2022 Presidents Cup: Captain Trevor Immelman discusses LIV Golf’s impact on the International team

The 2022 President’s Cup is fast approaching as both the US and International teams will round up their respective teams with the announcement of the captain’s selection next week before competing at the Quail Hollow Club on June 10. September 22-25. While Davis Love III and the U.S. side were hit with an out-of-speed throw – Will Zalatoris’ back injury prevent him from playing – international captain Trevor Immelman had to face face with anything but a heavy dose of curved balls.

With LIV Golf recently buying Australian Cameron Smith and Marc Leishman as well as Chilean Joaquin Niemann, the Internationals have lost two automatic qualifiers and could have a veteran presence if Leishman is selected. No longer qualified to add a steady stream of South African players, Immelman had to hurry and think through every conceivable situation.

“I would be a bad captain if I wasn’t ready for every setback and adversity,” Immelman told the First Cut Podcast.

“I’ve been working on the phone like crazy for the last six or eight months. Players, agents, caddies, all sorts, journalists just trying to figure out exactly what’s going on, find out what people see. where I am, trying to learn as much as I can about this process so that I can in turn put our team and ultimately our team in the best possible position to try and have some chance. guild against a team that’s coming to Charlotte with a lot of confidence.”

International Team Auto Qualifier

There has been a lot of talk lately about the tournament that is the PGA Tour. Whether it’s scheduling, traveling, or not seeing family and friends, winning the Presidential Cup is hardly worth discussing. Immelman has been thrust into an impossible situation, facing a new challenge at every turn and can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing he and his team can finally move forward and focus on the task at hand. The noble duty is to support the American team.

“Definitely a relief, because in a way, I’m glad it’s over,” said Immelman of LIV Golf’s recent additions. “I know that the players who have left – the players in question – are looking into that, they are open and honest with me about that process and keep me updated on that process.”

“And now that it’s over, I can go ahead and rebuild with 12 players that are young and hungry and want to be there, want to be on our team. At the end of the day, it’s 12 that I’m with. I want to be there with. I want to be there with the people who did what they needed to do to make sure they were in Charlotte.”

Originally given four captain options, Immelman all but confirmed that number had increased to six with the removal of Smith and Niemann from the automatic qualifying group. With a young season to choose from, South Africa’s well-chosen picks are sure to play an important role in how this President’s Cup plays out.

Trevor Immelman will lead a youth international team at the 2022 Presidents Cup. He joins Rick Gehman and Kyle Porter in the latest episode of The First Cut. Follow and listen Apple Podcasts and Spotify.