SPORTS> North America
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SPORTS> North America
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Tiger who? New breed carries Americans to victory
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-09-22 20:27 Kim broke out one of his gaudy belt buckles, this one bejeweled in red, white and blue with the letters "USA," and conceded nothing to Garcia -- not even 2-foot putts. It was over by the 14th hole, though Kim didn't even fathom his 5-and-4 win until someone stopped him on the way to 15. That said, the 23-year-old's greatest contribution might have come behind the scenes, where his youthful exuberance and cocky demeanor gave him a leadership role that no one could have expected from the youngest member of the team. "That guy is the funniest guy on the team," said Phil Mickelson. "Everything that comes out of his mouth is a hoot." Certainly no one on the team had more on the line than Perry. Two years away from the old-timers tour, he built his whole schedule this year around qualifying for the Ryder Cup, even when it meant skipping a chance to qualify for the US Open and choosing to play in Milwaukee rather than at the British Open. That certainly subjected him to plenty of criticism, but he was born, raised and still lives right down the road in Franklin. No event -- not even a major -- meant more to Perry than this one. He birdied four of the five holes and never let up in a 3-and-2 win over Henrik Stenson, who had been one of Europe's best in the match-play format. When it was done, Perry's overall-clad father hugged him along the 16th green. "I said this was going to define my career," Perry said. "You know what? This made my career." Holmes was the lesser-known of the two Kentuckians on the team, a monstrous hitter who first joined his high school team at age 8 and overcame dyslexia to make it at the state's flagship university. He was one of four players added to the team by captain Paul Azinger, who thought he might benefit from the home-course advantage. Feeding off Weekley's energy -- the two paired up twice in fourball -- Holmes had to go it alone on Sunday. He was up to the challenge, winning a crucial point with a 2 and 1 victory over Soren Hansen. A few minutes later, Jim Furyk clinched the win when Miguel Angel Jimenez conceded a putt at that same 17th hole. But there was no doubt who carried the load for the Americans. Tiger who? |
