Jim Furyk remembers the duel between Mike Weir and Tiger Woods that had the crowd on the last day of the Presidents Cup in 2007, at the Royal Montreal Golf Club. He hopes to see Quebec golf fans be just as vocal when the tournament returns to Ile Bizard next year.
Furyk was named captain of Team USA which will compete in the Presidents Cup from September 24-29, 2024 at the Royal Montreal Golf Club on Tuesday.
Canadian Mike Weir was previously named captain of the international team in November 2022. The international team does not include European players, who instead compete in the Ryder Cup.
Furyk was part of the American team the only other time the event came to Quebec. He had gone 3-2, including two wins with Woods as his playing partner.
“I mostly remember the crowd,” Furyk said in a phone interview with The Canadian Press. We had the pleasure of winning the tournament, but I remember an epic singles duel between Mike and Tiger. The supporters had been incredible and had encouraged their compatriot.
“Since we will be the visitors, I am aware that 99% of the crowd will be for the international team, the Canadian players and Mike. But it remains an exciting environment for us as well. »
Furyk, who has won 17 PGA Tour titles in his career, will make his debut as Team USA captain at this meet. He was, however, captain of the USA team at the Ryder Cup in 2018. He has also served as assistant to the USA captain at the Presidents Cup twice, for Jay Haas in 2015 and Steve Stricker in 2017.
He also appeared seven times in the Presidents Cup as a player between 1998 and 2011 and has a record of 20-10-3.
“I think it’s always special to be able to represent your country and have the American flag on your jersey,” Furyk said. In addition, we don’t often have the opportunity to participate in team tournaments. It’s special to see the camaraderie that develops during the tournament. »
Furyk, who will celebrate his 53e birthday on May 12 and who is now playing on the Champions Tour, will spend the next few months preparing his training.
Everything indicates that he will have to put a cross on the players playing on the LIV circuit. The PGA oversees the Presidents Cup and has suspended all golfers playing on the rival Saudi-funded tour.
“I admit I’m looking forward to when we’ve moved on. Whenever we come to an event like the Masters Tournament [où les joueurs du circuit LIV étaient admis], it raises questions. We’ll see… “
“I’m focused on my team and the golfers who will be eligible to be on it. »
The American team has won the last nine editions of the Presidents Cup, the last time in September 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The last and only victory for the international team dates back to 1998 in Melbourne, Australia. The two teams also drew in 2003, in George, South Africa.
“I think the last two editions have been hotly contested, insisted Furyk. The United States had to come from behind in Australia a few years ago. Then in Charlotte, I think the duels were closer than the score indicates.
“Looking back on our last visit to Montreal, the excitement, the fans, the cheers of the spectators, I’m sure it will be special for Montreal and Canadian fans to present this competition again and enjoy the spotlight of this world stage,” he added.
Furyk therefore believes that the event remains interesting despite American domination. The passion of the crowd in 2007 demonstrated this and he expects to feel similar emotions as captain in the fall of 2024.