The Presidents Cup

Taking place at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Canada, the crowds at this year’s Presidents Cup were largely local, generating a lot of support for the International team.

Regularly considered the underdogs owing to the American side’s often overwhelming talent, the Canadian trio of Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Taylor Pendrith, alongside captain Mike Weir were the homegrown heroes spurring a tremendous backing for the International side.

The opening Thursday four-balls saw each match go to the USA, and they lead by 5-0 after the initial day’s play. The Internationals bounced right back on the Friday, claiming a clean sweep in the foursomes matches.

This comeback was short-lived however as the Americans claimed 6 out of 8 points on the Saturday and stayed dominant across the Sunday singles matches too. When all was said and done, the American’s were victorious on 18.5 points with the Internationals left far behind on 11.5.

Jim Furyk praised his team’s performance, and credited their control of the course. “We talked about being a dog all week, being the tougher team. I just feel like those back-nine holes, if you looked at how many holes won and lost, I’ve got to feel like we kind of owned the back nine this week, and that was the difference.”

Some standout performances include those by Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, and Xander Schauffele, who all won three team matches and their individual Sunday singles games.

This year’s event marked the 10^th consecutive win by team USA dating back to 2005. The International side has only won the Presidents Cup once in 1998 when held in Australia, and an even tie of 17 points occurred at the 2003 event held in South Africa.

It was notably Keegan Bradley who secured the winning putt to bring the tournament to its conclusion. The upcoming Ryder Cup captain finished 1UP in his match against Si Woo Kim when he secured a par on the 18^th hole.

“Wow, that was incredible. I was saying all week I didn’t know if I’d ever get to do this again. If this is my last round as a player, maybe it is, I’m happy with that.”

Keegan Bradley’s Team USA will face Luke Donald’s Europe at the Bethpage Black Golf Course in New York. Will Europe claim a consecutive victory? Or will the Americans take back the Ryder Cup on home soil?