Benzel Blog: Saturday

 SATURDAY, Sept. 19

It has been a disappointment for me to be 0 and 3 at this point and not being able to contribute a point to our team. I have hit the ball well, have had good partners and it has been a combination of putts not falling or us running into some tremendous teams.

Tomorrow's singles will be the golden opportunity to be a contributor, and it's important to me. But, whether or not I am able to win, if the USA is able to win the Cup, I will be joining my teammates celebrating.

In the process, I have had to be a cheerleader. I have been able to give as many tips as I could to our players about what I've seen or been able to gather about certain players.

In the past week, through practice and all of the matches I've played, I have been able to draw on what I have seen about this golf course, and how I should be able to play it.

Our team is up 9-7, and that is exactly the same score when we headed to Sunday singles two years ago. We know it will be tough, but I believe it is helpful that I was able to have been there before.

I'm the seventh player off the tee tomorrow, and I will be facing Will Barnes, who is an excellent player. I played against him in the Friday Morning Foursomes when I was partnered with Lee Rinker. His partner was Jon Bevan, and we got beat, 4 and 2. That was a tough way to open the weekend.

As for the week, it has been a great time for me and my wife. It couldn't be better. I do know in two years time I will want to earn my way back.

For those PGA Professionals who have no idea what it is like to be a member of a PGA Cup Team, I would tell them that it is the pinnacle of what we do as a club professional.

There's nothing better. I have been fortunate to have been one of the few to be on multiple teams, having competed in 2007. There are only a small number of us who have been able to play in a PGA Cup, and I know that we all cherish the time on a team.

Match play is a totally unpredictable format for a golfer, but it also is one of the most exciting. You don't know if you will be paired against a guy who has been struggling or one who is hot.

To be honest, The Carrick is a great golf course, but it is not a match play golf course. I believe that you don't have enough chances for birdies or eagles. Most of the holes that have been won this week have been through pars.

The Carrick is not a course that is laid out for Foursomes competition. All par-3s are on even-numbered holes. If you are the person in alternate shot who tees off on odd numbered holes, seven of the first nine holes your partner will be putting on all the par-3s.

Our team has identified that and we have succeeded for the most part in having one person who has been the good driver and the other who is handling the key iron shots.

I have learned a lot about the golf course and I know where the good and bad spots are. I'm hoping that I can use that knowledge tomorrow.

The only thought I have tonight -- Fairway and greens.