(Charlotte) The idea was that two of America’s most reliable duos would set the tone on Thursday in the Presidents Cup, and the outcome was predictable.
Posted at 7:43 p.m.
Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay easily defeated Australian Adam Scott and Japanese Hideki Matsuyama in the first match of the day. The two Americans were bogey-free and won 6-and-5 to improve their Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup records to 5-0.
Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, good friends since they were 14, landed a few shots at key moments to beat Canadian Corey Conners and South Korean Sungjae Im 2-and-1.
“I told the guys last night that we had to set the tone and we did,” Schauffele said. Playing in this format and not committing any bugs is exactly what we needed. »
The international team, already underestimated for these clashes, was more affected than the Americans because some players left the PGA TOUR to join the LIV Tour. Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann are among the deserters.
The South Korean Si Woo Kim and Cameron Davis prevented the international team from being shut out on this first day of competition. They were two strokes behind with four holes to play against Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, but they won by two holes.
Canadian Taylor Pendrith and Chilean Mito Pereira came close to picking up another point for the international team. They were tied with Tony Finau and Max Homa with just one hole to go, but Pereira sent his tee shot way down the fairway. The Americans were able to win the hole and get the point.
“We did what we were supposed to do,” analyzed Finau.
The other point for the United States came from the sticks of Collin Morikawa and Cameron Young. They fought hard against South Koreans Tom Kim and KH Lee and took the lead on 13e hole. The Americans finally triumphed 2-and-1.
“Obviously it’s only the first day, but every point is important,” said Young. It’s a feeling I’ve been waiting for for a long time. »
Five other quartets will play on Friday.