World-Stage Foursomes continues to bedevil United States at Golf's World Cup

It’s beginning to sound like the opening to an old joke, but I have yet to figure out the punch line. Why can’t we play foursomes? Ryder Cup? Nope. Presidents’ Cup? Uh-uh. World Cup? ‘Course not. Latest evidence presented by the prosecution: 2006 World Cup. The treacherous closing stretch at Sandy Lane’s Country Club course was played in -3 by Spain, even par by leaders Argentina and Scotland, -2 by England, and -1 by our World Cup Football rivals, Mexico. The American duo of Cink and Henry…try +3. Barbados is not threatening the teams with high winds, cold bursts, nor passionately patriotic fans hurling cheers and taunts. So, what’s the deal? Why can’t ANYBODY in the US play foursomes? Why can’t ANYBODY learn to work together for a wee little 18-hole stretch, shoot about four or five under, and win a match, or a round?

Even if the US goes low today to get back in the thick of things (they are currently 8 strokes back), dawn will still break on Sunday with the reality of another day of foursomes. If the USA cannot solve the mystery and allure of this format, the international team trophies will be forever lost.

THIRD ROUND UPDATE: With a four-ball (we call it better-ball) round of 63, second only to Wales’ 62, the USA stayed within dreaming distance of leader Sweden the blond, which rode a 63 of its own to -16, one ahead of Argentina the suave and two clear of Scotland the brave. If anyone from a USA side is to make a statement in foursomes, a 64 or below Sunday from Henry and Cink would be the appropriate time.