Team USA asserted dominance on day one of the Presidents Cup, delivering a commanding performance against the International team, clinching a clean sweep with a stellar 5-0 lead in the fourballs at Royal Montreal Golf Club.
This marks only the third time in the history of the biennial tournament that the USA has achieved a round-one sweep, setting a strong tone for their quest to capture the title for the tenth consecutive time.
US captain Jim Furyk couldn’t have asked for a better start, while International captain Mike Weir faces an uphill battle in the subsequent rounds. Despite the lopsided score, three out of five matches went down to the 18th hole, with the International team regretfully reflecting on missed opportunities and crucial birdie putts that could have turned the tide.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, alongside partner Russell Henley, showcased a dominant performance, defeating South Korea’s Tom Kim and Sungjae Im 3&2. However, their match took a dramatic turn with a heated moment following a series of birdies on the seventh and eighth holes.
After a triumphant shout from Kim following his birdie on the seventh hole, Scheffler responded energetically, raising the intensity between the friends. Tension continued as Kim birdied the eighth hole, putting pressure on Scheffler and Henley. Controversy arose when Kim and Im walked to the ninth tee before Scheffler could complete his putt, a move criticized for lack of sportsmanship.
After this incident, Scheffler missed his chance to halve the hole, leading to a brief resurgence for the International team. However, they ultimately could not maintain the momentum, with a half on the 16th securing a solid victory for the US pair.
Commentators noted the undercurrent of competition, highlighting that the environment is not merely about camaraderie, but also about fierce rivalry.
Day One Fourballs Results – USA 5-0 International
- Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau (USA) def. Jason Day (AUS) and Byeong Hun An (KOR) 1 UP
- Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala (USA) def. Adam Scott (AUS) and Min Woo Lee (AUS) 1 UP
- Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley (USA) def. Sungjae Im (KOR) and Tom Kim (KOR) 3&2
- Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley (USA) def. Taylor Pendrith (CAN) and Christiaan Bezuidenhout (RSA) 1 UP
- Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns (USA) def. Hideki Matsuyama (JPN) and Corey Conners (CAN) 2&1
The excitement continues as the Presidents Cup unfolds. Stay tuned for live coverage throughout the event, culminating in the thrilling conclusion from September 26-29, 2024.
