The Presidents Cup is back for its 15th edition this year with the USA having won 12 times, the International team only once, and a single tie in 2023.
Some people think the Presidents Cup should be mixed or even canceled because of how much the USA wins.
Jeremy Ellwood talks about whether it should be scrapped or not.
Why would anyone suggest canceling it?
Since the first event in 1994, the International team has only won once and tied once, while the American team has taken home 12 victories, including nine straight from 2005. The International team’s only win was back in 1998 at Royal Melbourne under Peter Thomson’s leadership.
Have any of those losses been close?
Yes, some matches have been tight. In 1996, after losing badly in 1994, the International team almost made a comeback by winning Saturday’s matches but fell short on Sunday, losing overall by just one point (16.5-15.5). But many other matches were one-sided affairs except for ties in 2003 and closer contests in 2015 and 2019.
Tiger Woods’ US side mounted an impressive final day comeback in a closely fought 2019 Presidents Cup.
Fans might think that if matches are always predictable, they could lose interest.
Is there hope for change?
Maybe, but recent events like those in 2017 and 2022 still saw big margins of defeat—eight and five points respectively.
Look at the Ryder Cup’s history…
From 1927 to 1977, America dominated the Ryder Cup with overwhelming victories: 22 wins to just three losses and one tie. But since Europe joined in ’79, it’s been more balanced: nine wins for America and twelve for Europe with one tie. This shift happened as new stars from continental Europe emerged. However, for the Presidents Cup’s international team already representing "the rest of the world," there’s no new pool to draw from.
Why does the International team struggle so much?
It’s puzzling because these players are all top-notch. Some say getting players from different countries to work well together is tougher than with a single-nation team. Yet European teams have managed this well in Ryder Cups despite often being weaker on paper.
This year’s ban on LIV golfers weakens Mike Weir’s International squad further since key players like Cam Smith and Louis Oosthuizen can’t participate.
Does it matter that it’s so one-sided?
Fans still enjoy watching high-quality match-play golf ; however, if outcomes become too predictable, excitement dwindles. Assuming it won’t be canceled entirely, resolving bans like those affecting LIV players will be crucial so that future international teams can compete at full strength.
What do you think about this situation? Should they make changes or keep things as they are?
