CHARLOTTE N.C. — Again, the Presidents Cup was won by the Americans.
The International team lost at most four players to Saudi-funded LIV Golf, and was deemed ineligible for the PGA Tour. Eight newcomers were asked to play in a new format, before 40,000 flag-waving fans cheering for their home team. The Internationals have never won on American soil ever since 1994s lopsided matches.
It doesnt matter.
The Americans are difficult to beat right now, in any cup, and under any circumstances.
Jordan SpiethMade putts all over Quail Hollow, and finished off a 5-0 week. Xander SchauffeleThe cup-clinching point was delivered by the American team, who lit up their big cigars to win the Presidents Cup for the 9th consecutive year.
Is anyone surprised?
Spieth stated that I think the biggest challenge for us this past week was staying within ourselves and not letting outside noise get to our heads. We saw notes… placed all over the place we were supposed win and were favorites.
What was so cool, which has been very consistent over the previous Cups that were my involvement in — is that everyones really really good at what their do.
They had to work hard for it, despite the efforts of the International team. Spieth and Patrick CantlayThey were in control of matches and set a tone. Despite being down 8-2 heading into the weekend, the Internationals maintained their intensity, which was a remarkable feat considering their previous record.
But then Tony FinauHis match was flipped. Collin MorikawaSchauffele played like a two time major champion and won the title. Another celebration was underway.
International Trevor ImmelmanThe LIV disruption was one of the many challenges facing his team, he said. He strongly reacted to any notion that his 12 players, only three of which are among the top 25 worldwide, never had a chance.
When you consider that Friday night we were 8-2 down, this team is no joke and Im sick of it being called a joke, Immelman stated. We love this event and we love our teammates. We cannot wait to return the favor and run it again.
The Internationals displayed a lot of fight. They dont have a trophy to prove it. This is the fate of the American team, which was coming off a record win over Europe in last years Ryder Cup before another one-sided crowd.
Even American newcomers have produced, starting with Max Homa. He recovered from being 3 down and won four consecutive holes before holding off. Tom KimHoma won a 1-up victory, which gave him a 4-0 week in Presidents Cup.
The final score was 171/2-12 1/2, not quite as routful it was at Liberty National 2017 when this U.S.-based team began to form.
U.S. Captain Davis Love IIIWe are grateful to Immelman that he had to fill out his team after the British Open champion. Cameron Smith Joaquin NiemannWe were among the newest members of the LIV Golf Series. This was a mismatch. However, the Internationals managed to make a game of it. At one point, matches were so close that Quail Hollow could have been a shocker. They needed everything to go smoothly, and it didn’t.
Love stated, Trevor and his staff did an amazing job of rising to the occasion.
Love had all 12 of its players ranked amongst 25 top world ranking players. And, just like last year in Whistling Straits, the Presidents Cup, most of them played as it.
Love stated, We dont really have to do much. All thats necessary is to not ruin it.
Spieth was in the second matchout and made putts at 25 feet, 20 feet, and 30 feet for par. After driving into the water and 45 yards that made it, he made putts. Cam Davis feel hopeless. He finished the Australian on 15th hole.
Spieth was the sixth player to win all five matches of the Presidents Cup. He won all four of his team matches. Justin Thomas. He is the Presidents Cups First 5-0-0 Player since Branden Grace (2015). Jim Furyk (2011) was the last American player to do it.
Spieth, a three time major champion and former No. When he was 20, Spieth qualified for the U.S. team. He had never won singles matches — 0-3 in Presidents Cup, and 0-3-1 Ryder Cup. After two holes, he fell 2 to the ground before turning it around and winning big.
Spieth stated that she was more nervous than usual because she wanted to remove the monkey from her back. Theyre looking for red when you get up early on Sundays. It feels good to give it.
Thomas tried to join him, but he was unsuccessful. Si Woo KimIn a match that ended down to 10-foot birdie putsts on the final hole.
Cantlay quickly put red American numbers on board for a quick 3-up lead Adam ScottHe had only lost two holes in a 3-and-2 win.
It was yet another disappointment for Scott. His first Presidents Cup was 2003 in South Africa. It ended with a tie. He has been on every team since, all wins. He saw enough of the team and the shield they wear to identify them to not lose heart.
It still hurts not winning, he said. I believe the biggest difference Ive felt the past couple of years is whats happening within our team room. Whats going between the captains and players, the caddies or everyone involved on our teams. I believe that there are positive changes happening in this environment.
A cup is coming soon.
This report used information from The Associated Press.
