Team USA clinched its 10th straight Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal, but the 18.5-11.5 scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story.
Some might question the fairness of the match given America’s 19-year winning streak, suggesting changes like making it a mixed event.
But let’s talk about why the USA vs Internationals match should stay as it is.
There are tweaks I’d make, though. For one, adopting a Ryder/Solheim Cup three-day format would prevent players from sitting out entire days. Also, including LIV golfers would be interesting, but that’s not possible right now due to PGA Tour rules. However, this could change in two years once a deal between the PGA Tour and Saudi PIF is finalized.
Future Changes and Player Dynamics:
When that deal happens, expect stronger International teams with stars like Cameron Smith and Joaquin Niemann returning. Others like Dean Burmester, Louis Oosthuizen, Abraham Ancer, Carlos Ortiz, Mito Pereira and Sebastian Munoz will also be eligible again .
Fans might feel excited about these potential changes making future matches more competitive. By 2026 at Medinah, we could see a much stronger International side. Yet even with these additions, they’ll still likely be underdogs—and that’s okay! The thrill of rooting for an underdog adds to the excitement.
The Presidents Cup heads back to Royal Melbourne in 2028 where Tiger Woods’ team narrowly beat the Internationals in 2019 after an epic comeback—mark your calendars!
This year’s event seemed lopsided but wasn’t really so. According to Golf Digest’s Shane Ryan: “The US won just one more hole than the Internationals all week.” The US took 117 holes compared to the Internationals’ 116.
Mike Weir’s decision to rest four players all day Saturday was puzzling and impacted the final result significantly. His team had momentum after sweeping Friday’s foursomes 5-0 but lost steam when key players sat out on Saturday—a mistake future captains won’t repeat.
Despite losing grip on Saturday afternoon and facing an inspired US team led by Xander Schauffele (World No.2), Collin Morikawa (No.4), and Patrick Cantlay (No.9), this year’s Presidents Cup was gripping for most of its duration.
Tom Kim might become a top-10 player by next time; Hideki Matsuyama could add more Majors; Min Woo Lee might also crack into top rankings—all contributing to a potentially formidable International squad bolstered by LIV golfers’ return.
The Internationals have lost ten consecutive Cups now—they’re tired of losing but bound to win eventually if we keep faith in this thrilling competition that holds its own place in golf alongside mega-money events .
Match play remains golf’s most exciting format because it’s about pride over prize money—let’s cherish that spirit! Sure it’s not quite Ryder or Solheim Cup level yet but delivers fantastic moments year after year nonetheless!
What do you think? Will next time be different?
