MONTREAL – A Historic Foursomes Session

In a spectacular display of teamwork and precision, the International Team kicked off Friday's Foursomes session with a stunning performance, tied for the shortest match victory in Presidents Cup history. Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im dominated the renowned U.S. pairing of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, securing a resounding 7 and 6 win. This emphatic victory not only marked the International team's first point of the week but also ignited a fierce comeback after a disappointing start to the tournament.

Match Overview

The match began with Matsuyama and Im showcasing their exceptional skills, quickly gaining momentum and never losing a hole throughout the contest. While the U.S. team struggled to find their rhythm, failing to capitalize on opportunities, the International squad maintained control, missing only two fairways and greens respectively.

A Personal Triumph for Matsuyama

Matsuyama and Im's victory is not just statistically significant; it also carries a personal touch for Matsuyama. Two years ago, he and Adam Scott faced the same U.S. duo and suffered a 6 and 5 defeat. This win serves as a measure of revenge, as they utterly outperformed their opponents this time around.

Im's Extraordinary Performance

Im's performance was nothing short of extraordinary. His impressive second shot at the par-5 sixth hole landed on the green from an astonishing 250 yards away, while his sharp tee shot at the par-3 seventh left him with just 9 feet for birdie. The dynamic duo continued to build momentum throughout the match, sinking birdies with remarkable consistency, including an impressive stretch of seven consecutive birdies—a feat that underscores their dominance.

Team Spirit

"Our vibe was vibing from the very beginning, and we were determined to win," said Im after their match. "Our teamwork was amazing. When I made a shot, Hideki was right behind me to finish it off for the putt."

Shift in U.S. Team Dynamics

This startling defeat marked a significant shift for Cantlay and Schauffele, who were undefeated in Foursomes at the Presidents Cup, holding a 3-0 record before this historic loss. This pairing has become a staple for the U.S. team since their debut together in 2019, matching the record for the most appearances as a team in President Cup history alongside legends Fred Couples and Davis Love III.

Troubling Trend for American Teams

Additionally, this year's Presidents Cup continues a troubling trend for American teams facing record-breaking defeats in Foursomes. Just last year, at the Ryder Cup, Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka endured a staggering 9 and 7 loss to Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland.

Looking Ahead

As the competition progresses, all eyes will be on the International Team and their burgeoning momentum—are they poised to overturn the historical imbalance in the Presidents Cup? Only time will tell as they strive to claim their first victory against a formidable U.S. squad.