American Golfer Shatters Records with Unprecedented Win at Major Golf Tournament!”
Twenty yards away, just short of the green, International Team Captain’s Assistant Trevor Immelman leaned on the wheel of his golf cart, staring blankly off into the distance, his gaze unchanged by the American celebrations in front of him. Just behind Immelman, Captain Mike Weir dropped his head, took off his hat and meandered toward the green to shake the players’ hands and accept reality: They wouldn’t be granted the same emotional release or a triumphant moment to rid them of their demons. This was more of the heart-wrenching disappointment that has defined the International Team for multiple decades.
It’s been 26 years since the Internationals last won the Presidents Cup. There was reason to believe this week could be different. The last two International-hosted Presidents Cups were decided by two points or less. The buy-in that began in 2019 when the team united under a common identity had grown stronger year after year, despite the losses. Even in defeat at Quail Hollow two years ago, the Internationals found optimism and belief in what may come.
That will be tested over the next three days at The Royal Montreal Golf Club.
For the third time in Presidents Cup history, the Internationals were swept in the opening session. They face a 5-0 deficit, one that has never been overcome in the event’s lifespan, and a U.S. Team that is only further emboldened after its opening-day domination.
“Reality is it wasn’t a great day,” Weir said in his post-round press conference, “but it’s like the first period of a hockey game, the way I look at it. You’re down, but there’s a long way to go.”
The score looks worse than the golf that was played. Three of the five matches reached the 18th green. The U.S. Team’s largest lead was 3-up and only the pairing of Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley reached that mark. The Internationals were competitive, but there’s no reward for that – only the stinging feeling that things could’ve gone differently, and the fleeting hope that maybe there’s still a chance.
“I’m disappointed,” said Adam Scott, who lost his match with Min Woo Lee 1-up to Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala. “I think Min Woo and I could have won that match today. It’s disappointing that we didn’t do just a little bit better.”