With the Presidents Cup already destined to stay in America, South African Louis Oosthuizen was proud of the Sunday display put on by the Internationals, writes WADE PRETORIUS.
By the time Oosthuizen teed it up against Patrick Reed the competition was over, but the 34-year-old continued to fight on – even if only to help limit the damage with the Americans signalling their intentions to go for a record win and a sweep of every session on Saturday.
With Oosthuizen and his Internationals colleagues backed into a corner, they came out and finally displayed some determination, racking up 6.5 points of the 12 on offer on Sunday.
‘We all knew the guys were going to come out firing today to try and get a victory or to get a point for the team,’ said Oosthuizen, after he defeated Reed 1 up.
‘In the 18 matches before today, it’s only 3 1/2 points, so I think everyone was anxious to get more points on the board.’
Reed was up for much of the day, but neither player impressed with little more to play for than pride.
‘You know what, we both actually deserved probably a halve. We both didn’t play really well. We struggled the whole way around. I played a little better the last four holes. We both actually played the last four a lot better. He hit a bad tee shot on the last, but no one really deserved to win in that game.’
For Oosthuizen, who won the match with a 12 footer on 18, and many of the 12 who lined up at Liberty National, attention now turns to 2019 where a shot at redemption is on the line. Seven straight wins for the USA, and only one win in the event’s history for the Internationals leaves little hope for the host team in Australia.
The smallest flicker came on Sunday with Nick Price’s team gaining a mental edge in claiming the session.
‘A lot of us are going to play in two years’ time together again. So you’re still playing for each other, and you’re playing for yourself today, as well, to give yourself that belief that you can beat these guys in singles.’
It remains to be seen what the singles win will do to the bruised egos and battered reputation when the Americans defend their title in two years’ time.
