Li confident Trevor’s a clever appointment
Chinese star eyeing more history after Immelman takes International reins
Li Haotong hopes Trevor Immelman’s “wonderful” appointment as the President Cup’s International Team captain can spur him to make more history for China in 2021.
Last December in Melbourne, Li became the first Chinese mainland golfer to play in the tournament, but his debut ended in defeat as Ernie Els’ Internationals lost out to the Tiger Woods-led United States 16-14.
Although proud to represent his country, Li’s disappointment was compounded after failing to get on the scoreboard Down Under, losing his singles match to former world No 1 Dustin Johnson and his fourball contest — alongside Marc Leishman — against Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler.
However, this week’s announcement that South African Immelman will take the reins from compatriot Els, has given Li renewed determination to become the first Chinese mainland golfer to win a point at the Presidents Cup when the Internationals try to wrest the title from the US at Quail Hallow in Charlotte, North Carolina next year.
Immelman was a member of two Presidents Cup teams (2005 and 2007), and owns a 1-6-1 career record in the event. He worked as one of Els’ four assistant captains last year alongside KJ Choi, Geoff Ogilvy and Mike Weir.
“I believe Trevor will be a wonderful captain for the International Team. As a player, he has won many tournaments around the world, including the Masters,” said Li.
“His vast experience in the Presidents Cup will benefit our team and I can see him maintaining the great work that Ernie introduced last year and introducing new elements as we try to beat the United States Team next year.
“Personally, it was a challenging campaign for me in Australia and I hope to play for Trevor and the International Team.”
Immelman will be 41 when the action tees off at Quail Hollow on Sept 30 next year, making the 2008 Masters champion the youngest captain for either side in the event’s 26-year history.
He described his appointment as “an amazing honor” and added: “The Presidents Cup and the PGA Tour have been a massive part of my career, and so for me to now lead the International Team is something that is going to be one of the highlights of my career.
“In 2005, I played in my first Presidents Cup under captain Gary Player, which was an experience as a 25year-old I will never forget. Shortly after, I earned my first PGA Tour victory in 2006, so you could say the Presidents Cup was a huge part of launching my PGA Tour career.”
Immelman is tasked with reversing the poor fortunes of an International squad that owns just one outright victory in the event, back in 1998, when Australian Peter Thomson’s team overcame a Jack Nicklaus-captained US.
“I think it will add a slightly different dynamic being the youngest captain in Presidents Cup history, but that trend really started in Melbourne, with Tiger and Ernie, who were still competing in their own right,” Immelman said.
“I imagine our team will eventually be comprised of a combination of guys that I have played a lot with over the years and youngsters that I’ve followed and studied due to my broadcasting career.
“One thing that I know for sure is that our team will come together as one unit, have a blast and give it our absolute best.”
Like Li, Chinese Taipei’s CT Pan, one of seven debutants for the Internationals last year, also reckons Immelman’s Presidents Cup pedigree is a big advantage.
“Whenever I’m around Trevor, I can sense he is really driven about this competition and he also wants to see the International Team turning the tide on the Americans,” said Pan.
“As a two-time PGA Tour winner and a major champion, our players respect Trevor greatly and I am sure his positive outlook and personality will rub off on our team.
“It will be really cool if I can qualify again which will obviously be one of my main goals next year.”
Outgoing captain Els said: “My relationship with Trevor goes way back and I have always had the utmost respect for him as a player and a person.
“Trevor was an invaluable member of our team and completely bought into what we were trying to do at Royal Melbourne, so it is gratifying to see him take this next step and lead the International Team.”
Immelman is expecting a thrilling tussle at Quail Hollow, which since 2003 has been home to the Wells Fargo Championship, and in 2017 hosted the PGA Championship — won by United States Team star Thomas.
“The course is always a great test and playing it in a match-play event will bring new challenges and new excitement as I think players will play more aggressively which will be fun to watch,” said Immelman.
“The people in Charlotte, and in the Carolinas overall, are some of the best sports fans in the world. The crowds and the fan support will be immense and will create a fantastic atmosphere.”