LIBERTYVILLE – Who is calling the shots?
Unlike the Solheim Cup, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, the UL International Crown has distinguished itself from these sister events by changing up the format, the point structure and the number of competitors. But one of the biggest differences often overlooked is the fact there is no leader, no designated captain. Each of the eight teams competing this week are leading themselves through the four day competition, deciding amongst themselves who will play with who and when. And how each country goes about making those decisions varies amongst the teams as well.
The eldest member of Team China, Shanshan Feng, has fallen into the role as de facto leader. It’s a distinction her fellow teammates were quick to bestow on her during Tuesday’s press conference, which she quickly laughed off.
“Well, because I’m old,” Feng said laughing before then admitting to starting a group chat around three weeks ago to start facilitating conversation among the team. “I just wanted to start talking about like maybe pairings and stuff because we’re all new to this kind of event, so we wanted to be well-prepared. It’s easier for us to bring our ‘A’ games.”
For Team Chinese Taipei, Candie Kung answered most of the team’s questions during the group’s Tuesday press conference but when asked who is leading the way, said the group is sharing the responsibilities.
“Everybody is a team leader on this team,” said Kung. “We’re open to everybody’s opinions. We’re open to everybody’s thoughts. We were out playing today trying to feel each other out because we haven’t played with each other for a long time.”
For the No.1 overall seed, Team Korea, So Yeon Ryu is the only returning player to from the 2014 competition, making her the obvious leader from her country, but it’s not a role she feels naturally suited for regardless of being the second oldest member of the team.
“I was always the youngest when I was playing team golf and right now I’m not the youngest,” Ryu told LPGA.com. “And plus, I’m doing kinda like a captain’s role. So, well, it’s kind of pressure because I never really thought I was going to be leader of the team because I always thought I’m youngest one, so I’m not really used to it.”
Ryu didn’t originally qualify for this year’s team, only joining after being named the replacement for Inbee Park who withdrew from the competition due to an ongoing thumb injury. Ryu played with her close friend in the fourball matches in 2014 as well as teammates Na Yeon Choi and In-Kyung Kim with whom she bonded during the experience.
“Like to be honest, I was not really close to Na Yeon or I.K. before I played this tournament, but we started to talk about how can we play better when we’re playing as a team,” said Ryu. “Then we started talk about like whole life, how can we live this life even enjoyable, that type of thing. Then I.K. and Na Yeon got close and we’ve all been just really great friends.”
Ryu is hopeful that will be the same result of this year’s competition, playing alongside all-new teammates In Gee Chun, Amy Yang and Sei Young Kim.
“Well actually, In Gee is about five years younger than me and Sei Young two years younger than me and Amy one year older than me,” Ryu told LPGA.com. “So I grew up with Amy and Sei Young but I didn’t really play with In Gee before so I’m kind of just, I started to know her last year so I really don’t know her well. But all Korean girls get along pretty well so I actually look forward to having a really good other friends after this.”
Ryu feels it’s the right thing to do in taking the lead to share what she learned from the 2014 competition in hopes of bettering their third place finish two years ago.
“The thing is you know, I have experience to something I can share with them, so that’s a good thing. But they’re already great players, they don’t really need my advice,” Ryu told LPGA.com. “I just need to, it’s more like a story for them, oh we had this situation, we had this situation, it was so much fun and that situation was tough so maybe this year we should do something better. So, it’s kind of fun. Yeah you know, always first experience is tough and fun.”
Natural leader or not, it’s Ryu calling the shots for Team Korea.
)
)
)
)
