"Younger people tend to think they'll just power through the race, which is almost always the slower approach, " says Ranch Kimball, 41, a former BCG partner whose team, Tiger Adventure, took second place in the Cal Eco.

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One team, Stinkeye of the Tiger, attends Mr. Kesner's trivia nights on a weekly basis, with team members including a film producer, a lawyer, a doctoral student in psychology and a screenwriter.

WSJ: Trivia Is Pursuit in Bars Across City

He beat the software giant's high-priced legal team the way Tiger Woods would whip a local club pro.

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Thus was born the Onitsuka Tiger, which was worn by the Japanese Olympic basketball team in 1956 and generations of Japanese gym class students.

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The story of the modern era is clear: While Europe was inspired by the creative genius of Seve Ballesteros, the U.S. team hasn't been able to harness the individual brilliance of Tiger Woods.

WSJ: It's All Down to Ryder Cup Luck

The United States, meanwhile, were without injured world number one Tiger Woods as well as having a total of six debutants in their 12-man team.

BBC: US secure emphatic Ryder Cup win