It was a day to forget for Mike Weir and the International Team, as the United States won all four matches on the opening day of the Presidents Cup.
The International Team missed several birdie putts during the latter stages of Thursday’s play to hand a massive advantage to Jim Furyk’s men.
The fourballs, however, weren’t without drama as Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler went back and forth throughout match number three.
Furthermore, US vice-captain Kevin Kisner was angry with Kim and Sungjae Im after they walked to the 9th tee early.
It was undoubtedly a dramatic opening day, as the USA quickly silenced the Canadian crowds. The Royal Montreal support underwhelmed Kim, and now Weir has shared his thoughts on the atmosphere in Quebec.
Mike Weir praises Royal Montreal crowds despite Tom Kim’s concerns
Speaking to the media after the opening day, Weir was pleased with the support his team received.
“I thought the crowds were good today. You get a bit of momentum on your side, and that’s when the crowds can really get going,” said Weir.
“I think everybody is excited and nervous, and I think the crowds are going to be louder and louder as we go on here.”
Weir will be desperate for a fast start on Friday to prevent the Presidents Cup from becoming a foregone conclusion before it’s properly begun.
Mike Weir makes changes for Friday’s Presidents Cup foursomes
The International Team typically performs better in fourball matches, which makes Thursday’s humbling all the more difficult to endure.
The United States Team are the foursomes experts and will be looking to reach near the ten point mark by the end of Friday’s play.
Looking at the match-ups, it’s difficult to envisage Weir’s team closing the deficit. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are back together in the opening match against Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im. The American duo are almost a guaranteed point when paired together.
Match number two also looks tricky for the Internationals, with Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa taking on Adam Scott and Taylor Pendrith. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley teaming up once more in the anchor match will be hard to stop.
Weir will target match three, in which Brian Harman and Max Homa face Christiaan Bezuidenhout and Jason Day. Homa has struggled for form and will be under pressure to perform in the alternate shot format.
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