The 2002 Ryder Cup: Was Strange’s Decision to Put Tiger Woods in the Anchor Match a Good One?

After the 2002 Ryder Cup matches, United States Team captain Curtis Strange was soundly criticized in the media for his decision to position Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson (arguably his two best golfers) in the last two singles’ matches. Contrary to these claims, the analysis of this paper suggests that Strange’s strategy was defensible, if not optimal.