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 Jordan Spieth capped a stellar season to secure both the
season-ending trophies on Sunday, along with reclaiming the world
number one ranking and an $11.4 million pay-day.
But the American was already relishing the prospect of clashing with
rival Jason Day at the biennial tournament in Incheon, South Korea,
from Oct. 8.
Spieth will spearhead the United States' bid for a sixth straight
victory against an International team anchored by Australian Day.
"I think it would be a cool match-up if I was able to play Jason in
a couple of weeks' time," Spieth said after Sunday's double-victory
allowed him to leapfrog Day into the top ranking.
"I think it would be fun."
Bae Sang-moon, one of the two captain's picks on the International
team, will soon begin mandatory military service in South Korea, but
the 29-year-old is eager for what he is sure will be a memorable
experience on home soil.
"I'm really excited to be in Korea. It will be my first Presidents
Cup and in my country. That really means a lot," he told Reuters
after finishing tied for 18th at the elite Tour Championship.
"I played a lot of tournaments in Korea, the Korean Tour, Asian
Tour. The Korean fans are really hot and they are really rooting for
Korean players.
"I can envision for the Presidents Cup a lot of golf fans coming out
and rooting for the International team."
South Korea-born Danny Lee of New Zealand fired a 65 on Sunday to
soar up the leaderboard into a tie for second.
After signing his card, he was already contemplating the matchplay
event that will be played in Asia for the first time.
"Yes, I’m very excited. I just cannot wait to be there. I think it’s
going to be really fun,” he said.
Australian Steven Bowditch, yet another rookie on the International
team and Nick Price's other captain's pick, was energized for
Incheon.
"It will be great. I've never been a part of something this big," he
told Reuters after finishing even-par at the Tour Championship.
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"Very excited to be there. Obviously there's going to be excitement
and nerves and all the above things that make this game great."
Bowditch said supporters should be out in force.
"I'm sure there'll be a few around," he said with a grin.
"Will be great to spend some time with my wife over there and the
whole team and all their families, and it will be a great
environment.
"Can't wait to get out there."
Former tour player Frank Nobilo of New Zealand, a three-times
Presidents Cup player and a former assistant captain for the
International team, said it was significant for the matches to be
held in South Korea.
"This is a departure from what we've seen in the past, what you
consider traditional golfing countries, whether it's Australia or
South Africa," the Golf Channel analyst told Reuters.
"It's a big step forward going to South Korea, which is producing a
lot of fine players.
"And the fact of having an event of this stature in South Korea,
probably the biggest golfing event they've ever had, I'd expect to
see a huge spectator interest in the event which is going to provide
the energy you need."
(Reporting by Larry Fine; Editing by Ian Ransom)
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