International captain Nick Price has named the same pairing for Friday’s foursomes after seeing his side battle back against the US on the opening day of the Presidents Cup.
The US led by just a point at 3.5-2.5 at the end of play but at one stage it looked as though the lead would be much bigger after Fred Couples’ men got off to a blistering start.
The home side were leading in all six matches at one point but then the rain came and the 90-minute break in play allowed Price’s men to gather themselves and they hit back in style when play resumed at Muirfield Village.
The biggest blow was struck when South African duo Louis Oosthuizen and Charl Schwartzel fought back to beat Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, while Jason Day and Graham DeLaet came back from three down to beat Brandt Snedeker and Hunter Mahan.
“Compared to where we were on the front nine, we made a great effort coming back,” said Price. “I’m not going to lose faith in those teams. I think they are all ready to take their games to the next level.
“They played some incredible golf. I’m just so proud of the way they brought it back. They showed the true grit and spirit they have.”
Meanwhile, Oosthuizen admitted the break in play did them the world of good and was delighted to claim the win over Mickelson and Bradley.
Oosthuizen said: “It was good to get a little bit of a break to realize we have to go out there and take it from them. We came back out, felt refreshed and just played well.
“Everyone is focused on what we want to achieve. The point was huge for us. Me and Charl were really pumped. We wanted to get that win. We knew it would get us going and we were really focused.”
Leave a comment
Link Dafabet