North Carolina State University Athletics
Clark Named Presidents Cup Asst. Captain
8/10/2011 12:00:00 AM | Men's Golf
Aug. 10, 2011
Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — Former NC State All-American Tim Clark was named a captain's assistant Tuesday for Greg Norman's International Presidents Cup team.
"Tim brings a lot of Presidents Cup experience to the position, having been a member of three previous International teams, including the one I captained in 2009, where he was an inspiration to all his fellow team members for his performance and incredible team spirit, which is so vital in seeking a victory," said Norman.
"When he and I spoke a few weeks ago, he confided in me on the status of his medical dilemma, and I quickly realized he would not be able to compete due to pending surgery that is necessary for him to return to his winning ways. With this, I came to the conclusion after consultation with Frank (Nobilo), that he would be an enormous asset to me, Frank, and to the team in the role of captain's assistant."
Clark joins Frank Nobilo as one of Norman's assistants for the matches scheduled for November 17-20 at Australia's Royal Melbourne Golf Club.
American captain Fred Couples previously announced that Jay Haas and Michael Jordan would return as assistants from the victorious 2009 team.
Clark is currently in ninth position on the International points list, but won't be able to participate due to an elbow injury.
"It was a tough decision to accept that I would not be able to compete at Royal Melbourne later this year due my elbow surgery," the South African said. "But my spirits took a turn for the best when Greg asked me to join him and Frank Nobilo as a captain's assistant. If I can't swing the club myself to help the International team achieve a victory, I'll certainly do all I can in the team room to help the rest of my fellow players."
Clark has played in three Presidents Cups and amassed a 6-7-2 record.
The top 10 players from each respective points list will be finalized after this year's BMW Championship. After the next week's Tour Championship, Couples and Norman will make their two captain's picks to complete their squads.
Couples indicated last week that he would use one of his picks on Tiger Woods if he didn't make the team on points. Currently 24th in the standings, Woods seems unlikely to qualify automatically.
The Americans won two years ago and have captured six of the last eight Presidents Cups. The Internationals won the last time the event was held at Royal Melbourne in 1998 and the two sides tied in 2003.
