Warren Blog: Narrow win proved both teams' quality

In his final PGA Cup blog entry, U.S. Captain Roger Warren explains how impressed he was with the heart and courage of his players, as well as the classy way the Great Britain & Ireland team handled themselves all week in the heat of battle.

By Roger Warren, United States Team Captain

GREENSBORO, Ga. -- As I said yesterday, we were in great position heading into the singles matches because we had put ourselves in a position to win the PGA Cup by earning 4.5 points. Today, we earned our 4.5 points -- exactly 4.5 points.

I'd love to tell you that winning exactly on the number needed was all part of a master plan, but of course, it wasn't. The matches didn't exactly go like I thought they would, but I guess you could say they went like we needed them to go.

The funny thing is, I slept better last night than I had all week. Last night, the other officers and I spent a lot of time talking about our potential singles line-up, each making our own mock line-ups and discussing strategic placements such as front-loading or saving certain players for the later matches. But in the end, it really came down to the fact that we had 10 great players who were renowned in their own rights as tremendous talents.

Ultimately, I stated that I'm not sure it matters where I put them. We need 4.5 points and I think this team could earn 4.5 points no matter where I put each player. And I was right. Barely right, but right nonetheless.

I am so impressed by the heart and courage of all the players on our team. All week, they demonstrated time and time again the character and grit of real champions. I can't say enough about Ryan Benzel and how impressed we are with him. Today he was 3-down with three holes to go. He missed a short putt on hole No. 15 that would have tightened the match considerably, and instead he goes dormie.

So what does he do? He easily could have given up, but that's not him. He wins the next three holes, including the incredible birdie on 18 -- the only birdie there this week -- to halve his match. That half point was the margin of victory. Benzel is the youngest guy on the team, but all the guys had to look at him with some real awe and respect after today. As they say, the young shall lead -- and he sure did.

I need to take a moment and congratulate the team from Great Britain & Ireland on their performance and they way they represented their nations and associations this week. We as a team, have nothing but the utmost respect for them. The class, sportsmanship, and integrity that they displayed, and of course the outstanding golf, is what the spirit of the PGA Cup is all about.

In future years, when I look back at this week -- and I will often -- the first thing in my mind will not be the end result. I will remember this week as an opportunity to lead a group of golfers that I have such tremendous respect and affection for. And then, to witness the friendship and competitive camaraderie that we have with Great Britain & Ireland; that's so good for the game of golf, for our respective associations, and a great reflection on all the members of the each association. Both sides played with great passion and great character and grace, I'll always remember that and be proud of that.

And yes, when I do recall this week, I'll have that big smile on my face. Because after thinking about what a great event it was; with the great venue and the great competition, I'll recall we won the Cup.

I started this blog this week by saying it just doesn't get any better than this. I think it's a pretty good way to end it as well. It just doesn't get any better than this.