U.S. Junior Ryder Cup Team Dominates

If the performance of the United States Junior Ryder Cup Team is any barometer, the U.S. Ryder Cup team may have a chance this year against their European counterparts. The U.S. Juniors came out strong on the second day of competition and cruised to victory at the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup, beating the Europeans 22 to 2 at the Club at Olde Stone in Bowling Green, Ky.

The United States built on their opening-day success in the foursome and mixed four-ball matches, winning 11 of the 12 singles matches, and earning a halve in the final match to notch their first-ever Junior Ryder Cup victory.

The United States was led in the singles matches by Cory Whitsett of Houston, who won his match 6 & 5 over Matteo Manassero of Italy, and Jeffrey Kang of Fullerton, Calif., who won his match 4 & 3 over Moritz Lampert of Germany.

Whitsett, who never trailed in his match with Manassero, birdied four of his first five holes en route to his singles victory. "We wanted to play like the matches were zero to zero and just go out their and win as many matches as possible," said Whisett, who was playing in his first Junior Ryder Cup. "Everything was working over the first six holes for me and then I hit a few loose shots, but that happens and I will take the win for the team."

Kang's singles point secured the victory for the United States. "We really didn't feel any pressure out there today, we were able to have fun and play our game," said Kang, who was a Captain's pick on this year's team. "It is awesome to represent the United States and to be the first United States team to win is very special. We have hopefully started a good thing that will carry over for a few more years."

Jordan Spieth and Anthony Paolucci, both of Dallas, and Cameron Peck of Olympia, Wash., earned 5 & 4 victories in their singles matches.

Ken Lindsay, the 30th President of the PGA of America, knows how significant this victory was for the United States. "It was a great moment for the United States and for the PGA of America," said Lindsay. "We knew we had a wonderful team to play in Europe but our United States players came here to win and they proved they were the quality players we knew they could be when we announced the team."

Lindsay wanted his team to make history. He knew they had the talent and desire to achieve that goal. "I knew the United States had never won the Cup before and we were out to get it this week," said Lindsay. "This is one of the most memorable moments I could ever have in my career and I am honored to be associated with all 24 men and women that competed this week."

The United States' only other victory in this event came in 1997, when it was known as the Junior Match and was not a PGA of America-sanctioned event.

Participants in the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup will play a nine-hole "friendship" match Wednesday at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Ky., site of the 2008 Ryder Cup. The matches will feature a mixed four-ball, with the U.S. competing against Europe for the six matches.