It was a great honor to attend the events surrounding the Presidents Cup recently held here in Korea, particularly with former President George W. Bush speaking at the Opening Ceremony.  The 2015 Presidents Cup was a golf tournament played at the Jack Nicklaus Golf Club in Incheon.  The biennial event pits the United States against an International team comprised of players from countries outside of Europe.


It was the first time the Presidents Cup was played in Asia and it was a huge success.  President Park was the honorary Chairperson, and her leadership was invaluable.  Korea was busy doing what it does best – being an outstanding host country for yet another world class international sporting event.


It was impressive to see so many senior leaders from the U.S., from business and industry to famous athletes, who took time from their busy schedules to come out to support the PGA and this special collaboration.  Among the dignitaries were former President George Bush, former Secretary of Commerce Donald Evans, former pro footballer Franco Harris, former LA Lakers Hall of Famer Jerry West, musician Kenny G, Former Ambassador to Korea Thomas Hubbard, and businesspersons Stan Gale and Victor Ganzi.

An amazing effort was put forth by Chairman of the Presidents Cup Roy Ryu, Presidents Cup Executive Director Matt Kamienski, and Tournament Director Wonsup Mike Kim.  I enjoyed meeting and chatting with PGA Deputy Commissioner Jay Monahan and having the Presidents Cup within my grasp for just a moment!


Of course it is always exciting to see players at this level, as they are all at the top of their game.  But I was particularly glad to see Phil Mickelson play.  Not only does he play the game of golf exceedingly well and with style, but he also gives back so much in his philanthropic efforts.  It was also an honor to get to meet American golf legend Jack Nicklaus.  Golf may not be an American game, having originated in Europe, but it really took off in the U.S. and the PGA is a great U.S. organization.  Furthermore, PGA Tour Commissioner Tim Finchem’s presence in Incheon for the Presidents Cup served to underscore the degree to which golf has become a great collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea.  It is still viewed a bit differently in the two countries though.  As former Minister of Gender Equality and Family Cho Yoon-sun said during a President’s Cup spouse lunch at Habib House, “golf is a pastime in the U.S., a sport in Japan, and a religion in Korea.”


Robyn also got to spend time with some of the spouses of the Presidents Cup golfers on Tuesday when she hosted them for lunch at our residence, Habib House.  The ladies were treated to a speech by former Minister Cho Yoon-sun, who, in addition to her comment about golf as religion in Korea, talked about everything from modern day pop culture to the history of South Korea.  At the end of lunch, Grigsby and Sejun got a chance to say hello.


The level of play this year was exceptional with outstanding sportsmanship and a very exciting down-to-the-wire final result.  It was a very close tournament, but in the end, the U.S. won.  Thanks to all of the people both here and in the U.S. for their support of yet another successful joint event between the U.S. and the ROK!

Congratulations to South Korea, all the organizers, and the tremendous golfers for an amazing tournament!