Full Breakdown
Internationals Sweep Friday Foursomes to Take 7-3 Lead at 2026 Presidents Cup
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Friday’s Foursomes Session
On September 25, 2026, the International Team won all five alternate-shot matches at Medinah Country Club, moving the score to 7 points – 3. The winning pairings were:
- Corey Conners / Nick Taylor (Canada) defeated Scottie Scheffler / Sam Burns 1-up.
- Hideki Matsuyama / Sungjae Im (Japan/Korea) beat Russell Henley / Jacob Bridgeman 3 & 2.
- Ryan Fox / Min Woo Lee (Australia/Korea) edged Collin Morikawa / Wyndham Clark 1-up.
- Adam Scott / Christiaan Bezuidenhout (Australia/South Africa) won over Justin Thomas / Cameron Young 3 & 2.
- Tom Kim / Si Woo Kim (South Korea) defeated Patrick Cantlay / Xander Schauffele 4 & 3.
The sweep matched the Internationals’ five-match whitewash at Royal Montreal in 2024 and gave them their largest lead after two sessions since 1998.
Background & Context
The Presidents Cup pits the United States against a composite International Team. The format features fourball on Thursday, five foursomes on Friday, then additional sessions on Saturday and singles on Sunday. Since 1994 the U.S. has won 13 of 15 editions; the only International victory came in 1998. A 7-3 lead after two days is the biggest advantage the Internationals have held since that win.
Data & Statistics
- Score after Friday: Internationals 7 – USA 3.
- Historical comparison: Largest International lead since 1998 (4-point margin).
- Match-play records: Scheffler/Burns entered the day 0-3-1; the Kims improved to 4-1 as a partnership.
- Points remaining: 20 points are still available; a team needs 15.5 to capture the Cup.
Official Statements & Responses
International captain Geoff Ogilvy praised his squad’s “incredible day.” U.S. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler called the loss a “relentless” effort from the Internationals and stressed the need to stay “in it.” Sam Burns noted his missed 18-foot birdie putt that could have salvaged a half-point.
Criticism & Opposition
Some observers argue the format favors the deeper U.S. roster. Rory McIlroy said, “If the Ryder Cup was the same format as the Presidents Cup, the Europeans wouldn’t historically be as successful as they have been.” Former International captain Nick Price added, “The less points you play for the closer it’s always going to be,” and noted that “the average golfer doesn’t understand what those two points mean.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “We just tried to be relentless out there,” — Corey Conners
- “Maybe I bailed myself out after that drive,” — Nick Taylor
- “It's the elephant in the room you have to address,” — Brandt Snedeker
- “Saw some good stuff... We will take that,” — Geoff Ogilvy
Why It Matters
The 7-3 lead puts the Internationals within striking distance of the 15.5 points needed for the Cup, reviving hopes of ending a 28-year U.S. winning streak. The momentum shift highlights the growing competitiveness of the International roster, now spanning seven nations.
What’s Next
Saturday will feature fourball in the morning and a second set of foursomes in the afternoon. The United States must capture at least 8.5 points of the remaining 20 to retain the Cup, while the Internationals need 8.5 points to force a decisive Sunday singles session. The outcome of Saturday’s sessions will determine whether the historic lead translates into a first International victory since 1998.