The Case for the Presidents Cup

Part of the fun of going to a sporting event is the atmosphere. There’s no better feeling than your screams of joy being erased by the collective roar of the crowd, or watching your favorite athlete perform at the highest level, with tremendous composure, athleticism, and sheer swag. The way Steph Curry turns away when he knows he drained a three, how Dez Bryant throws up the X after a huge touchdown reception, or even how Jose Bautista flips his bat when he sends one sailing over the wall. The feeling you get from being in the crowd, or even watching a game on TV and seeing these incredible performances, it’s hard to capture that feeling.

Many people only think that the major action sports (football, baseball, hockey, etc.) can provide fans with this rush. Almost no one says that they can duplicate this rush by watching a golf tournament.

They’ve obviously never seen the Presidents Cup.

It truly is an atmosphere unlike any other. While most golf events are an individual competition, there are just two teams vying for the Cup; The USA vs. the World. Twenty-four of the best golfers in the world come together and go head to head, fueled by national pride, rowdy crowds and the competitive nature of the game, and the results are usually spectacular.

Now, I have to preface this by saying I’m very biased towards Team USA. I was raised in an area where national pride couldn’t be any higher, and from the standpoint of a fan, there’s no better feeling than seeing your favorite athletes represent your country and bring home the title. However, I still believe that regardless of what team you root for, it’s an exhilarating style of play that leaves everyone entertained.

Firstly, in match play (especially four-ball), it’s a different style of golf. You’ll see shots played that normally wouldn’t even be attempted. Some are spectacular, like Daniel Berger’s shot on 1 from the edge of the hazard. Others have disastrous results, like Woody Allen’s shot from the water in 2007. Players grind harder than ever, on every single hole, trying to win each hole and move on to the next.

Of course, what is any sporting event without its fans? At the Presidents Cup, fans come out in full force to support their nation. Look into the bleachers and you’ll see flags flying, fans cheering, and beers flowing. It’s like being on the 16th hole at the stadium course, except that atmosphere of the 16th hole at Scottsdale is found on every hole at the Presidents Cup. Where else can you find the Fanatics chanting “Si Woo, shakin’ that ass, shakin’ that ass, shakin’ that ass!”, or Rickie Fowler personally going into the crowd to lead cheers for the USA?

Finally, if you love Tour Sauce, then you’ve found your paradise at this event. Huge fist pumps, club twirls, and the occasional choreographed celebration are some of the best moments of the tournament, and can be found in abundance during the week. Justin Thomas holed out from the bunker and whipped the crowd into a frenzy with Tiger-esque fist pumps of joy. Charlie Hoffman almost took off a caddie’s head celebrating a hole out to win the hole. On the International squad, Si Woo Kim was shushing crowds and escorting putts to the hole regardless of the score. And let’s not forget that Patrick Reed almost (!) jumped into a pond when playing partner Jordan Spieth came within inches of holing out to end their Saturday match. Only the best and sauciest are brought out for the Presidents Cup, and it’s something you won’t find anywhere else.

Sure, the competition can be a little lopsided at times. Has the US won 10 of the 12 tournaments played in mostly lopsided fashion? Yeah, they have. However, it’s fitting that a USA vs. the World competition aligns with a David v. Goliath storyline. And of course, it made it all the more special when the International team brought home their only Presidents Cup victory. But overall, the event is just as much about bringing the world together for a thrilling spectacle as it is about the competition itself. Nations unite, young stars rise, and familiar faces come together, all in the spirit of the game. The only issue with the Presidents Cup is that it only happens once every two years. Oh well, only 729 days till the next one….

Some of the best moments from the 2017 President’s Cup:

Written by Paul Choma