These Guys Aren't Out of Hoosiers Yet

Some fun stuff from Thomas Boswell's Presidents Cup column:

In a year or two, perhaps we'll know whether this week at RTJ, with the touch of Jack and Barbara Nicklaus setting the tone, will actually transform the Americans into a true team. One player brought a sports page to read to the final interviews because he doubted he'd be asked questions and did a squeaky imitation of Nicklaus's voice. These guys aren't out of "Hoosiers" yet.

But this event might be a turning point. This time, it was the U.S. team at a victory podium doing its impromptu teasing skits as Nicklaus played father-figure moderator.

If one central U.S. player has to be melded with the rest of the team by a strong, even sarcastic captain's hand, it's Mickelson. And maybe only Nicklaus has the stature to do it.

Mickelson was asked about the indelible moment when, after making a five-foot birdie putt on the 18th to square his match with Angel Cabrera, he celebrated as though he thought he'd just won the Presidents Cup -- because he thought he had.

"I thought that that was it. I thought that we had won because I am an idiot and didn't read the rules of the game," Mickelson said. At that, the whole team melted in laughter.

"Better yet," Mickelson said, fingering himself further, "Captain Nicklaus told me on the 15th hole that there were no ties. Didn't quite get it. Still didn't get it."

 "I thought you understood," Nicklaus said.

"You would think I would," Mickelson said.

"I told you there were no ties and you had to play to a conclusion," Nicklaus said, mischievously.

"Yeah, I thought you meant, 'Don't go for the tie. Go for the win.' "

More gales of delighted team laughter.

"Okay," Mickelson said sheepishly, "I got it, I got it."

Comments

[The Big K]

OK, OK, just for a minute forget the President's Cup as an imitation, PGA Tour-wants-their-share-of-the-money creation. Yeah maybe the US players don't always show high emotion, but I for one did not miss the over the top, drunken excuse for a crowd that often accompanies the Ryder Cup. The matches were close and fairly contested, with an appreciative but not abusive home crowd. And I for one think there is something to be said for that.

[Geoff]

No doubt you are right. The fans were great. And it was nice that the whole thing didn't get too nasty. But you do have to admit there is an intensity to the Ryder Cup that is pretty special every two years?

[TRK]

Finally the US won a team competition. I hope now that Chris DiMarco get´s the recognition he deserves. He will win a mayor in 2007. http://www.golfstuffreview.com">http://www.golfstuffreview.com

[NRH]

The last Ryder Cup featured Donald Trump as their opening ceremony 'entertainment' as a cross-promotion for his NBC show and Hal Sutton wearing a cowboy hat. The President's Cup had the last two US Presidents, Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The International Team is much better on paper than the European Team. The gap is closing fast.