His team might have a three-point lead but Ernie Els is attempting to keep his Internationals side grounded after their successful start to the Presidents Cup.
Els’ side leads 4-1 into Friday’s second-round foursome matches as the USA face the unenviable task of trying to rewrite history. While they have dominated the competition in the past, Tiger Woods’ team must now try become the first side to win the cup after going down by three or more points in the first session.
‘We’ve got a long way to go, but this is an unbelievable start. We haven’t had a start like this for many years,’ said Els.
‘It’s really nice to have some points on the board. There were a lot of tight matches and a lot of crucial putts, and great golf shots.’
The opening round scoreline has also forced Woods back into action, with many suggesting he would rest on Friday.
The 15-time Major winner together with Justin Thomas was the only US couple to bag a win on Thursday after they saw off Marc Leishman and debutant Joaquin Niemann.
‘This is a long four days. I mean, we have to go earn this Cup,’ said Woods, who will be partnered with Thomas again and will go out against Hideki Matsuyama and Byeong-hun An in the penultimate match of the day.
‘Just because we lost the session doesn’t mean the Cup’s over. There’s a long way to go. A lot of points available. The guys will regroup and we’ll come out tomorrow ready to go.’
Foursome matches (SA times):
Louis Oosthuizen/Adam Scott vs Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar – 02:02
Adam Hadwin/Joaquin Niemann vs Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay – 02:15
Marc Leishman/Abraham Ancer vs Webb Simpson/Patrick Reed – 02:28
An Byeong-hun/Hideki Matsuyama vs Tiger Woods/Justin Thomas – 02:41
Im Sung-jae/Cameron Smith vs Gary Woodland/Rickie Fowler – 02:54
