In spite of his diminutive figure and baby face, Patrick Lambie brings a calm to the Springboks that resonates from his character. The same is true for Jordan Spieth on Ryder Cup Team USA, which will compete at Hazeltine National Golf Club from Friday.
‘I’m in wherever Captain puts me. I have full trust in everything,’ said Spieth. ‘They say that they have done with the homework behind it to create the best scenario for this team.’
The world number two is only 23 years old, but already a major force in golf. He keeps the emotions in check and was a superb partner for the effervescent Patrick Reed two years ago at Gleneagles.
‘I’ve only played on one,’ said Spieth. ‘Felt like Patrick and I made a good team. We’re actually very successful in our own right, but this is a team. There are ways that we both could have improved to be better in what we did and everybody has to take part and do their job in order to have the Cup at the end.’
In 2016 the Ryder Cup will play out in front of American fans, well known for their spirited support of Team USA.
‘We want this one; we’re over here. It’s going to be really cool having a home crowd,’ said Spieth. ‘I only know that from my first Presidents Cup experience, so this should be a different animal when we get on the first tee on Friday. And I’m really excited about that.’
It’s likely that he’ll need to be a calming force in the foursome and four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday.
‘I know that if I give Patrick a six and a half footer to win the match, he’s going to want that,’ Spieth added. ‘He wants to step up and knock that thing right in the back of the cup and give a roar. I want the putt; I’d rather have it than him because I want to be able to be the one to do it. But we both have that confidence in each other.’
The 6ft1 Texan’s quiet strength has seen him through most ordeals in professional golf, from runway victories to missed putts on the 18th of The Old Course at St. Andrews. The eight-time PGA Tour winner is part of an American team that includes two rookies, but his role will be one of seniority.
‘This is probably the most fun week of the year — actually, it’s definitely the most fun week of the year, and we really try and enjoy the process, as well as preparing like we prepare for a major,’ he concluded.
