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Before we delve into the player matchups, we must first establish the credentials of the captains. So, who ya got? It’s easy to argue with either side of the equation. Both present an interesting case. Both retained their captaincy from the 2009 matches.

Greg Norman, Age: 56, Major titles: 2, Presidents Cup career playing record 7-6-1 (’96, ’98, ’00)

Norman, who has steered his social life away from competitive golf in recent years, has a quality resume for coaching. He also has a penchant for coming up small in big situations. Will his reputation for collapse rub off on his players? Unlikely. Norman has been hardened by his past failures, and it will take a lot for the Shark to come unraveled. As long as he’s not stroking the winning putt, the Internationals need not worry. His decision-making will be made easier by a crop of young brazen Aussies. Jason Day and Adam Scott are playing top-level golf in front of a friendly home gallery. Players who would have otherwise remembered Norman for his ’96 Masters collapse as opposed to his two British Open triumphs (’86, ’93), now have a clearer vision of the chiseled veteran. As a 53-year-old, Norman nearly gripped the Claret Jug for a third time in 2008. He took a two-shot lead into the final round, before being overcome by a sizzling Padraig Harrington. Most players under 30 years old use this as a partial measuring stick for Norman’s legacy.

Norman has also played the role of agitator, providing his opinion on the United States’ team. This isn’t high stakes drama, but certainly does ruffle some feathers. I think it’s been good fuel for Tiger Woods and the Americans, but even better for the Internationals who are bloodthirsty for a milquetoast (or patient) stateside squad.

Fred Couples, Age: 52, Major titles: 1, Presidents Cup career playing record 9-6-1 (’94, ’96, ’98, ’05)

Coming off of a semi-dismantling of the International squad in 2009, it will be difficult to question Couples’ rationale. Pairings will most likely resemble successes of two years ago. However, with six rookies on board, nerves will be tested. Couples will need to play to the comforts of his underclassmen, while not upsetting the veteran leadership. It will be a tight rope to walk. The International team has only won the event once (’98), but this year many pundits have the United States as they underdogs. The Americans will have to contend with a raucous Melbourne crowd, and punctuate the Sunday singles matches will victories. Overall, Couples has total respect and control of his team. He had his hands tied in the selection of Tiger Woods to the roster as a captain’s pick. Many clamored for 2011 PGA champion Keegan Bradley, but Woods was 5-0-0 in the 2009 matches.

Couples is a eloquent,  beloved figure in American golf, so his lone major championship (’92 Masters) seems unfitting. Whether it was untapped potential, lack of desire or bad luck remains up for debate. Still, his 53 professional wins from 1983-2003 is the mark of consistency and a timeless swing. Not being overly controversial is a strong trait that Couples possesses, and that is why Norman’s comments haven’t seemed to faze him. He’ll have his team ready to pounce when the opening shots are fired.

Head-to-Head

Norman and Couples have met during the President’s Cup on several occasions. Never have they played in a Sunday singles matchup, but twice in four ball and once in alternate shot.

1996: Team of Couples and Davis Love III steal two points away from Norman and Robert Allenby. First in the Friday morning four ball, and then in the afternoon foursomes.

1998: In the Saturday four ball, Norman and partner Steve Elkington take down the formidable Couples/Love tandem.

Overall, Couples is 2-1 versus Norman. In the two Presidents Cups that both participated in as players, the U.S. won once (’96) and the Internationals won once (’98).

Advantage

I’ve got a feeling this year’s matches will be significantly close. The International team is at home in Melbourne, and heavily-stocked with Aussie ammunition. The talent is as good as it’s ever been for the American opposition, so the little details will be significant. Picking partners and orders with good chemistry will be magnified. While Couples has a proven track record at these events, I think the Internationals finally bite back. Too much momentum is on their side, and Norman knows just how to stoke a controlled burn. He appears ruthless and bitter in his quest to defeat the Americans, and this time, he’s also got the weapons to utilize. Not to think that Couples doesn’t have his own star power, but this round goes to the International team.