The Presidents Cup has kicked off at Royal Montreal, with the heavily favored Americans dominating the opening four-ball session by sweeping the Internationals 5-0, taking a commanding lead into Friday’s foursomes play. This marks only the second time in Presidents Cup history that the Americans have swept a four-ball session, the first occurring in 1994, according to Justin Ray of Twenty First Group.
Match 1: Schauffele/Finau 1-up over An/Day
Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau secured a 1-up victory against Byeong Hun An and Jason Day. The Americans initially led by 2-up with four holes remaining, but the match was tied heading into the 17th. Schauffele clinched the match with a birdie on the par-3 17th and a solid approach on the 18th. Schauffele now holds an 11-6-1 record in team events, while Finau improves to 7-5-3. Day’s record stands at 5-12-4, and An is now 1-3-2.
Match 2: Morikawa/Theegala 1-up over Scott/Lee
The second match featured Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala against Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee, ending with a narrow 1-up victory for the Americans. Morikawa made four birdies, while Theegala contributed a crucial approach shot on the 18th to secure the point. Scott, in his 50th Presidents Cup match, had multiple chances but struggled with his putting.
Match 3: Scheffler/Henley 3&2 over Kim/Im
Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley faced Tom Kim and Sungjae Im in an entertaining match that escalated after Kim celebrated a deep birdie on the seventh. Scheffler responded with a long birdie putt to tie the hole. The Americans then took control, with Scheffler making four birdies in nine holes. Scheffler compared the competitive atmosphere to friendly matches at home.
Match 4: Clark/Bradley 1-up over Pendrith/Bezuidenhout
In the fourth match, Taylor Pendrith partnered with Christiaan Bezuidenhout against Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley. The Americans led throughout, tying or leading for 17 of the 18 holes. Both players made at least four birdies, with Bradley making a critical putt on the final hole. Bezuidenhout struggled under pressure, unable to perform as expected.
Match 5: Cantlay/Burns 2&1 over Conners/Matsuyama
Corey Conners and Hideki Matsuyama started strong, recording three birdies in the first three holes and shooting a 5-under 30 on the front nine but trailed by one at the turn. Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns countered with a 6-under 29 on the front, ultimately winning 2&1. Conners and Matsuyama, recognized for their ball-striking, were unable to match the Americans’ performance in the final match.
