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Jubilee hosts enjoyable Player/Sponsor Day as captains reveal Tuesday fourball pairings
Players, sponsors and supporters enjoyed a wonderful day in mild conditions on the impressive Jubilee Course at St Andrews on Monday.



Charitable tournaments such as the Simpson Cup capture the imagination every year, but the ongoing ability for the On Course Foundation to stage it is thanks to the tremendous generosity of sponsors and supporters on both sides of the Atlantic. Many of the event's sponsors have been involved for a number of years, and the traditional Monday Player/Sponsor competition provides a platform for connecting them with the beneficiaries of their generosity: the Simpson Cup players.

Despite a mixed forecast, the weather played its part, with the clouds remaining at arm's length, and the breeze little more than a flutter. It made for friendly scoring conditions, although the excellent layout that is the Jubilee Course provided a good test for the players. 

Each group of four (or five) played their own ball, with two scores to count on every hole. Some good numbers were posted on the day, although in the end it was the illustrious contingent of David McCreery, Sally Gregory, tournament founder John Simpson, and none other than Team USA captain Mike Stafford who took the spoils. Meanwhile, among the fiveballs, it was the group led by Simpson Cup rookie John Goudie who amassed the most points.

It was almost secondary to the theme of the day though, with camaraderie, beaming smiles and warm words for the Jubilee Course the common denominator among all the groups as they departed the 18th green. Today's competition also carries extra significance, as it commemorates the life of Dave Bagby, who sadly passed away in 2016. Bagby competed in the 2015 Simpson Cup at Royal St George's for Team USA, and had a profound impact on his peers, the Simpson Cup and the On Course Foundation as a whole.



Tuesday fourball pairings revealed 

For the players, the time for preparation is now complete, as they get down to serious business tomorrow with the six fourball matches at the New Course (commencing at 11:04am BST).

Following plenty of discussion at their respective team meetings, captains Ian Bishop (Team GB) and Stafford (Team USA) revealed their pairings, and, in terms of notable match-ups, there is no shortage to choose from. 

Look no further than the anchor match for some high-quality golf, as the two captains will face up to each other. Bishop will be partnered by Simpson Cup ever-present Dave Ward, while Stafford will be joined by the equally-experienced Todd Tongue - both of whom boast fine records in the event. However, there is strength and depth across all six matches, with a number of enticing duels that will surely go down to the wire.

For the Brits, who come into this year's event off the back of three straight defeats, the need for a fast start on Tuesday is particularly acute. Indeed, over the past three years, they've amassed just three points out of 18 available in the fourball matches, so Bishop will know better than anyone where the route to victory must begin.

As for the Americans, it's very much a case of "don't fix it if it ain't broke", although, with no fewer than six rookies in their ranks, it will be interesting to see how they dovetail in the pairings. Given their considerable talent pool, you wouldn't bet against them continuing their strong recent fourball record. 

They'll be up against a fired-up host nation though, so the outcome tomorrow is anyone's guess. All we know for sure is that it's going to be one heck of a spectacle, and, if you're in the area, the New Course at St Andrews is the place to be.

You can view tomorrow's pairings, and keep track of the live scoring on Tuesday and Wednesday, by clicking here. Additionally, the Team GB and Team USA twitter accounts, along with our Instagram account, will bring it all to your screen, as it happens. Take it all in folks - Simpson Cup 2019 is ready for lift off!