battling down the stretch for the victory. Whether they shoot 62 or 72 is almost irrelevant for most of us as is the length of the golf course. If amateur players want to come closer to having the same playing experience as the top players, then they need to play the correct tees for their swing speed so that they will have the similar approach shots to the green.
NATHAN CRACE: I've never been a big fan of bifurcating the rules, but unfortunately, we may get to that point in the future. It just isn't financially feasible to build an entire course solely for Tour players and not the regular players when a course hosts an event once a year. However, adding back tees with additional length and varying angles across and between hazards and narrowing fairway cuts for a few weeks in advance of an event can resolve some of those issues. Then there's green speeds--don't get me started on that.
JIM NAGLE: Equipment, player abilities, courses and turf management have been constantly evolving and improving the game. Golf course architects were complaining of their designs being neutered in the 1920’s & 1930’s as equipment was changing. During golfs “golden age”, the early 1900’s through the end of the Depression, equipment changed from hickory shafts to steel and the golf ball was constantly changing, specifically its core. All changes were allowing for more controlled and longer ball flight. For me personally, the verdict is still out there.
FORREST RICHARDSON: My simple answer - yes.
Q7. When watching the telecast of this year's Presidents Cup matches what's the one thing you notice that often times the average fan likely misses?
FORREST RICHARDSON: Golf architects -- most anyway -- tend to be able to think in both two and three dimensions. What we see on TV is not only the perspective shot from the camera, but also the geometric plan view of the hole. Most people do not think this way. The result is that most are appreciating the aesthetics and the dramatic relationship of the hazards and greens. What they miss is how it all got brought together -- how the hole was brought to life, which began with a simple sketch and laying out the design from two dimensions to three. Understanding that opens a wider view to understanding how golf holes are designed.
JIM NAGLE: There is a team of maintenance staff that wakes very early in the morning with still a few hours of dark remaining to begin daily preparations. The team, led by the golf course superintendent, are the hardest working individuals at the course and take the utmost pride in their work. The roll of the ball on the green, the conditions of the bunkers, roughs and fairways are all the results of the hard work and dedication of the superintendent, his staff and volunteers.
NATHAN CRACE: In particular, regarding Liberty National, I remember watching The Barclays on television in 2009. I should mention that, while I never worked for him, Bob Cupp was the person who encouraged me in the 1990's to pursue my dream of becoming a golf course architect and eventually became my lead sponsor for ASGCA membership some 20 years later. But back in 2009, I noticed that many of the fairway cuts and green surrounds at Liberty National ran off into the bunkers with no rough to slow down the ball. He responded that a few of the players had also noticed that and liked that it made them think more about their shots. As golf course architects, we tend to focus on things that maybe the everyday player doesn't notice. For me, that can be a blessing and a curse because it's a "hyper-vigilance" that I can't switch off. I've been fortunate to play some very nice courses in the last 30 years and I often find myself distracted by things like grass types and drainage or looking at certain features and thinking "I wonder why Donald Ross, Pete Dye, or whomever did that?" Not in a critical sense, just wanting to learn, understand, and soak it all in.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO: I know this sounds strange, but I'll try and watch the interaction between player and caddie throughout the matches. I like to see who relies on their caddie for more than yardage, especially as the pressure in a match intensifies. I'll watch to see which player reads their putts alone and which takes some advice from the caddie.
NATHAN E. CRACE, ASGCA, Principal, Watermark Golf/Nathan Crace Design – Headquartered in south Mississippi, is a native of Indiana and been designing courses for nearly 25 years and is a graduate of Mississippi State University's PGA Golf Management program. Nathan's accolades include Golf Digest's "Best New Affordable Public Course in America" (Copper Mill GC), Golf Inc Magazine's "#3 Best Public Course Renovation in America" (Ole Miss GC), and a 2017 ASGCA "Design Excellence Award." He is also a published author and a member of the Golf Writers Association of America.
