The United States got off to a strong start in the Presidents Cup on Thursday, aiming for their 10th consecutive win in the series. They swept the opening session for the third time, with standout performances from Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele, as well as support from a struggling International team in the fourballs at Royal Montreal.
The American duo of Scheffler and Russell Henley secured a 3-and-2 victory over Sungjae Im and Tom Kim in a spirited match. Despite some tense moments, including celebratory gestures from both teams, Scheffler emphasized the competitive yet friendly nature of the event.
Although the U.S. team held leads in all five matches at one point on the back nine, the Internationals couldn’t capitalize on opportunities as putts continuously lipped out. Schauffele’s late heroics, including a crucial birdie on the 18th hole, helped seal the American sweep in the opening session.
The close competition throughout the matches highlighted the competitiveness of both teams, even though the Americans ultimately dominated the day’s results. The Internationals, led by Jason Day and Collin Morikawa, showed resilience but were unable to overcome the Americans’ strong play.
In the anchor match, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns maintained their lead against Corey Conners and Hideki Matsuyama, securing another point for the United States. Cantlay emphasized the significance of their strong start and expressed the team’s intent to build on the momentum in the following sessions.
The U.S. team’s impressive performance in the opening session mirrors their past successes in the Presidents Cup, with a history of early leads in the competition. Looking ahead, the Americans are poised to continue their pursuit of victory in the prestigious event.
The spirited matches at Royal Montreal set the stage for an exciting Presidents Cup, showcasing high-level golf competition and sportsmanship among the world’s top players. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling moments and fierce battles between the American and International teams.