Woods & Els to Captain Presidents Cup in Melbourne 2019

2019 Presidents Cup in Melbourne - Tiger Woods and Ernie Els to Captain

Tiger Woods and Ernie Els have been officially named as captains for the 2019 Presidents Cup, to be held in Melbourne. The matchplay competition will be hosted by the Royal Melbourne Golf Club from 9-15 December (matches 12-15). The announcement was made at Bay Hill prior to the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

“Ernie Els and Tiger Woods have each been part of the fabric of the Presidents Cup as competitors and as ambassadors to the event,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Jay Monahan.

“Ernie carries the flag for international golf as a legendary figure both on and off the golf course, while Tiger has been one of the most transcendent athletes the sport has ever seen. These two have served, and will continue to serve, as a bridge between past team members and captains who laid the foundation for the Presidents Cup and the stars of today who are embracing the hallmarks of the event – golf on a global stage, a love and passion for the game and the impact the Presidents Cup has in emerging markets and through charity.” [Ref PGA]

Els, from South Africa, is a four time winner of major tournaments. He has been runner up to Woods seven times including once in the US Open and once in the British Open. At the 2017 Presidents Cup Woods and Els were captain's assistants. The US team won 19-11.

In 2003 they shared an historic moment in the annals of the Presidents Cup. The setting was South Africa, at the end of the day. They were each chosen to represent their teams in a sudden death playoff to decide the competition. They fought ferociously as daylight faded and at each hole the result was a tie. Woods has referred to that playoff as "one of the most nerve-wracking moments" of his golfing career. Els has said that it was the first time he felt his legs shaking over a putt.

Captains Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player arrived at this decision:

"It's about goodwill in international golf. It is not about who wins or loses...

The game is bigger than that."

"In the spirit of the play" there were to be "no losers". The match was declared a draw and they shared the cup. (Video below.)