JIM NAGLE, Golf Course Designer / Forse Design, Inc. – A golf course designer working closely with Ron Forse, Forse Design for over 19 years. Ron and Jim have teamed to recreate some of the most memorable restorations of many Top 100 Classic Courses cited by Golfweek Magazine. Nagle's been the lead architect for many Forse Design projects such as: Lancaster C.C. (PA), C.C. of Buffalo (NY), Rolling Green G.C. (PA), Bryn Mawr C.C. (IL) and Kirtland C.C. (OH).Offices located in Hopwood, PA & New Smyrna Beach, FL. 20+ years in the golf design business working with Dye Designs, Derck & Edson Associates and Forse Design, Inc.
FORREST RICHARDSON,ASGCA / Principal of Forrest Richardson & Assoc., Phoenix, AZ – Has completed new courses and significant remodels, including restoration work. Among his projects are Olivas Links (Ventura, California), The Hideout (Monticello, Utah), Mountain Shadows (Scottsdale, Arizona) and the new Baylands Golf Links (Palo Alto, California). His renovation/restoration work includes the Wigwam Resort (Arizona), Berkeley CC (California), and Arizona Biltmore Adobe Course (Phoenix, Arizona). Forrest serves as the current Secretary of the American Society of Golf Course Architects and a member of the USGA Museum Committee.
DAMIAN PASCUZZO,ASGCA / Principal designer of Pascuzzo / Pate Golf Design, El Dorado Hills, California – Began his design career in 1982 and is a past president of the American Society of Golf Course Architects. Since 2003 he has been working with 6-time PGA Tour winner and 2-time Ryder Cup player, Steve Pate. This design team has won awards for their original creations of both the Old Course and Challenge Course at Monarch Dunes in Nipomo, CA. They have also completed a major remodel of the historic 36-holes at Omni La Costa Resort in Carlsbad, CA. Their international work has also been recognized when Murasaki CC was selected to host the 2020 Japan Open. They are currently completing a remodel of the Kings Course at Gleneagles CC in Plano, TX.
2017 Presidents Cup Four holes to watch at Liberty National Golf Club by M. James Ward When this 12th Presidents Cup matches commence Thursday at Liberty National Golf Club there will be a missing individual who played a major role in the creation of the facility that will test a team of American and International players -- architect Bob Cupp. Sadly, Cupp passed away in August of '16 at age 76 from pancreatic cancer. Cupp had been a major contributor in courses being designed for a number of years -- particularly through his working relationship with Jack Nicklaus and later on his own. It was Cupp who teamed with World Golf Hall of Famer Tom Kite in the creation of the course located just across the skyline of lower Manhattan and within easy eyeball views of the Statue of Liberty. Liberty National was not especially embraced when the world's best players competed on the layout during the '09 Barclays event but improvements were made with Cupp and Kite providing consultation on the various 70+ changes made. The working relationship between Cupp and Kite allowed the former PGA TOUR superstar to branch out beyond his competitive playing career. Kite won one major championship in 1992 with the US Open at Pebble Beach but along with 19 TOUR wins he was a constant presence among any leaderboard with no less than 27 top ten finishes in major championships. Often times people will quickly remember the epic triumph of Jack Nicklaus during the '86 Masters and the inability of Greg Norman to par the final hole to get into a playoff with the Golden Bear. But it was Kite who also was in the thick of things with a birdie effort at the 72nd hole which barely kept him outside of a possible playoff. Kite has seen the facility from it beginnings -- a superfund toxic former landfill. Now, the 160 acres is filled with a golf course that literally has been created in every aspect. The 67-year-old Texan weighs in on what he sees as the key holes for this week's event. 1st hole / 427 yards / Par-4 (normally plays as the 5th hole) With mounds and trees framing the right side and a large lake left, this is one of the most demanding tee shots at Liberty National Being played as the first hole in the revised routing and with opening tee shot jitters at the Presidents Cup it will even be more demanding. Getting the tee shot in the fairway will put pressure on any opponent. The multi-level green is well protected with a gaping bunker right and meandering creek hugging the left side. I anticipate very few ties on this opening hole in the Presidents Cup. 10th Hole / 150 Yards / Par-3 (normally plays as the 14th hole) Set on a point with spectacular views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty, the short par 3 #10 will be one of the best locations for the spectators to hang. The hole is only 150 yards, when maxed out, but the smallish green will