In 2003, as they discussed the Presidents Cup's growth since its 1994 launch, Jack Nicklaus said its focus and TV coverage had risen and it merited billing equal to or stronger than the Ryder Cup; Gary Player said it needed no US win to enhance the event.
The 2003 contest at Fancourt in South Africa ended in a tie. Tiger Woods and Ernie Els halved three consecutive playoff holes, after which US captain Nicklaus and International captain Player agreed to end the match tied.
Nicklaus said the event had gained television coverage and focus compared with five years earlier. He also said the Presidents Cup covered more of the world than the Ryder Cup and cited taking it to Australia and South Africa with top players. Player said it showed golf was an international sport and served a humanitarian purpose by helping people in need; he also said he believed the International team was stronger than Europe's Ryder Cup side at the time.
