Presidents Cup 2024: Matsuyama, I destroy the Cantlay/Schauffele duo

So maybe this Presidents Cup won’t be a walk in the park after all. A day after losing 5-0 in the fourballs on Thursday, the international team hit back hard against the United States on Friday. At the top: Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im, who completely defeated Patrick Cantlay and two-time major winner Xander Schauffele by a Presidents Cup record margin of 7&6.

Matsuyama and Im overwhelmed the first nine holes, winning holes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 and throwing the Cantlay/Schauffele duo into a hole from which they would never escape.

After the turnaround, the Internationals won holes 10, 11 and 12, ending the previously unbeatable American duo. The two had won all five foursome matches at the Presidents and Ryder Cups before Friday. At the time of the win, three other international teams were in the lead and one was tied, which would represent a significant boost for the struggling international team.

The stunning victory will be enjoyed like fine tea in Europe, where Cantlay and Schauffele once were Personae non gratae during last year’s Ryder Cup for allegedly wanting to be paid for their appearances in international team competitions.

The PGA Tour noted that eight Presidents Cup games ended in 13 holes or fewer. The youngest to achieve the feat before Friday: Cantlay and Schauffele, ironically, who beat Matsuyama and Adam Scott 6&5 in Thursday’s foursome in 2022.