Price also witnessed Couples' first signature shot during Sunday's singles matches. Faced with a fairway bunker shot from 147 yards, Couples hit a 9-iron to about a foot sealing the Cup. Those feelings of excitement have only grown in the four years since. Despite playing the event late in the year, both sides have been pointing towards Royal Melbourne for quite awhile. The way to get the public enthused clearly revolves around an International victory.
Nothing keeps interest down more than a one-sided competition.
Just witness the enlarged spotlight shining on the Ryder Cup since the Europeans turned the tide in '85 and '87. Graham was unable to lead the International bunch to victory in '96. The teams will draw further inspiration from the men captaining the teams. Thomson and Nicklaus are arguably the two best players their countries have ever produced. Unlike 1996, Thomson has had two full years to prepare, and he hopes that is enough to turn that one-point defeat into victory.