Our Presidents Cup team can catch up, says Norman

 

By Robert Grant, 18 Nov 2011

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 Golf, Greg Norman, Presidents Cup

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The Presidents Cup international team can draw level with the US on Friday despite starting with a major deficit, according to captain Greg Norman.

The US scraped together two late victories to forge ahead 4-2 in Thursday’s foursomes, but Norman is convinced changed weather conditions will hurt the opposition.

Unlike the hot and dry first day, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast weather which will alter the course dramatically.

There is the chance of thunderstorms later on Friday afternoon with north to northwesterly winds averaging up to 40 km/h.

Norman said that means the internationals, with their experience of playing the layout in different environments, will benefit.

“They know the weather conditions are going to change a little bit over the next three days,” Norman said.

“It’s unfortunate for us that we’re behind but we believe that we can catch up and probably catch up tomorrow.”

Norman has risked separating the combination of Adam Scott and KJ Choi, who whipped Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker 7 and 6 in the Internationals’ only win in a bid to help the younger players.

Scott’s experience at the course will be used to aid Korean KT Kim while Choi will play with local star Geoff Ogilvy.

Woods and Stricker, who did not lose a match together at San Francisco in 2009, were separated by US captain Fred Couples after their big loss.

Woods will now tee up in the fourball matches alongside big-hitting Dustin Johnson while Stricker will play with Matt Kuchar.

Norman said Scott would play with Kim for a variety of reasons.

“The format today (alternative shots) is completely different to what it is tomorrow (best ball),” Norman said.

“The other factor is getting to know the lines off the tees with the weather conditions coming tomorrow.

“KT has never played in a north-north west wind around Royal Melbourne – it’s a completely different golf course to what we had today.

“Adam’s played (in that) wind, he knows the lines off the tees and it’s going to be crucial for KT to get direction.”

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