The 2024 Presidents Cup is underway as the United States eye a tenth successive win in Quebec.
Royal Montreal Golf Club is the venue, and the American players have shared differing opinions on the course in the lead-up to Thursday’s opening matches.
Scottie Scheffler feels the course is straightforward, while Sahith Theegala suggested the front nine was ‘almost boring’.
However, as the opening matches get underway, journalist Dan Rapaport has shared something ‘odd’ he’s noticed about Royal Montreal.
Presidents Cup have made ‘odd’ decision on the 18th at Royal Montreal Golf Club
Taking to X on Wednesday, Rapaport shared an image of the 18th green, which was pretty underwhelming, to say the least.
“18th green at Royal Montreal. Not the most electric final-hole setting I’ve seen,” Rapaport wrote. “Granted, a lot of matches don’t get to 18, but no grandstand is odd. Course-wise, rough is very spotty.
“They’ve sort of just let it be. Sand is not the bright-white they’re used to seeing on Tour.”
Presidents Cup make an error on the 18th at Royal Montreal
Of course, there’s an argument that not many matches will reach the 18th. However, surely it was an investment worth making just in case any went down to the wire.
The recent BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth demonstrated just how electric a grandstand on the 18th can be. Unfortunately, no such atmosphere will be replicated at this week’s Presidents Cup.
Considering the money and investment involved, adding a grandstand to the 18th would’ve been a drop in the ocean for organisers. Furthermore, there’s absolutely no way Bethpage Black’s 18th will be without a grandstand when the Ryder Cup gets underway next year.
As Rapaport mentions, it’s an odd move which could easily backfire.
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