International Team loses all five matches on opening day of Presidents Cup

They were buzzing with excitement and confidence but it meant little in the Presidents Cup cauldron as the International Team was schooled by the mighty USA.

Jason Day’s reaction says it all. Picture: Harry How/Getty Images/AFP

Adam Scott declared everyone on the International Team were “fighters” after an opening day Presidents Cup disaster left the veteran staring at a 10th defeat at the hands of the power-packed team USA, which won all five matches at Royal Montreal Golf Club.

On the eve of the biennial showdown in Canada, his 11th appearance, Scott declared he’d never felt more “comfortable” about the chances of the International outfit, citing their enthusiasm to get the first win since 1998 as his motivation to perform.

But all their passion and excitement didn’t turn into results, with Scott and first-timer Min Woo Lee among the five losing teams in the four-ball matches that will demand the Internationals win nearly every single remaining match to lift the Cup.

“We’ve fought our whole careers to get into this team. We’ve faced many challenges as pro golfers. This is another one coming,” Scott said after losing 1-up to Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala.

“I don’t think I have to say much, other than we just have to lift our level.

Min Woo Lee and Adam Scott couldn’t get the job done. Picture: Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

“I’m disappointed. I think Min Woo and I could have won that match today. It’s disappointing that we didn’t do just a little bit better.

“I have a feeling the matches were closer than what the score indicates. Our guys are just going to have to lift a little bit. We’re going to have to find another gear to beat a tough American team.

“We’re going to have to come out, fight really hard, find that gear, win a session and get going in the right direction.”

Three of the four matches were decided on the final hole, with world No.1 Scottie Scheffler and partner Russell Henley scoring the most comprehensive win, a 3 and 2 victory.

That match included some fiery bards traded between Scheffler and opponent Tom Kim, with exuberant fist pumps aimed at each other after birdies on the eighth hole.

But there was no tension, Scheffler confirming afterwards the pair are great friends, and it was the “same thing I would have done at home” if they were playing each other in Dallas.

“What was that?!”

Scottie Scheffler and Tom Kim are bringing the energy to the Presidents Cup. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/HGpPYD2Hsc

— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 26, 2024

Jason Day, back in the team for the first time since 2017, took his match against Tony Finau and reigning British Open champ Xander Schauffele down to the 18th hole.

Despite losing, he said that showed how close the teams were.

“The best players in the world had to birdie the last hole to beat us. That’s why grinding it out is important,” he said.

“We’ve just got to kind of regroup and think about tomorrow.”

Scott too said while the gap on the scoreboard was a blowout, not much separated the teams, giving him hope a comeback is not beyond them.

“Personally, I’ve got to use the couple good shots and the putt that I made on 18 as positive momentum going forward this week,” he said.

“You’ve got to use what you can out of this situation going forward. Like I said before, the scoreline looks rough, but I don’t think there was that much difference in it today.

“It’s obvious what we have to do.”

Originally published as International Team loses all five matches on opening day of Presidents Cup