Brandt Snedeker takes blame for U.S. deficit at Presidents Cup

MEDINAH, Ill. — The Presidents Cup is not over, but U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker is already taking some responsibility for what has happened so far: the Americans head into Sunday’s singles matches three points behind.\n\nAfter an uneven day in which the U.S. team cut a four-point deficit to three, Snedeker said in a television interview that he was proud of the team’s performance “despite all my mistakes.”\n\nLater, after announcing his singles lineup, the captain explained what he meant.\n\n“I tried to work my tail off to put these guys in the best situation possible, and I don’t think I’ve done a very good job this week to be where we are right now. They look to me to put them in the best position where they’re comfortable. I hold myself to a high standard. I don’t think I’ve done the best job for them in that room,” Snedeker said.\n\nAsked to elaborate, he did not offer many specifics.\n\n“I mean, there’s several different ways, whether it’s through matchups, whether it’s through whatever. There’s a thousand different ways I can think of right now. I’ve been honestly second-guessing myself a lot to be in this situation,” the captain said.\n\nSnedeker is in an unenviable position, leading the U.S. team toward what could be its first Presidents Cup loss in 28 years. His influence over the competition is also limited: he hits no shots and has spent most of the week riding in a golf cart. But it was Snedeker’s decision to sit world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for Friday afternoon’s foursomes session. The Americans and Internationals split that session 2-2, so the decision will inevitably be scrutinized.\n\n“I had some ideas about — Scottie puts the world on his shoulders, and he puts his whole team on his shoulders and takes a lot on. I was really trying to get him some energy for tomorrow. I know tomorrow is going to be a big day.\n\n“It’s obviously a tough decision, really hard decision to sit the best player in the world and probably one of the best players I’ve ever seen in person. I just want to put him in the best situation tomorrow to go out there and have a great day and get some rest,” Snedeker explained.\n\nCaptains must balance instinct, analytics, player form, friendships and relationships. Snedeker believes he has not always found that balance, particularly when it comes to how comfortable his players have felt.\n\nPaul McGinley, a former Ryder Cup captain and Golf Channel commentator, offered pointed criticism of Snedeker’s admissions Saturday evening.\n\n“It’s a bit surprising. You’re giving a lack of confidence to your teammates who are watching that interview. He was too open. He was too honest. That’s not the time to say it. The fat lady has not sung yet … I don’t think he’s made massive mistakes here … have they come prepared? The closure here of these games is not what I see on the PGA Tour. I’m seeing stalwarts of the Tour, guys who close out with a cold heart, duffing shots and making mistakes at crucial times,” McGinley said.\n\nThat is the crux of the matter. A captain is only as good as his preparation, and Snedeker repeatedly said he holds himself to a high standard. But a team is often only as good as the performance its players deliver. The score currently stands at Internationals 10.5, U.S. 7.5.\n\nThe Americans have 12 matches Sunday at Medinah to change the situation and ease their captain’s concerns.\n\n“These guys are ready,” Snedeker said at the end of his press conference. “I’m telling you, they’re ready. This place has a weird history. Lots of big things have happened here. Can’t wait to watch it all unfold tomorrow.”