By mustang6560 on 11/28/11

Presidents Cup, check. World Cup, check. 2012 Ryder Cup, check?

The storyline(s) early in 2011 was American golf was in a slump. Team USA lost the 2010 Ryder Cup and an American hadn't won a major since Phil Mickelson at the 2010 Masters. Well my friends, guess who's making a comeback!?!

Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland capped off a winning month for the United States by winning the Omega Mission Hills World Cup just a week after the Presidents Cup. It’s the first time the U.S. won the event since Tiger Woods and David Duval in 2000.

"We really clicked. It's fantastic to win for the U.S.," said Woodland.

The U.S. duo built a two point lead over Germany from the halfway stage and after a rare slip with a bogey at the par-3 11th, the Americans responded with birdies on the next two holes and then pars the rest of the way to claim victory.

"Undoubtedly the shots on the 12 and 13th were key. It was a great moment and to shoot a par when you expected a bogey," said Kuchar.

Matt and Gary opened the now biennial event with a solid 7-under par 64. The American pair lost some of their ground Friday with a 2-under par 70, but they followed up the disappointing round with a 9-under par 63 on moving day (I know, there was no cut at the World Cup) and closed the event out with a 5-under par 67 Sunday.

I, like the majority of the world, figured Ireland, with buddies Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell playing side by side, would run away with the trophy. Rors and G-Mac go way back and the two have experience playing in international events so it seemed like a no brainer. And on top of that, they held a two-stroke lead heading into the final round Sunday. But you’re not going to win very often when you shoot a final round even par.



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photo by SN#1