Alister Mackenzie’s suburban Melbourne gem has so far produced a competition that has been engrossing, compelling and enthralling.

The last hour of play Saturday was arguably the most exciting on an Australian golf course in recent memory.

While Patrick Reed was again front and centre of events, it would be sad indeed if the 2019 Presidents Cup were to be remembered for the controversies that constantly swirl around the 2018 Masters Champion and not for the stunning quality of both the venue and the play.

Because, make no mistake, this Presidents Cup has been special. An event that many dismissed as meaningless after a whitewash two years ago in New York has proved it has a place in world golf.

A massive crowd surrounds the 1st tee to watch Tiger Woods get the Sunday singles underway. PHOTO: Getty Images.

The combination of an International Team determined to finally stand up and a US Team finding it difficult to adapt to a style of golf with which they are unfamiliar has proved intoxicating.

The numbers don’t lie in the Official World Golf Ranking and any objective assessment of the two teams on paper says the US should comfortably win.

But again, what the numbers don’t show is the heart displayed by Marc Leishman and Abraham Ancer to come from five down with eight holes to play and register a tie in the afternoon foursomes.

Numbers also can’t explain how rookie Joaquin Niemann, playing in the group behind, finally found his best swing of the day from the junk on the right side of the 18th hole to find the green and secure another vital half point.

And while the numbers suggest The Internationals will struggle to find the five and a half points required to win on Sunday they can’t predict what will actually unfold.

"...the brass at PGA Tour headquarters should take a long hard look at what has already made this such a special week and do their best to recreate it more often."

Regardless of the final outcome of this 13th staging of the Presidents Cup the 2019 edition can already be hailed a success.

The world has watched and the course and event have delivered and in an environment where many were questioning the very future of the Cup, that is as much as you can ask.

Ernie Els, Tiger Woods and Royal Melbourne Director of Courses Richard Forsyth can, and should, all take a bow.

And the brass at PGA Tour headquarters should take a long hard look at what has already made this such a special week and do their best to recreate it more often.

Because the game deserves at least that much.