Who said that the Presidents Cup lacks passion?
Golfweek’s Adam Schupak detailed a recent interview with U.S. Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk, in which the normally mild-mannered golfer took issue with one particular question.
Schupak told Furyk that it would help the biennial event if the International team (the world’s best golfers outside Europe) beat the Americans next week in Montreal and that he was rooting for them to do so.
Furyk told a story from the 2017 Presidents Cup, which was held at Liberty National.
“I was in New York helping Steve Stricker at Liberty National and a very high-ranking PGA Tour official said to me, ‘Good luck this week,’” Furyk said.
“The way he said it was very ambiguous. I said, ‘You know, I’m not sure I know exactly what that’s supposed to mean. ’ He said, ‘Well, you know, it would really help the event. ’ I said, ‘Really? Have you ever played anything in your entire life as a competitor? Because I’d rather you not even say good luck than you say it and not even feel it. Do you know how hard, how many hours, captains work to try to win these games? Do you know how hard and how much effort players put in, how hard they take it when they don’t play well? I’ve seen grown men cry in the locker room because they’re upset, and I’ve seen how much it means to them when they play well. I know what you’re saying, but do you know how offended I am? ’ He said, ‘Well, I’m sorry. ’ I said, ‘No, you should know better. ’”
And apparently Furyk thought Shupak should have, too.
—Not that I’m going to kill you right now, but fuck you. Fuck off. You can quote me on that, Furyk said.
There have been 14 Presidents Cups, of which the United States has won 12, lost one in 1998 and tied one in 2003.
The event is played during non-Ryder Cup years, which is known for its emotional twists and raucous crowds.
While the international team has not won in 25 years, the results, particularly when hosting the event, have been getting closer and closer to achieving them.
In 2015, the Americans won 15.5-14.5 in South Korea and then in Australia in 2019, they went 16-14.
This year, the event will be held a little closer to American soil, just north of the border at the Royal Montreal Golf Club, and it will be interesting to see what kind of home-field advantage the international team gets.
The team has three Canadians: Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes and Taylor Pendrith.
“Wherever those three go, you’ll know for sure,” Furyk told the magazine. “I’m curious to see if he’ll bring them together or if he’ll split them up. All I know is we have to worry about ourselves, our process, what we’re trying to do and take care of our business.”
