United States dominates singles, cruises to first Junior Ryder Cup win

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- The United States Junior Ryder Cup Team came out strong on the second day of competition and cruised to victory at the 2008 Junior Ryder Cup, 22 to 2, at The Club at Olde Stone. The United States, which won the Junior Ryder Cup in dominant fashion, built on its opening-day success in the foursome and mixed four-ball matches, winning 11 of the 12 Tuesday singles matches, and earning a halve in the final match. The United States was led in the singles matches by Cory Whitsett of Houston, Texas, 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. "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." Jeffrey 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, Texas, and Cameron Peck of Olympia, Wash., earned 5 & 4 victories in their singles matches for the United States. U.S. Captain 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 the 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, which will continue to build international friendships. Since 1916, The PGA of America's mission has been twofold; to establish and elevate the standards of the profession and to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcases them as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry. By creating and delivering dramatic world-class championships and exciting and enjoyable golf promotions that are viewed as the best of their class in the golf industry, The PGA of America elevates the public's interest in the game, the desire to play more golf, and ensures accessibility to the game for everyone, everywhere. The PGA of America brand represents the very best in golf. Tuesday's Singles Results: --Tiffany Lua (USA) def. Kelly Tidy (EUR), 1-up --Cory Whitsett (USA) def. Matteo Manassero (EUR), 6&5 --Jennifer Johnson (USA) vs. Carly Booth (EUR), halved --Jeffrey Kang (USA) def. Moritz Lampert (EUR), 4&3 --Erynne Lee (USA) def. Daisy Nielsen (EUR), 3&1 --Jordan Spieth (USA) def. Chris Lloyd (EUR), 5&4 --Sarah Brown (USA) def. Leona Maguire (EUR), 4&3 --Anthony Paolucci (USA) def. Adrian Otaegui (EUR), 5&4 --Alexis Thompson (USA) def. Lisa Maguire (EUR), 1-up --Cameron Peck (USA) def. Stanislas Gautier (EUR), 5&4 --Danielle Frasier (USA) def. Anna Arrese (EUR), 5&3 --Andrew Yun (USA) def. Julien Brun (EUR), 3&2