Mission Hills World Cup: Americans steal the show, yet again – golf news

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After racking up an impressive triumph in the 2011 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne, the United States, clearly, does not look complacent and continues on winning track as it outplayed rivals
in the Omega Mission Hills World Cup.

Victory in the 2011 World Cup came after 11 years and amid concerns regarding slumping rankings of American players, as the top spot is currently held by players outside of the United States.
However, the two consecutive triumphs — the World Cup and the Presidents Cup, have overshadowed the criticism aimed at Americans.

The US team comprising Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland, pleased fans at Hainan Island, China, on Sunday when it reeled off six birdies, finishing the final round 5-under 67.  Overall, the Americans
managed to card a massive 24-under 264, leaving England behind by two strokes.

Sharing his thoughts about the much-needed victory, Matt Kucher said it was an honour for the United States to win the World Cup after 11 years. “For Gary and I to put our name on this trophy,
on the World Cup trophy, alongside Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Tiger Woods and David Duval — the list goes on and on — it’s a real honour.”

Kuchar added that he and Gary Woodland listened to Phil Mickelson’s advice for the World Cup— who remained very supportive. “I got a text message earlier this morning from Phil Mickelson saying,
‘Go make some birdies early, you guys can win this thing, and bring another one  home for the United States.’”

The Cup, which first started in 1953, has seen the United States maintain the upper hand over its competitors. The US team has won 24 events out of total 56 played so far. The overall performance
of the team has been stunning, with five consecutive wins from 1960 to 1964 and four from 1992 to 1995. However, after winning the Cup in 2000, the Americans swerved off the victory track and lost 9 events in a row, making desperate bids for a comeback.

According to some analysts, the US golfers have had their fair share of glory — and have started to slump down the global rankings, as non-American — particularly European players have seized
the top spot, with Luke Donald from England standing at No. 1, followed by Northern Irish star Rory McIlroy. The only American in the top 5 is Steve Stricker.

Given the recent performance, the US has definitely bounced back. The year 2011 has been superb overall. Before coming to Australia, where the United States participated in the Presidents
Cup, a lot of attention had been focused on the former world number one, Tiger Woods.

Woods, who grabbed the World Cup for the United States in 2000, has been battling multiple problems. However, victory in the 2011 World Cup must have brought back the memories of “old Tiger.”

Woods’ world ranking that had been tumbling rapidly for the past several months, saw a satisfactory rise following the 2011 Aussie Open, reaching 50th from 58th. His impressive performance
in the President Cup that helped the United States outshine the Internationals did not bolster his ranking, as the Cup does not award rankings points.

The real cause for concern that Woods should pay attention to is that his ranking that started improving slightly, tumbled — yet again — to 52.  

Keeping in mind the recent slump in Woods’ ranking, it is quite likely that US will pin hopes on rising players in the upcoming events.

 

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