Fast start crucial for Els’ men

Tired of tardy starts and chasing their tails, the Internationals are intent on getting off to a flyer in their bold bid to win the Presidents Cup for the first time in 21 years.

The International team has trailed the United States after the first-day foursomes or fourballs in nine of the past 12 editions of the biennial event and haven’t won an opening session since 2005.

The sloppy starts have generally translated into defeat, with the rest of the world outfit having last had their hands on the cup in 1998.

Little wonder Ernie Els’ underdogs plan on setting the pace when this year’s showdown starts at Royal Melbourne today.

‘‘Whatever start helps us win the tournament would be satisfactory,’’ Els’ assistant Geoff Ogilvy said when asked what would be an acceptable opening day.

‘‘It’s nice to be in front. We have a track record of not being in front for this tournament.

‘‘We would love to be in front after tomorrow, certainly.’’

Ogilvy and fellow assistant Trevor Immelman are backing the Internationals to take it to the star-studded American favourites.

‘‘We’re the youngest collective Presidents Cup team in history and it’s pretty incredible, really,’’ Immelman said of an International side featuring seven debutants and an average age of under 30.

‘‘It’s just a good blend. The young guys are just bouncing out of their skin to come play and the veteran guys, if you like are, too,’’ Ogilvy said.

‘‘The young guys, just the excitement level is just contagious, and I think that’s what’s good about having a blend of veterans and young guys . . . everybody benefits from being around people who are good at something.’’

– AAP