The Presidents Cup is here! The Golfing Gazette’s writers predict how the event will go from the winning score to breakout stars and much more.
The competition between the United States and the International Team gets underway on Thursday and concludes on Sunday afternoon.
The two teams will go to battle at the challenging Royal Montreal Golf Club across three formats: foursomes, fourballs and singles.
The US are fully expected to cruise to victory but their opposition will not go down without a fight.
Here are all of our predictions for the Presidents Cup; there are some bold ones!
Winner and score prediction
Jordan Harris: USA 16.5-13.5
“While a win for the Internationals would be absolutely fantastic to see – and important for the event itself – it is hard to see past a victory for the USA. The winning score will be 16.5-13.5 with Mike Weir’s men giving the US another good scare before just falling short.”
Peter Lynch: USA 19-11
“It would be foolish to predict a winner based on what the teams look like on paper alone, but the star-studded US Team – which includes the top two players in the world – really should have more than enough to overcome the International Team. Hopefully, it is tighter than what many may expect, but the US Team could run away with a victory somewhere in the region of 19-11.”
Sam Stone: USA 18-12
“As much as an International win would be good for golf, the USA will triumph once more: 18-12.”
United States top point scorer
Jordan Harris: Scottie Scheffler
“Scottie Scheffler had a terrible record in 2022, going 0-3-1 at Quail Hollow. He has not won a match in the Presidents Cup or the Ryder Cup since 2021, but the worst thing the Internationals could do is take the world number one lightly. He is someone who could play in all five sessions, and will be absolutely desperate to prove a point.”
Peter Lynch: Scottie Scheffler
“It’s hard to look past Scheffler for this one, with the world number one in formidable form this season, having recently won yet another title at the Tour Championship.“
Sam Stone: Patrick Cantlay
“Patrick Cantlay’s match-play record is as good as it gets. Whenever he’s partnered with Xander Schauffele, points are a foregone conclusion.”
International Team top point scorer
Jordan Harris: Adam Scott
“If Mike Weir can rely on someone to play in all five sessions, it is surely Adam Scott – who has shown some impressive form in recent months. There is a different feeling about this International team, but the Aussie will not be getting carried away. His two points on Saturday in 2022 played such an important role in giving the Internationals belief that the most unlikely comeback was still possible.”
Peter Lynch: Adam Scott
“Adam Scott should be able to use all of his experience to lead the way for the International Team, with the Australian set to play his 11th consecutive Presidents Cup, remarkably extending his own appearances record.”
Sam Stone: Tom Kim
“Tom Kim will need to have a good week for Mike Weir’s men to stand any chance.”
Who will be the breakout star?
Jordan Harris: Russell Henley
“The American players should be lining up to play with Russell Henley this week. The 35-year-old rookie’s consistency and accuracy could make him the ideal foursomes teammate. He may not play in all five sessions, but he could be a surprise contender for a flawless record from the week. There should also be huge excitement to see how Sahith Theegala fares in this event. Do not be surprised to see Mackenzie Hughes produce a performance somewhere along the way that inspires the Canadian crowd either.”
Peter Lynch: Taylor Pendrith
“Home star Taylor Pendrith has impressed this season, and he could use the backing of the Canadian crowd to really come into his own at this Presidents Cup, spurred on by compatriot and captain Mike Weir.”
Sam Stone: Sahith Theegala
“Sahith Theegala. The American looks primed to be one of the USA’s key men in the coming years.”
Which player will underperform?
Jordan Harris: Wyndham Clark and Jason Day
“While it would be easy to point to someone like Max Homa, it would be hard to say that he has underperformed if he struggles this week. Instead, Wyndham Clark and Jason Day get the nod. Both are major champions, but Day’s Presidents Cup record is a poor one and his iron play has been a real weakness this year. Meanwhile, it is hard to forget a couple of the shots Clark hit under the most intense pressure at last year’s Ryder Cup.”
Peter Lynch: Wyndham Clark
“Wyndham Clark could take home this unwanted honour in Canada, with the American out of form after being among those to have missed the cut at the Procore Championship earlier this month, although Max Homa did suffer the same fate.”
Sam Stone: Scottie Scheffler
“Perhaps a surprise, but I am going for Scottie Scheffler. The two-time Masters champ has a poor match-play record and could fall below his high standards this week.”
Who will Scottie Scheffler be paired with?
Jordan Harris: Sam Burns
“Jim Furyk will surely put Scheffler and Sam Burns together at some stage despite their lack of success together. It’s not a prediction, but his partnership with Bryson DeChambeau in 2021 shows that it would also be a lot of fun to watch him play alongside someone with Keegan Bradley’s passion.”
Peter Lynch: Sam Burns
“Furyk has somewhat teased a Scheffler-Burns pairing at the Presidents Cup, and I think that’s what he’ll go with at some point, with the duo having linked up at Quail Hollow in 2022 and at the 2023 Ryder Cup.”
Sam Stone: Sam Burns
“If rumours are to be believed, Scheffler teaming up with Burns is on the cards later in the week, which could be a smart move from Furyk.”
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