U.S. Keeps UBS Cup

KIAWAH ISLAND, S.C. -- The U.S. doesn’t own the Ryder Cup, or the Solheim Cup, or even the Walker Cup. And they have to share possession of the Presidents Cup.
 
But they still have the UBS Cup.
 
Captain Arnold Palmer and company kept the cup in American hands for the fourth straight year, winning the annual competition over the Rest of the World team, 14-10.
 
The U.S. once again dominated the singles session – as they had done in each of the first three contests. They won 7 ½ of the available 12 points, turning a one-point overnight lead into a four-point victory.
 
“Our guys just played really good golf,” said a proud Palmer, who is 6-0-1 as a captain in team competition. “Today was probably the best example of how well they played."
 
Each member of the winning side earned $150,000, while the losing members pocketed $100,000 each.
 
The U.S. has now won or retained the UBS Cup each of the four editions.
 
The turning point in the overall match came when American Raymond Floyd earned a half-point against Zimbabwean Mark McNulty.
 
Floyd overcame a 3-down deficit with three holes to play. McNulty bogeyed 16 and double bogeyed 17, while Floyd birdied 18.
 
That kept the Americans ahead, 10-9 – needing 12 points to retain the cup. And with Tom Watson and Fred Couples already assured of a half-point in their matches, Scott Hoch secured retention with a 2-and-1 win over Carl Mason.
 
It marked the second straight year that Hoch had made the deciding putt.
 
When Couples closed out Montgomerie, 5 and 3, the U.S. was guaranteed outright victory.
 
Despite the loss – his third as ROW captain, Player was pleased with his team’s performance.
 
“Congratulations to the U.S., but we're creeping up closer," said Player. "Maybe next year we can entice Vijay Singh and some others to compete -- if we can just get them to give up their millions for a week."
 
The day’s scoring started with Player defeating Palmer, 6 and 5. The win gave Player a 2-1-0 singles record in this event against his longtime friend and rival.
 
That wasn’t the only Sunday blowout.