2013 Presidents Cup: Day 1 four-ball pairings and predictions

The 2013 Presidents Cup is all set to begin with the team captain’s selecting their opening day four-ball pairings.

Nick Price has rolled out his big guns – Jason Day and Adam Scott – in the opening pairings hoping for some early momentum, while US Team captain Fred Couples left his big guns towards the end.

We’re left with some intriguing match-up’s for the opening day four-ball matches. Here is a preview and predictions for each match.

Jason Day/Graham DeLaet vs. Hunter Mahan/Brandt Snedeker
Jason Day and Graham DeLaet were the best International pairing across the practice days and Price has brought them out first hoping to secure some early momentum. Given how quickly Brandt Snedeker likes to play, this match may suit the Internationals with Jason Day on the opposing side.
Our prediction: Internationals

Adam Scott/Hideki Matsuyama vs. Bill Haas/Webb Simpson
The Japanese golf fans will love this pairing. The Uniqlo sponsored Masters champion is paired withthe next Japanese superstars in Hideki Matsuyama. Webb Simpson was instrumental in setting up the win for the Americans in 2011 and he and Bill Haas will be tough to beat.
Our prediction: U.S.

Louis Oosthuizen/Charl Schwartzel vs. Phil Mickelson/Keegan Bradley
The South African pairing will be at long odds to beat the Mickelson/Bradley pairing. Oosthuizen claims his back injury is fine to allow him to play but it wasn’t a ringing endorsement. Schwartzel was one of the best International players at Royal Melbourne but even his steady play will struggle to overcome this US pairing.
Our prediction: U.S.

Ernie Els/Brendon de Jonge vs. Steve Stricker/Jordan Spieth
We like the look of this match-up that sees the full range of the old and the young. The experienced Ernie Els and Steve Stricker will lead their rookie companions around Muirfield in what could be the most interesting match of the day.
Our prediction: Halved

Angel Cabrera/Marc Leishman vs. Matt Kuchar/Tiger Woods
Two guys who almost won the 2013 Masters are thrown into the fire against an almost unbeatable US pairing. It’s hard to see Woods losing any matches around Muirfield Village – a place he has won five times.
Our prediction: U.S.

Branden Grace/Richard Sterne vs. Zach Johnson/Jason Dufner
Another South African pairing round out the International pairings and these two may just eke out a surprise win for the Internationals. The quiet Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner could get frustrated by Richard Sterne’s incessant talking.
Our prediction: Internationals

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