Norman renews call for format change
MELBOURNE, Australia -- Everything appeared in place for the International Presidents Cup team to get that elusive second victory -- at the place where they got the first.
The biennial event returned to historic Royal Melbourne, site of the only International victory in 1998. Five Australians, including three from Melbourne, were on the team. And there seemed to be a strong desire among veterans such as Ernie Els, Retief Goosen and Adam Scott to end a frustrating losing streak.
But after the Americans claimed another victory,Ping G20 Driver price this time a 19-15 win that saw them lead after every session, International team captain Greg Norman was advocating change in the competition that has seen the United States go 7-1-1.
"I think it should be the host nation's opportunity to dictate how the format is played,'' said Norman, twice on the losing end as captain. "I think the host nation should have the opportunity to defer on their choices I also think the international team captain should have four [at-large] picks, not two.''
Norman was referring to both the order of play and how the team is constructed. He said he took his thoughts to PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem after the 2009 competition but no changes were made.
Finchem has said the tour studies all aspects of the Presidents Cup,Ping G20 Hybrid but it does not seem a change is imminent.
While the issue of more or less captain's picks can be debated, Norman has a point about the order of play.
The event typically begins on Thursdays with foursomes, or alternate shot. That same format is played again on Saturday morning. Traditionally, the international team has fared poorly in that format, and this year did not differ. The Americans won those sessions by a score of 8-3.