- Planet Golf News
- Posts
- Planet Golf News for Friday, September 27, 2024
Planet Golf News for Friday, September 27, 2024
Americans take 5-0 lead over International team at Presidents Cup in Montreal | In a shocking development, golf fans aren't too happy with the 2024 Presidents Cup TV coverage
| OWGR | FedExCup Points | TUGR | Subscribe |
Friday, September 27, 2024
PlanetGolfNews + Marie Birdie
Marie Birdie is a clothing brand dedicated to providing young women with the sense of empowerment and individuality. Now available at select PGA Superstores.
[ THE LEADERBOARD ]
Today’s Top Golf News in Two Minutes
Good Morning,
Day 1 of the 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal was a masterclass in dominance by Team USA, sweeping the International squad 5-0 in the opening round of four-ball matches. This rare sweep—only the third in the tournament’s history—put the Americans in a commanding lead as they chase their 10th consecutive Presidents Cup victory. Scottie Scheffler, leading the charge, paired up with Russell Henley to secure a crucial 3-and-2 win against Tom Kim and Sungjae Im. What started as friendly competition between Scheffler and his off-course friend Kim turned tense, with the emotions boiling over into some heated exchanges on the course. Despite the theatrics, the Americans kept their cool and capitalized on key moments, particularly Scheffler’s clutch birdie in the heat of battle.
Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau also stepped up, delivering in the clutch to grab a point against Jason Day and Byeong Hun An. Schauffele's brilliance on the final two holes sealed the deal for the pair, further pushing the International team into a corner. Unfortunately for the home crowd, Canadian duo Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners couldn't turn the tide, both losing their matches and adding to the International team’s woes. Despite some close moments, including matches that stretched to the 18th hole, the Internationals couldn’t put points on the board, leaving their captain, Mike Weir, with an uphill battle to rally his squad.
However, it wasn’t just the competition on the greens making waves. Golf fans were less than thrilled with the TV coverage of the event, with complaints about Peacock’s streaming limitations, camera issues, and an overload of commercial breaks flooding social media. Meanwhile, Kevin Kisner, the U.S. assistant captain, kept things light and interactive by live-tweeting his thoughts throughout the day, providing fans with insider commentary and some much-needed humor amidst the drama.
Speaking of drama, tensions spilled over during Scheffler and Kim's match when Kim and Im walked off the green before Scheffler had a chance to finish putting—a move that was criticized by Paul McGinley as disrespectful and added fuel to the fire. The rivalry between the two teams was clear, not just in their play but in these charged moments on the course, setting up an intense atmosphere for the rest of the event.
On the International side, all eyes are on their revamped lineup for Day 2’s foursomes, a do-or-die moment if they hope to claw back from this near-insurmountable deficit. Captain Weir, keeping spirits high, compared their Day 1 loss to being down in the first period of a hockey game, reminding everyone that there's plenty of golf left to play.
While the Presidents Cup dominated the headlines, other golf tournaments are heating up. Over at Pinnacle Country Club, the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship kicked off, with many of the top LPGA players vying for a title. Meanwhile, in Madrid, Angel Hidalgo set the early pace at the Acciona Open de España, with Jon Rahm lurking just three shots behind after a solid start despite battling windy conditions.
As Day 2 of the Presidents Cup unfolds, the International team faces a steep climb, and all eyes will be on whether they can turn the tide or if the Americans will march further towards yet another title.
[ Today’s Top Golf News ]
Major Golf Tournaments happening this week
Presidents Cup - PGA Tour - The Royal Montreal Golf Club - Montreal, PQ
On Thursday the United States team dominated the opening session of the Presidents Cup at The Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec. The Americans achieved a clean sweep, winning all five fourball matches against the International team.
This impressive start marked only the third time in Presidents Cup history that the U.S. team has swept the opening session, with the last occurrence dating back to 2000. The Americans now lead the competition 5-0, putting them in a strong position as they aim for their tenth consecutive victory in this biennial event.
Notable performances came from several American players. Scottie Scheffler, paired with Russell Henley, secured a 3-and-2 victory over Sungjae Im and Tom Kim in what was described as the most exciting match of the day. Scheffler and Kim, who are friends off the course, engaged in some friendly banter and celebratory exchanges during their match.
Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau clinched a crucial point by winning their match against Jason Day and Byeong Hun An. Schauffele, in particular, showed his class by making birdies on the final two holes to secure the victory.
The International team struggled throughout the day, particularly with their putting. Despite some competitive moments and matches that went to the 18th hole, they were unable to secure any points. Canadian players Taylor Pendrith and Corey Conners, making their second Presidents Cup appearance, both lost their matches, adding to the disappointment for the home crowd.
International team captain Mike Weir remained optimistic despite the setback, comparing the situation to being down after the first period of a hockey game and emphasizing that there's still a long way to go in the competition.
The Americans' dominant performance sets the stage for an uphill battle for the International team as they head into Friday's foursomes matches, where they'll need to mount a significant comeback to stay competitive in the tournament.
Kim and Im leaving for the next tee is bush league! Glad McGinley called it out
— Shane Ryan (@ShaneRyanHere)
6:33 PM • Sep 26, 2024
Presidents Cup Videos
Walmart NW Arkansas Championship Pres. by P&G - LPGA - Pinnacle Country Club, Rogers, AR
On Thursday the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship presented by P&G kicked off at Pinnacle Country Club in Rogers, Arkansas. The day began with professional practice sessions, allowing players to familiarize themselves with the course without predetermined times or pairings. The actual tournament begins today.
acciona Open de Espana pres. by Madrid - DP World Tour - Club de Campo Villa de Madrid - Madrid, Spain
The first round of the 2024 ACCIONA Open de España presented by Madrid was suspended due to darkness on Thursday, with only one player, Pedro Figueiredo, unable to complete his round. Despite the suspension, several players managed to make their mark on the leaderboard.
Matthieu Pavon, the defending champion, demonstrated his affinity for the course by posting a solid score in the opening round. He carded three birdies against two bogeys, finishing at 1-under par. Pavon's performance is particularly noteworthy given his recent success, including a victory on the PGA Tour at the Farmers Insurance Open and a strong showing at the U.S. Open.
Jon Rahm, the local favorite and one of the tournament's biggest draws, also had a strong start. He recorded five birdies and two bogeys in his first round. Rahm's presence has generated significant excitement among the Spanish fans, with large crowds following his group from the very first tee.
Tommy Fleetwood, fresh off his Olympic silver medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics, made his second appearance at the tournament. While his exact score wasn't provided, his participation adds to the event's prestige.
Shane Lowry, making his debut at the ACCIONA Open de España, expressed enthusiasm for the challenging course layout. His performance in the opening round could set the tone for his first experience at this historic event.
As the tournament progresses, these early leaders will look to build on their strong starts, while other top players in the field, including Ryder Cup stars and major champions, will aim to climb the leaderboard in the coming days.
acciona Open Videos
Today’s Best Golf Videos
What’s in the Bag (WITB)
Overheard in the Club House
UPCOMING TOURS
Marie Birdie is a female-founded and owned golf and active wear brand for tween and teen girls. Our mission is to inspire, delight, and empower girls to enjoy an active lifestyle while playing golf.
Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up HERE for FREE