L'ÎLE-BIZARD–SAINTE-GENEVIÈVE, Quebec — As the Presidents Cup kicked off at Royal Montreal Golf Club, the atmosphere was electric with excitement, fueled by competitive banter between world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and South Korea's rising star, Tom Kim.

Despite the spirited efforts from Kim and his teammate Sungjae Im to get under Scheffler's skin, the American duo of Scheffler and Russell Henley secured a decisive 3-and-2 victory, helping the U.S. build a formidable 5-0 lead over the International team. The stakes were high as the tournament, a biennial showdown featuring 12 American golfers against their international counterparts, is always a battleground of skill and strategy.

"We're here on home turf; I just wish the crowd was louder for us," Kim expressed post-match. He further emphasized that passionate fans could significantly impact performance, particularly in a Canadian setting where golf is cherished.

The playful antagonism escalated on the seventh green, where Kim celebrated a birdie putt with a triumphant fist pump, igniting the crowd. Scheffler responded with a 27-foot birdie of his own, turning to boastfully challenge Kim. The gamesmanship didn't stop there; on the very next hole, Kim and Im both scored birdies, prompting Kim to flex in celebration, further fueling the friendly rivalry.

"I consider Scott a good friend, but this week, it's about business," Kim said, demonstrating the competitive spirit that often defines athletic contests. Both players vowed to give their best to secure victory for their teams.

However, Scheffler seemed unfazed by the theatrics, focusing on maintaining momentum rather than engaging in the psychological battle. "I just played my game; I didn’t really notice what was happening around me," he commented, highlighting the unwavering determination that characterizes elite athletes.

As tensions built in the matches, the U.S. showed their strength early on. Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau led with a narrow victory over Australia's Jason Day and Byeong-Hun An. Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala followed suit, edging out Australian duo Adam Scott and Min-Woo Lee.

Despite their valiant efforts, the International team's closest pairing, Taylor Pendrith and Christiaan Bezuidenhout, fell short against Americans Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley. "We gave it our all; it was a tough match," Pendrith reflected, emphasizing the spirit of competition.

Frustration grew among the International players as they noted the subdued response from Canadian fans, even with local legends like Wayne Gretzky and mixed martial arts star Georges St-Pierre present to rally support. "While we appreciate the effort from the crowd, we need more volume and enthusiasm as we move forward in the tournament," Pendrith urged.

The stakes of the Presidents Cup remain high, especially with the first team to reach 15½ points claiming victory. As the competition unfolds, all eyes will be on the dynamic between players, the pivotal role of home support, and whether the International team can turn the tide in this electrifying clash of golf's elite.

Stay tuned for more updates as the drama of the Presidents Cup continues to unfold! Will the International team rally back, or will the Americans extend their commanding lead?