Amongst all of my U.S. Open reading this AM, I found an intriguing piece by the Toronto Sun’s Chris Stevenson talking about whether Mike Weir and Stephen Ames are earning their way onto the President’s Cup team through their strong play this weekend. Obviously Ames is lurking at the top and one would have to think a Top 5 might make him a lock for the team. Weir’s wayward driver has it difficult for the lefty, but he’s still kicking in the Top 20 and a good round today could easily move him up.
This was Stevenson’s rationale:
This is the first time the event — which pits an American team against everybody not from Europe in a Ryder Cup-style format — will be held in Canada, so there is going to be overwhelming pressure on all involved to see Weir and/or Ames on the team.
Let’s face it. The event just won’t have quite the same appeal without Weir on the team in his own country or Ames in his adopted land. Weir helped campaign to get the event in Canada and he was the star attraction at the news conference in Montreal to announce Royal Montreal would host the event.
I actually agree. If Weir continues to improve, especially given his record in the event, and if Ames actually qualifies in the Top 10, which he may well do, why would Player not pick the Canadian left hander? He would seem like a sensible selection given his record in majors and in past Presidents Cups.
As for Ames, he likes his chances today, and I’ll admit it wouldnt’ shock me if he comes from behind:
“I like my chances, obviously. Anybody within five shots of the lead has got to like their chances,” Ames said yesterday after a round of 73, including a final-hole bogey when an insufficient chip rolled back toward him.
“Tiger’s obviously the guy to beat at this stage. I’m in a wonderful position. I’ve never been in this position at this calibre of championship, but at the same time it’s the same players I beat at the Players Championship (in 2006). I look forward to it.”
