Presidents Cup: Facts & Rosters

EVENT:
Sixth Presidents Cup matches between the United States and an International team of players from everywhere but Europe.

DATES:
Sept. 22-25.

VENUE:
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, Gainesville, Fla.

LENGTH:
7,245 yards. PAR: 35-37--72.

POINTS NEEDED TO WIN: 171/2.

CAPTAINS: Jack Nicklaus (U.S.) and Gary Player (International).

DEFENDING CHAMPION: Neither.

SERIES: United States leads, 3-1-1.

LAST TIME: A dramatic conclusion turned chaotic as both captains agreed to a tie when it was too dark to continue a playoff between Tiger Woods and Ernie Els in South Africa. The Americans rallied in singles to tie the International team at 17 points. Woods and Els were selected for a sudden-death playoff, and both made pressure-packed par putts on the second and third extra holes. With gathering darkness, captains Nicklaus and Player decided to share the cup.

FORMAT: Six alternate-shot matches Thursday. Five better-ball matches and five alternate-shot matches Friday. Six better-ball matches Saturday. Twelve singles matches Sunday. One point is awarded for each win, a half-point when the match ends in a draw. Singles matches that end in a tie go extra holes until one team has 171/2 points.

TALE OF THE TAPE: Eight of the top 10 players in the world ranking are in the Presidents Cup. The exceptions are Ernie Els of South Africa, who is injured; and Sergio Garcia of Spain.

* Captain's Pick