require a precise short iron to have any success. And making the shot even more difficult is the fact that #10 is the most exposed hole to the winds coming off the Hudson River. Great possibility for momentum swings here. 12th Hole / 325 Yards / Par-4 (normally plays as the 16th hole) Designed as a driveable par 4, the 12th will provide lots of excitement. As a player, I love golf holes that give multiple options of how to play, and the 12th certainly does that. Playing any where from 290 - 325 yards this hole will allow the players to access how they stand in the match and adjust strategy accordingly. The undulating green is amply sized but well guarded with a creek running up the entire right side and a bunker and closely mown areas left. Opportunities for birdies and eagles are available, but with rewards also come risks. And, watching the strategies change depending on what their opponent does will be captivating. 14th Hole / 490 Yards / Par-4 (normally plays as the 18th hole) Bob Cupp believed the finishing hole should be a demanding one, and I agreed. Normally the 18th, but the 14th in the President Cup, this could indeed still be the finishing hole in some of the matches. Headed straight towards the iconic Liberty National clubhouse, and playing nearly 500 yards the slightly uphill dogleg right will test the best. A long straight drive that avoids numerous bunkers is needed to even reach the green in two shots. And, the second shot is no less difficult, requiring anywhere from a mid iron to possibly a hybrid or even fairway metal depending on the wind direction, tee placement and hole location. Few birdies will take place here, and pars could win on this stout hole. Images courtesy of Michael Cohen / Getty Images
All claws – no pause! Tiger Woods claims 1st win since 2013 by M. James Ward ATLANTA, GA. When the American squad was ready to battle against an International squad last September for the President's Cup at Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, NJ, the figure of Tiger Woods was present – in body. Not as a player but as an assistant captain. The future of Woods at that time went beyond whether Tiger was coming back as a competitor to if he was going to be able to do so. Keep in mind; this is the same person who was only given permission by his doctors to practice chips and putts in August 2017 after going through spinal fusion surgery earlier that same year. His own words stated that there might be a scenario in which he would never return to competitive golf. Woods emphasized how his quality of life – the wherewithal to play with his two children – was more important than anything else. Fast-forward to Sunday's thrilling win at The Tour Championship, his first in over 5 years, 1,857 days to be exact since winning the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. His 269 total provided a two-shot victory over runner-up Billy Horschel and garnered his 80th victory. It also marked a clear comeback from the series of surgeries – four in total – that Woods has endured over the years. The emotions of the moment were clearly out in force with large galleries shouting "Tiger, Tiger, Tiger." Woods was equally moved, admitting when walking towards the 18th green that tears welled up in his eyes. To give this some perspective in December of 2017 Tiger was ranked 1,173 in the world. He has not won a major event since 2008 at the US Open at Torrey Pines or a PGA Tour event since 2013. This is the same person who was arrested for a DUI (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) in 2017 and upon deeper review the toxicology reports indicated Woods "had five different drugs in this system." The police photo showing a disheveled Woods led many to believe that his golf record would be linked to his past with no real future happening. The greater concern, which Woods articulated was being able to walk and function normally rather than playing world championship golf again. The victory in Atlanta moves Woods to 13th in the world rankings and his impact was clearly a tsunami on the golfing stage. Tiger was not his vintage self during the final round at East Lake, scoring a one-over-par 71, but he played solid enough golf for victory never to be in doubt. Whereas his two closest competitors, Justin Rose and Rory McIlroy, both failed to do anything of note scoring 73 and 74 respectively. The lone bright spot was Rose claiming the FedEx Cup title with a final hole birdie and the $10 million prize. McIlroy's failure did not have a silver lining. Paired with Woods, his idol when growing up in Northern Ireland, Rory once again faded in a crucial final round. While not as disappointing as his meltdown this past April against Patrick Reed at The Masters, the question marks are starting to reach critical mass for Rory. For Woods, winning wire-to-wire over the 30 best players from the