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When the Presidents Cup was first being mooted the Americans had recently discovered that the Europeans were no longer pushovers in the Ryder Cup. It had spooked them and they wanted extra competition to sharpen themselves for the task. The Presidents Cup seemed a great idea.
International golfers also liked the idea. They’d seen European and American friends whipped into a frenzy every two years and wanted the same for themselves.
Early on it worked. The second match was tight all week, the third match witnessed victory for the Internationals, the fifth match was a tie.
But that stalemate was the last time the Americans didn’t win which means they’ve won nine in a row and poor Adam Scott has played in all of them.
Jim Furyk will captain Team USA’s defence. He lost the Ryder Cup in Paris in 2018. He will be up against Mike Weir who had a particularly fine record as a player (13-9-2) and top scored at Royal Montreal GC (also this year’s venue) in 2007.
Royal Montreal was designed by Dick Wilson. His other tour hosting courses include Bay Hill, Doral, Cog Hill and La Costa.
Remember that the format is different to the Ryder Cup: five foursomes on Thursday, five fourballs on Friday, five of both on Saturday, and the 12 singles on Sunday.
Remember, too, that the defending captain (Jim Furyk) nominates his first pairing on Thursday morning and then Mike Weir gets to pick who play them. That process is switched for the next match and then it carries on that way through the week. Angles to consider
1/ The numbers They make for brutal reading for the International team. There have been 14 matches, there has been one International win, one tied and 12 wins for the Americans.
2/ The world rankings All 12 Americans are ranked in the world’s top 25. Only four Internationals are in the top 25.
3/ Presidents Cup records Six Americans have won 50% or more of their points in the Cup. Only three Internationals have. Selections The above angles have been used to create a shortlist from which the following players are selected.
USA to lead after day 1, day 2 and day 3, and win
Quite simply, this has happened seven times in the last eight Presidents Cups.
Xander Schauffele
A two-time major champion in 2024, now the world’s second best player and he has formed a partnership with his good friend Patrick Cantlay that has only struggled in one team tournament (last year’s Ryder Cup).
Corey Conners Internationals playing on home turf have a solid record. There have been six “home” matches. Ernie Els and Mike Weir have both been top scorers while Geoff Ogilvy was joint top scorer (those preferring each way might like to note that Steve Elkington was second top scorer and in the other two “home” matches “home” players placed both times). There are three Canadians this week. Mackenzie Hughes might not play enough and Taylor Pendrith has never really played too well at home. Weir has said of Conners: “I truly believe Corey’s going to play well with the home crowd. I think he’s going to be a big part of our team.” So unless he plays practice horribly or comes down with something he should get playing opportunities. Tips: 2-1; -2.17pts
4pts USA to lead after day 1, day 2 and day 3, and win at 15/8 (Unibet 1/5 1,2,3,4,5,6) No
1pt win Xander Schauffele at 6/1 (Skybet, Boylesport) 1st
1pt win Corey Conners at 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet, BetFred, Boylesport) 1st
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