Americans in search of World Cup Glory

The USA team of Ben Curtis and Brandt Snedeker may not know what they are going to wear when the Omega Mission Hills World Cup begins on Thursday, but they are certainly looking forward to the start of the prestigious team event and having the honour of representing their country.Curtis, part of the victorious US Ryder Cup Team in September at Valhalla, and Snedeker are both competing in China for the first time and are relishing the experience. “I’m just looking forward to it,” said Curtis. “It's a great experience to be able to come to China to represent your country, and to play in this event. I think every golfer in the world would want to play in this event at some point during their career, and so to be able to have this opportunity; it's just going to be a lot of fun.”Snedeker, who arrived in China after finishing joint eighth in last week’s Dunlop Phoenix tournament in Japan, is embarking on something of a world tour and China was one place top of his list of must-see destinations.“I love seeing different cultures,” he said. “I happened to be in Japan last week, and I was in New Zealand, Fiji; I've been all over the place. And China was someplace I wanted to go, after I spent some time with people after the Olympics, and they just talked and raved about how great Beijing was and how everything was awesome over here, and really got me excited to come over here and play. It's exceeded all of my expectations so far, the hotel and resort is fantastic and everybody is so nice, so I’m very happy to be here.”Last year the United States came within a whisker of winning the title when Boo Weekley and Heath Slocum were denied by Scotland in a play-off. The team might have a different look this year but Curtis and Snedeker are determined to continue the proud tradition of the US teams of the past who have won the World Cup 23 times since 1953. “I talked to Boo last year when he got back, and he had a great time and obviously a chance to win and didn't get it done,” said Snedeker. “But he had nothing but great things to say, great place and loved the golf course. I know he really wanted to come back this year but just didn't work out. I'm glad to be here and glad to have Ben as my partner, so it will be fun.”Both players got their first taste of the Olazábal course at Mission Hills on Tuesday and liked what they saw. Curtis said: “it's going to be a good test of golf. It's going to be a lot of fun, and I think you're going to see a lot of birdies. It just seems like it's a course that you can play every day, and you'll find a new experience and just keep enjoying it.”Snedeker added: “The fairways are obviously pretty generous, but it's in great shape and it's going to be a good test, the greens are real small and I was very impressed. We only played nine holes, but a very good layout and it should make for some very exciting golf.”As for the clothing, the matter hadn’t even been discussed although Snedeker did admit they would be trying to “mix and match”.While Snedeker says “I won’t be bringing any coloured belts or funny-coloured shoes”, he may have to take the lead from Curtis, who wears NFL team logos and colors on his shirt and visor. Curtis did admit later that he brought mostly Buffalo Bills gear with him because - in true American style - the Bills’ primary colours are red, white and blue.