PGA Tour was a clear statement that he is rapidly moving back into the position he occupied for so many years prior to his personal issues and injury struggles. Returning to The Tour Championship for the first time since 2013, Woods played top tier golf in the first round with a five-under-par 65 capped by a 27-foot putt for eagle on the 18th hole. Unlike the earlier FedEx Cup Playoff venues were birdies were coming fast and furious, East Lake proved to be a formidable layout. The dense Bermuda rough made it imperative that tees shots consistently find the fairways. The demanding venue clearly aided Woods in building his lead to three shots entering the final round. Amazingly, as the year started, few could even remotely contemplate Woods would be a member of the USA Ryder Cup team and that his play would nearly result in a major championship title – both at The Open at Carnoustie where he held the outright lead after the 10th hole during the final round and at the PGA Championship at Bellerive where he finished outright 2nd and concluded play with a personal best major championship final round 64 before succumbing to eventual winner Brooks Koepka. In recent years the golf cognoscenti had weighed in opining Woods inability to control his driver and display his renowned putting prowess would likely never return to anything close to his prime playing days. While Woods still hits the occasional stray tee shot, the overwhelming percentage has improved dramatically. And his famed putting stroke was spot on during all the key moments at East Lake. Woods is now ranked 13th in the world and heading to next week's Ryder Cup Matches in Paris clearly provides a wave of positive momentum. There is no question Woods wants to have Team USA win for the first time on foreign soil since 1993. Keep in mind, Woods wishes to redeem himself from his hard to figure mediocre record of 13-17-3 in the event. Tiger turns 43 at the end of this year. After winning his last major at 32 when claiming his 3rd US Open, it appeared inevitable Woods would eventually surpass the gold standard record of 18 majors won by Jack Nicklaus. While that record looks safe, it is now more than fair to say that barring serious injury Woods is clearly able to add to that total and that could happen as soon as the 2019 Masters. The golfer who won 14 majors by age 32 is no longer present. However, underestimating Woods has been something many have done. The future is never certain in golf but the Woods of today has shown real grit and deep down tenacity. The claws are sharp and the eye of the Tiger is once again keen for the competitive scene that he has long relished. Tiger has now stoked the public and media's appetite for the next chapter to happen. Given the journey he has faced, the road from Liberty National a year ago to where he is now is nothing short of brilliant. No one in the sport moves the needle like he does. The ending chapters, which seemed etched in stone with his golf obituary, can now be seen as utterly premature. Many of today's young stars had only heard of the Tiger who relentlessly stalks his prey. While the young stars acknowledged the greatness of Tiger it was more out of respect to the past than present. Clearly they are now turning their heads and looking back over their shoulders anxiously witnessing the kind of pressure Tiger can bring to bear when his game is on form. East Lake provided the launching pad – being satisfied is not within Tiger’s DNA. All claws – no pause. That is the Tiger mantra and he’s most certainly out of the "Woods." The world of golf has long missed such triumphs and wondered if they would ever be seen again. Welcome back indeed. Photos courtesy of the PGA TOUR
Punchless Presidents Cup needs pizzazz by M. James Ward The word competition means a contest in which two sides have relatively equal opportunities in achieving victory. The Presidents Cup golf matches is anything but and in need of a major overhaul to attain what's been lacking since the event commenced in 1994. This year's event played at Liberty National Golf Club just across the Hudson River in New Jersey provided a fantastic backdrop of the Manhattan skyline along with the iconic Statue of Liberty residing in New York harbor. The final tally -- USA team 19 points, International team 11 points. The outcome was never in doubt the final day. The American squad nearly retained the Cup prior to the final day's 12 singles matches which would have been unprecedented and a resounding embarrassment for the International squad. The loss marks the 10th time the International team has tasted defeat with only one win and one tie to show for its efforts. The American squad has now won seven straight events since 2005. The brainchild for The Presidents Cup is the PGA TOUR and the hope at the outset was having an event of comparable stature to the more