Louis Oosthuizen is thriving under the leadership of Ernie Els as he continues to improve on his record at the Presidents Cup.
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Oosthuizen arrived at the event in fine form and as the only Internationals player with a winning record and has advanced on his reputation with two wins from two outings at Royal Melbourne; first with rookie Abraham Ancer and then with veteran Adam Scott.
The one-time Major winner is just one of the Internationals who is being driven to his best by the captain, a four-time Major winner himself and a fierce match play competitor.
‘It almost looks like he wants this more than when he’s out there playing,’ said Oosthuizen.
‘You could see him; I love the passion. I think if you give him a club in his hand, he’ll hit the shot for you. He’s so into this week and he’s been a real good captain.
‘He’s been an unbelievable player, as well, but this means a lot for me seeing how he is as a captain and how involved he is. He’s brilliant.’
Australian Scott agrees.
‘We are trying to not get ahead of ourselves at all. It’s a long way to go, but Ernie and his team of assistants have done a fantastic job of getting us prepared mentally and strategy-wise with the golf course,’ he said.
‘There’s a calmness, a calm confidence about our team here.’
Els has opted to rest his kingpin for Saturday’s first session along with Adam Hadwin.
Saturday fourballs (SA times):
Marc Leishman/Li Haotong vs Justin Thomas/Rickie Fowler – 22:02
Im Sung-jae/Abraham Ancer vs Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay – 22:16
Hideki Matsuyama/CT Pan vs Webb Simpson/Patrick Reed – 22:30
Adam Scott/An Byeong-hun vs Matt Kuchar/Tony Finau – 22:44
