The Presidents Cup has a systemic flaw

Golf Digest

Should the International team pull off the impossible and beat the U.S. side for just the second time in Presidents Cup history this week at Medinah, it would be an incredible step forward for the event. But any "rivalry" between the two sides would remain non-existent. One mega upset does not make a rivalry. Those are built over decades of back and forth. Over the last two decades of this biennial competition, the American team has won 10 straight times.

According to the oddsmakers, it's very likely going to be an 11th straight time in Chicago. Even if the Internationals allowed LIV players like Joaquin Niemann and Cameron Smith on the squad, it would still be a tall order.

Many suggestions to make it more competitive have been discussed over the years, chief among them being to make it a mixed event with the ladies. Our Luke Kerr-Dineen pointed to that option as one way to make the Presidents Cup "more fair." But it's his other suggestion the hardcore golf fan might find much more compelling - the Internationals vs. the U.S.'s "second string."

The Presidents Cup has a systemic flaw

Here are two ways to make it fair

By Luke Kerr-Dineen

What You Need to Know

Evin Priest

'Odd man out' J.J. Spaun got snubbed so he went to Wentworth and took down everyone, including Rory McIlroy. The former U.S. Open champ made four birdies in his last five holes to claim the DP World Tour's flagship event, right before the U.S. Presidents Cup team goes to Medinah without him. Spaun said he was devastated by that decision and played with a huge chip on his shoulder because of it. With this win, plus his Oakmont Open, plus two Valero Texas Opens, he's building a sneaky great resume.

Evin Priest

Joaquin Niemann confirms he has not signed to play LIV next year. "No, nothing yet," Niemann said after a T-21 finish at Wentworth. Niemann, by far LIV's most dominant player, won nine times in five seasons on the Saudi-backed circuit, though that didn't quite translate when he'd show up to the majors. It was crazy lucrative, though. As of now, Niemann is playing the "no idea" card when it comes to LIV's future. “I mean, I wish to say something, but I have no idea," he added.

Jay Coffin

Manuel Elvira just needed to make 5 on the par-5 18th hole at Wentworth. He had just made an eagle on the par-5 17th to tie J.J. Spaun for the lead. A par would have gotten him into a playoff, a birdie a victory. What actually happened was an utter disaster.