prestigious Ryder Cup matches which has team USA versus Europe. The PGA TOUR wanted a team event held bi-annually so that it could draw attention as an equivalent event with the more noted Ryder Cup. Candidly, the two events are in far different places -- the Ryder Cup being the main event with the Presidents Cup simply a sideshow in need of a major overhaul. The International team was Captained for the third time by Nick Price. Born in South Africa and raised in Zimbabwe, the former number one player in the world and three-time major champion, suffered two previous Captain's defeats but the loss in '15 when played in South Korea was a closer contest with the American squad only winning in the final matches. Nonetheless, Price brought forward the case that reforming the format would be needed in order to put the matches more equalized. A small change happened after the '13 matches in Ohio when the total points for event was lowered from 34 to 30 in order to narrow the greater depth of the American squad. What appeared to be working after the '15 matches in South Korea with the American squad winning narrowly clearly has gone backwards in a massive way with the USA's convincing win at Liberty National. Price was not the only vocal critic of the format. During the press conference following the event -- South African Ernie Els, also a former world number one player and four-time major champion, voiced his thoughts that the PGA TOUR needs to permit the International team to make its own decisions -- not dictated by the TOUR solely. Since the TOUR owns the event it will be interesting to see how the process unfolds as the matches head to famed Royal Melbourne in Australia for the 3rd time in '19. Els has never Captained the International squad and given his reputation it seems likely he's on the very short list for the next meeting. Els left little doubt a thorough discussion would be a plus for the event. The remaining question is whether the hierarchy of the PGA TOUR is interested in doing so. Pressure may also come from the television networks -- namely NBC-Sports which has the main contract to cover the event. Television executives value the live and unpredictable nature of sporting events but loathe having such one-sided results becoming commonplace as this will most certainly diminish the number of eyeballs tuning in will drop considerably. Reducing the total points available from 30 to 28 would mirror what the Ryder Cup does now. That would mean following a format whereby the competition is reduced from the present four to three days. It would also mean 36-holes of various partner formats the first two days, followed by 12 singles matches to conclude the event. The reduction in points would negate the depth of a youthful and talented American squad augmented by a few seasoned veterans -- most notably Phil Mickelson who has played in every Presidents and Ryder Cup matches since 1994. The reduction in total points would also mean more choices for the respective Captain's to make given that the partner formats of foursomes and four-balls would have only eight of the 12 players participating. Who to sit and who to play would carry even more importance and allow for even greater scrutiny of the decision-making process by the Captain's. Given the lack of depth for the Internationals the reduced number of matches and the wherewithal to lean more on its best players would seem to give the squad a better opportunity for success. Such a format would mirror the one used for Ryder Cup matches and it's likely the PGA TOUR does not wish to follow in lockstep with an event in which they are clearly competing against in order to build their own brand identity. Nonetheless, what is clear is that the existing Presidents Cup is lacking a competitive balance. In the late 1970's Jack Nicklaus suggested the Ryder Cup team make-up be changed and include golfers from the Continent of Europe joining those from Great Britain and Ireland. The reasoning? The American squad was winning on such regular intervals that interest in the event was waning. The Nicklaus suggestion paid off immensely and the European juggernaut took hold starting in 1985 with team Europe claiming the Cup no less than 11 times in 16 events -- with the USA squad retaining the cup last year in Minnesota. The International squad is comprised of talented players but the youthful American squad has the likes of Justin Thomas, Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson and Patrick Reed leading the way and given their collective ages it's likely they will be on the scene for the next decade or so. The need for realistic change is certainly apparent. The question remains will the PGA TOUR follow suit and take seriously the input from the key leaders of the International team? That question remains to be answered with Royal Melbourne awaiting in two years time.
