Golf: Don't underestimate our team - Scott

Adam Scott has warned the many writing off his International team to expect a fired up unit determined to turn the tide at the golf's Presidents Cup in Ohio.

World No.2 Scott will lead the Internationals into battle against the USA fully aware of the lopsided statistics and weight of history against the team but says those expecting a walkover should think again.

The USA has won seven and drawn one of the nine previous Presidents Cups, and has been dominant in winning the last four encounters.

They have also never lost on American soil and boast seven of the top 11 ranked players in the world in their 12-man squad.

But Scott says the Internationals should not be under-estimated.

"It's hard to write off guys who are in the top 60 in the world because on any given day anyone can beat anyone and we've seen that a million times, especially in 18-hole match play,'' said Scott ahead of the opening day on Thursday.

"I think we've got a team that can win this week, but the only way we can do it is by playing good and wanting it more than the Americans.

"I love the fact our whole team is 12 ball strikers. Everyone really hits the ball well, and if we get enough of us playing well, then we are going to be tough to beat.''

While in the last seven Presidents Cups the competition opened with the alternate shot Foursomes session, this time around it will begin with Four-Ball, much to the delight of the Internationals.

While in 1998 they led 3.5 to 1.5 and in 2003 and 2005 they were in front 3.5 to 2.5 after the opening session in 2000 they trailed 5-0, in 2007 it was 5.5 to 0.5, in 2009 it was 3.5 to 2.5 and in 2011 it was 4-2 to the USA putting them behind the eight-ball early.

In fact, since their lone outright win in 1998 the Internationals have been obliterated overall in alternate shot, earning just 18.5 points compared to the USA's 46.5.

"Just looking at stats and off past results, we have always been on the back foot after day one, and momentum is a big thing,'' said Scott, who will pair with young Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama against Bill Haas and Webb Simpson.

"We need to go out and win the session, and I think that's going to be our goal for every day.

"If we can get a little momentum going, then I really believe we can win this thing.

"Everyone's determined. The guys who have not been here want to start on the right foot, and the guys who have played in several, two, or all of them, want to turn this around and get a win.''

Scott said non-playing captain Nick Price had instituted and shorts and t-shirt relaxed atmosphere at the team hotel to release the pressure but there was certainly the odd pump up speech being thrown about.

"We are all fired up. But there's only so much rah rah you can do, because you can't tackle them on the first tee.

"We have to stay a little bit calm and get the ball in play but I feel really optimistic about what we can do this week."

- AAP