New US breed stamps mark on Dunhill Cup

THE famous brown clock on the west facing side of the Royal and Ancient clubhouse oversaw a new generation of trans Atlantic champions in the Aldred Dunhill Cup at St Andrews yesterday where the top seeded United States overcame New Zealand to capture the title for a record third time.

Mark O'Meara, now a veteran of three campaigns but who had never previously finished on a successful team, lost his duel to Frank Nobilo. However, he was rescued

Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker, both making their debuts, who contrived to end the fairytale like run of the Kiwis. The Americans claimed the top prize of £100,000 each and will seek to garner more financial gain from their hop across the Atlantic when all three compete in the World Matchplay at Wentworth this week.

On another unseasonably fine October day that had the wind surfers and lacrosse enthusiasts out in force on the adjacent St Andrews Bay beach, the wind changed to a south easterly direction. It didn't present any undue difficulties for the players, however, reflected in the scoring with three of the six finalists in red figures and amassing a collective total of 11 under par.

It was the young brigade who marshalled victory for the USA. O'Meara lost his way on the journey home and eventually, finished three shots adrift of Nobilo, with 72 to the New Zealander's 69. Yet, Mickelson and Stricker - two players considered as potential future major winners - produced fine performances to add to the country's previous successes in the competition in 1989 and 1993. Stricker was unbeaten in his five matches and was over par on only one occasion.

"I was glad to have two quality players with me," admitted O'Meara. "We came with high hopes, but there were so many good players here that you can't take anything for granted. We had to win it out on the course.

"But when you look at the stats, I knew we had assembled a strong, quality team. Phil has won four times on the US Tour and won over $1.6 million; I've also won four times, with over a million banked, and Steve has won twice with over a million on the money list," added O'Meara.

Mickelson, the 26 year old from San Diego, who has had four US PGA Tour wins this season, was involved in a rare old battle with Greg Turner (who only got his place on the New Zealand team when original choice Michael Campbell pulled out in a bid to save his European card by playing in Spain) and the duo were tied on two under after 12 holes.

But Turner bogeyed the 13th and three putted the 16th, a hole known as the Corner O' The Dyke, where Mickelson grabbed a birdie to establish a three shot advantage. Despite taking a bogey at the infamous Road Hole when three putting from left of the green, Mickelson birdied the last for a 69 to 72 win.

"I've had a fun week - not only because of the golf, but also the fact that I got to know Mark and Steve really well. That was almost as important to me and as enjoyable as the golf," said Mickelson.

Stricker was only briefly in trouble. His opponent Waite chipped in for an eagle two at the fourth and followed with a birdie four at the fifth. It left Stricker trailing by a shot at the turn. On the way home, however, Waite's putter went cold and, while Stricker picked up further birdies at the 10th and 12th, the New Zealander's only differential to pars on the back nine was a bogey at the 12th and a double bogey at the 17th as the American earned a comfortable 67 to 73 winning margin.

The only silver lining for New Zealand was Nobilo's win over O'Meara, who had a five nil unbeaten record from last month's President's Cup. Nobilo's round was highlighted by two magnificent bunker shots from the most infamous bunkers on the Old Course, Hell at the 14th, where he salvaged a birdie, and the Road Hole bunker, at the 17th, where he fashioned an unlikely par.

"I suppose we can't be too disappointed," said Nobilo. "It has been a great week for New Zealand golf and we can all feel proud of what we have achieved." For their endeavours, the Kiwis pocketed £50,000 apiece.

The Kiwis went down fighting, though. They showed their mettle earlier in the day when Waite conjured up a magical sand wedge third shot to the third tie hole - the 17th - to a mere 12 inches to beat South Africa's Wayne Westner. It gave New Zealand a 2-1 win over Ireland's conquerors to set up a final showdown with the USA, 2-1 winners over Europe's last survivors Sweden in the other semifinal.

That particular semi final was always destined to go America's way, with Mickelson the sole loser to Jarmo Sandelin. Indeed, the match was, unfortunately, remembered most for the verbal war which raged between the pair, Mickelson took exception to some of Sandelin's antics whenever he sank a putt and finally exchanged words with the Swede on the 12th tee box.

"Phil came to me and said `you should show some respect and don't behave like that'," said Sandelin. "Just because he is in the top 10 in the world doesn't mean he can say things like that to me." The pair did shake hands at the end of their match and Mickelson explained he just felt fellow professionals should not be so demonstrative on the course.

All is well that ends well, however, and there was confirmation yesterday that St Andrews will host the unique medal matchplay event for the next three years, at least.