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The short version

  • The United States leads the International team 3-2 after the first session of fourball matches.
  • Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns won their match, while Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune secured a victory for the International side.
  • Friday’s schedule features five foursome matches, followed by mixed formats on Saturday and singles play on Sunday.

The United States team established an early advantage in their quest to retain the Presidents Cup, finishing Thursday with a 3-2 lead over the International squad. The opening session consisted of fourball matches played at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, marking the start of the biennial contest where the Americans are seeking an eleventh consecutive title. Brandt Snedeker’s team capitalized on strong performances from top-ranked players and veteran champions to take control of the board before the competition shifts formats.

Justin Thomas and rookie Jackson Koivun delivered the first point for the American side, defeating Canada’s Corey Conners and Colombia’s Nico Echavarria by a margin of 4 and 3. Their victory provided immediate momentum for the US team as they looked to build on their historical dominance in the event. The pairing demonstrated precision and consistency throughout the round, setting a tone that would influence subsequent matches.

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World number one Scottie Scheffler partnered with Sam Burns in another key matchup against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im. Scheffler secured the 17th hole to seal the win for his team, holding off late pressure from their opponents who missed several crucial putts down the stretch. The victory underscored the importance of Scheffler’s presence on the course, as his ability to close out tight situations proved decisive in maintaining the American lead.

Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa further solidified the US advantage by winning their match 3 and 2 against Australia’s Adam Scott and reigning Open champion Ryan Fox. The duo led from the opening hole and maintained their composure to complete their success with two holes remaining. Their performance ensured that the United States entered Friday’s sessions with a comfortable cushion, though the International team remains within striking distance.

Despite the deficit, the International side showed resilience through victories by Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune, who defeated Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele 3 and 1. Additionally, Kim Si-woo and Tom Kim secured a 3-2 win over Chris Gotterup and Patrick Cantlay, demonstrating their comfort and confidence on the course. These results kept Geoff Ogilvy’s team in contention as they prepare for the alternate-shot format scheduled for Friday.

Snedeker acknowledged the significance of the session win while emphasizing the need to stay focused moving forward. He noted that any advantage gained is valuable in a competition where margins can shift quickly. The International team, meanwhile, carries optimism into the next phase, aiming to secure only their second-ever triumph in the event’s history, following their first victory in 1998.

Friday’s schedule includes five foursome matches, which will test the teams’ adaptability and strategic depth. Saturday will feature two sessions split between four fourball matches in the morning and four foursomes in the afternoon. All twelve players from each team will compete in singles matches on Sunday, with 15.5 points required for overall victory. The structure of the tournament ensures that every match contributes to the final outcome, keeping both sides engaged until the end.

As the competition progresses, the focus will remain on how each team adjusts to different formats and manages pressure in critical moments. The United States’ early lead provides a psychological edge, but the International team’s recent successes suggest they are capable of mounting a challenge. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see whether the Americans can extend their winning streak or if the Internationals can make history once again.

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