For some reason, I don't think that's going to be the scene on the first tee Thursday

As you may have heard, Greg Norman didn’t waste any time getting the most-talked-about-grudge-match of the decade out of the way. The International team captain claims pitting Steve Williams (Adam Scott) and Tiger Woods against each other in the opening session of the Presidents Cup wasn’t intentional, but then both captains said they wanted to get the touching reunion out of the way. Which is smart from a PR-y standpoint — they got in front of the story, quashing the built-up drama early, so it’d be over and done.

What a buzzkill! (continue reading…)

Potential trial separation?

Two years ago at the Presidents Cup, U.S. captain Fred Couples discovered an indomitable duo when he partnered Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker in the team matches. The pair went on to win all four of their matches in 2009. Despite their outstanding record, there’s a possibility Couples will shake things up and put Tiger and Dustin Johnson together, according to the AP’s Doug Ferugson: (continue reading…)

Tiger, is that you?

I know there’s been endless chatter over whether or not Tiger Woods is “back” after he showed flashes of his former self at the Australian Open last week, but for purposes of discussion, I’ll share a few of my thoughts to kick off the conversation. First of all, I think the majority of people were thrilled to see Tiger atop the leaderboard again and were disappointed (yet not all that surprised) that he fell back down. (Contrary to what Mark Steinberg believes, the media — at least 98% — wants Tiger to play well, albeit perhaps for self-serving purposes.) (continue reading…)

Adam Scott, all grown up

Greg Norman plans to be more assertive as the team’s commander-in-chief this time around, according to Martin Blake in The Age: (continue reading…)

Knowing Ernie, I'm sure that was one hell of a party!

Ernie Els has come up with a new team slogan for the Internationals at this week’s Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, according to the event’s Facebook page: “Let’s party like it’s 1998!” — the meaning could be twofold (both of which might be smashing fun or worrisome, depending on how you see it). (continue reading…)

Norman to Tiger: "I said, 'Tiger, you know that you need golf as much as golf needs you. Get back into it.'"

International captain Greg Norman believes it will be inevitable for Steve Williams Adam Scott and Tiger Woods to face each other at this week’s Presidents Cup, giving fans at Royal Melbourne and viewers across the world the marquee match they all want. (continue reading…)

Aussie Media: We're not going to put up with totalitarian media regs!

A few weeks ago the Australian scribes read the PGA Tour media regulations for the Presidents Cup and put on their protest in response to the tyrannical policies. Several large organizations, including the Australian AP, Reuters, News Limited and Fairfax Media, threatened not to sign the credentials agreement and cover the event from off-site, so they wouldn’t be hindered by the Tour’s regulations (mostly re: copyright on pictures and videos). But good news — both sides sat down and finally reached a deal. (continue reading…)

Freddie: Not so fast, Stevie!

While the players in Shanghai took a tepid approach to commenting on Steve Williams’ remark about former boss Tiger Woods — “It was my aim to shove it right up that black arsehole” — it was refreshing to hear U.S. Presidents Cup captain Fred Couples speak out. According to Golf World’s Tim Rosaforte, Couples would sack his caddie for saying such a thing: (continue reading…)

Fred to Ogilvy: "Huh? Tiger's the best player forever!"

In a teleconference for the upcoming Presidents Cup in Australia, Geoff Ogilvy, who is considered one of the most eloquent players on Tour, voiced his objections with the way U.S. captain Fred Couples went about picking Tiger Woods. (Which I couldn’t agree with more.) Couples prematurely told reporters Woods was on the team a month early. (continue reading…)

Fred taps Tiger

I was absolutely shocked when I heard all four captain’s picks! Actually, not at all. No surprises. U.S. Captain Fred Couples selected Tiger Woods as his first pick — one that we’ve known about for roughly a month — and then he used his second on 2011 Tour Championship and FedExCup winner Bill Haas.

Greg Norman went with the local Aussie flavor and chose Aaron Baddeley and Robert Allenby, who apparently has the best record ever at Royal Melbourne, the site of this year’s Presidents Cup. (continue reading…)