Golf commentator Smylie Kaufman has named four International stars who must perform at the Presidents Cup in order to end the USA’s relentless winning run.
The International Team has lost the previous nine editions of the competition, with the 17-17 draw in 2003 the last time the US failed to win.
However, with several of Jim Furyk’s decisions under fire, a chance could have emerged for Mike Weir’s new-looked team.
Kaufman has suggested that the international side stands a chance, providing that its big names are at their best.
Smylie Kaufman piles pressure on four International Team stars ahead of Presidents Cup
Speaking on the latest edition of the Smylie Show, Kaufman named Hideki Matsuyama, Corey Conners, Jason Day and Adam Scott as the players who must step up in Quebec.
“For me, their stars need to be Hideki Matsuyama and Corey Conners, and then a combination of Jason Day or Adam Scott. For those four guys, you really need them all to have solid Presidents Cups,” Kaufman explained.
“But then you are going to have to find something from a cast of characters who are going to be the guys to take that leap into potential leading point-getters. The next group of guys, who have really nice weeks, can build off. A Tom Kim, given how well he played at Quail Hollow. He could be the guy.”
Mike Weir must find solution to USA’s heavy-hitting stars
If the International Team is to be successful this weekend, finding players who can match Scottie Scheffler and the potent Xander Schauffele-Patrick Cantlay combination is a must.
If the USA’s heavy hitters deliver, it’s hard to imagine the rest of the event going the International side’s way.
Weir must decide whether to pair his best players up against the USA’s elite or hold them back and try to guarantee points further down the leaderboard.
However, regarding Kaufman’s comments, it’s hard to envisage the International side triumphing unless the four players above deliver.
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