Twenty-six years have passed since Shigeki Maruyama produced a performance for the ages by going a perfect 5-0-0 in his Presidents Cup debut at Royal Melbourne which sparked what has since become the lone International Team victory to date against the United States Team in the biennial competition.
Now at 54, the three-time PGA TOUR winner emerged as an unlikely star during that famous 20.5-10.5 drubbing over the Americans, who had a prime Tiger Woods in their formidable 12-man squad.
Maruyama often recounts with great fondness of his heroics, which included a famous Foursomes victory with Craig Parry over Woods and Fred Couples, and with the Presidents Cup being played at Royal Montreal from 24-29 September, all eyes will be on the current Asian crop of stars if they can emulate a similar feat to lend to a muchdesired International Team victory.
"As I was a rookie and every American player was a superstar, I was not afraid of the matches," recalled Maruyama. "I made up my mind, thinking it wouldn't matter if I lost. So I was not afraid. The only thing in my heart was to defeat the American team," recalled the Japanese veteran, who subsequently earned the nicknamed, the 'Smiling Assassin' after Royal Melbourne.
He vividly remembers International Team captain, the late Peter Thomson, had kept his players relaxed all week in the team room and functions. "He wanted to make the team atmosphere better. That's why I acted very brightly, and I wasn't so serious and wanted to cheer everyone up. I think I was influenced by Peter. So I would also smile a lot and yell 'wow!' to inspire the team," said Maruyama.
Yet, he never imagined he would go on to produce an unblemished winning record, an achievement matched by only five other players - Mark O'Meara, Woods, Jim Furyk, Branden Grace and Jordan Spieth - in Presidents Cup history.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2024 من Golf Asia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة September 2024 من Golf Asia.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
PLAYING ALONG THE LINES
ClearPath Alignment now adorns the latest TaylorMade TP5 and TP5x Stripe golf balls.
NG CONTINUES TO BLAZE A TRAIL
Sydnie Ng's victory in the Singapore Junior Masters B Division Girls boosts her potential.
DESCENTE ON THE ASCENT
Descente and FILA Golf gives the renovated The Shop at Laguna National Golf Resort Club a trendy boost.
DIVINE PLEASURES FOR A CAUSE
Christian media ministry TWR Asia finds charitable connections through golf.
TO "D" OR NOT TO "D"?
If you chose “D”, you are right and you would be joining millions of people around the world who are choosing “D” as the one necessary supplement they must include in their daily diet.
QUOTIDIAN LUXURY
Audi's new Q4 e-tron offers everyday comfort and performance through sustainable rides.
A RACE LIKE NO OTHER
Join us as we take a front row seat at Le Mans, one of the greatest races in the world, followed by an exclusive tour of Ferrari's automated factory in Maranello, Italy.
CELEBRATING THE MODERN WOMAN
Patek Philippe's Twenty-4 collection has come a long way since its inception at the turn of the millennium, and this year's anniversary edition is a sign of the times.
THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERSHIP
Dragon Golf International offers its members in Singapore with access to top courses around the world. Founder and Managing Director Neil Douglas talks about why it may be the answer to the future of golf travel.
THE LURE OF THE LAKESIDE
Banyan Group's massive new undertaking in Phuket rides on soaring international demand for homes on the island