President's Picks

Do the President's Cup Captain's picks make a statement about the depth of American golf?

Mind you, these are all great players. But U.S. Captain Jack Nicklaus basically had this group of players to choose from (Captain's picks in italics):

Justin Leonard
Zach Johnson
Chad Campbell
Ted Purdy
Fred Couples
Joe Ogilvie
Bart Bryant

Again, all fine players, great patriots, devoted husbands, wonderful humanitarians, etc.  But consider Gary Player's options:

Peter Lonard
Shigeki Maruyama
K.J. Choi
Stephen Ames
Geoff Ogilvy
Steve Elkington
Rory Sabbatini
Trevor Immelman

Based on recent play, Ogilvy and Sabbatini would be tough to pass up, while Elkington's record in the Cup would have made him a fine choice. Lonard and Immelman aren't exactly slouches, though Immelman was way down the points list.

Truth be told, the only reason I post this is to generate some enthusiasm for the President's Cup. Right now, it's tough to even think about sitting down and watching Robert Trent Jones Golf Club for more than ten minutes.