The Americans have set off in their bid to win a fourth straight Presidents Cup in gorgeous weather and before a massive gallery at Royal Melbourne.
Playing in his first Presidents Cup, Bubba Watson took it upon himself to be the voice of experience in the opening round at Royal Melbourne.
One thing already can be said for this Presidents Cup. The Americans have come a long way.
Except for the red carpet in bunkers on the practice range, signs posted in English and Chinese, and bicycles competing with BMWs for space on the road, the HSBC Champions looks like any other World Golf Championship.
The PGA Tour money title is relevant for the first time since 2003 because it has come down to two players _ Webb Simpson and Luke Donald _ in the final tournament of the year at Disney.
Webb Simpson is the No. 1 seed when the Tour Championship gets under way at East Lake, giving him the best shot of the 30-man field to capture the $10 million bonus from the FedEx Cup. It's enough to pinch himself to make sure he's not dreaming.
Just being among the 30 players at the Tour Championship should be enough for Geoff Ogilvy.
Steve Stricker is concerned about losing strength in his left arm, and it didn't help Tuesday at East Lake that he was hitting balls next to Bubba Watson.
Nick Watney took an 11 on the second hole of the Deutsche Bank Championship. He started only three shots out of the lead and quickly was out of contention.
