Full Breakdown
Scheffler and Burns Break Their Presidents Cup Jinx to Give USA a 3-2 Lead
By Drooid · · How we work
Opening Four-Ball Session
On Thursday’s opening four-ball matches at Medinah Country Club, the United States edged the International team 3-2. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns finally secured a win together after four previous attempts, beating Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im 1-up. The day also saw Justin Thomas and rookie Jackson Koivun defeat Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria (4-3), and Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa beat Ryan Fox and Adam Scott (3-2). Captains Brandt Snedeker (USA) and Geoff Ogilvy (International) praised their teams, noting that a session win “is a session win.”
Historical Context
The Presidents Cup, a biennial contest between the United States and an International squad, has been dominated by the Americans, who have won ten straight editions since 2005. The 2026 event is the 16th edition and the first at Medinah since the 2012 Ryder Cup. Scheffler’s résumé—four major titles and a five-year reign at world No. 1—contrasts with his team-match record: 3-5-1 overall and 0-3-1 when paired with Burns. Snedeker has emphasized chemistry over pure rankings in his pairing strategy.
Key Numbers
- USA leads the opening session 3-2.
- Scheffler’s Presidents Cup record: 3-5-1 overall; 0-3-1 with Burns.
- Burns’ four-ball record with Scheffler before this win: 0-3-1.
- The United States needs 15 points to retain the Cup and 15½ to win outright; the 2024 victory was secured with an 18½-11½ margin.
Official Statements & Responses
Snedeker highlighted the importance of comfort in pairings, saying the team’s “personality-wise” approach lets players perform without overthinking. Ogilvy, after the International side’s 3-2 tally, called the result “not too bad” and expressed optimism about building momentum.
On-the-Ground Report
The Scheffler/Burns match was tightly contested from the first hole. Scheffler birdied the opening four holes, and the pair remained level after the International duo birdied the fifth. A 10-foot birdie putt by Burns on the 14th reclaimed the lead, and both players held steady on the 18th, with Scheffler’s bunker shot securing par and the decisive point.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Sam hit probably the shot of the match there on 14,” — Scottie Scheffler
- “Scottie Scheffler being Scottie Scheffler is the most important thing for us as a team,” — Brandt Snedeker
- “We just did our best to stay in it,” — Scottie Scheffler
What’s Next
The competition moves to five alternate-shot (foursomes) matches on Friday, followed by additional four-ball and foursomes sessions on Saturday and the final singles on Sunday. The event runs through September 28, when the concluding singles are scheduled. Captains will continue to adjust pairings as the United States seeks its 11th consecutive Presidents Cup triumph.