The practice rounds ahead of the Presidents Cup or Ryder Cup can often prove to be very interesting as they provide a clear hint regarding the potential pairings in a captain’s mind.
Of course, Jim Furyk would probably prefer to keep his pairings under wraps until he officially needs to name his lineup for the opening day of the Presidents Cup. But it would make little sense to throw players out randomly during the practice rounds just to throw the opposition off.
There will also be some changes from day to day, so his groupings are not quite as revealing as Sir Nick Faldo being photographed with a list of initials which proved to be his opening day pairings ahead of the 2008 Ryder Cup. But clearly, there will be some ideas in mind when Furyk sends out each foursome ahead of this week’s event.
Plenty will be wondering who Scottie Scheffler will be playing with this week, with the world number one needing a much better Presidents Cup this time around. The 28-year-old went 0-3-1 at Quail Hollow two years ago, having been paired with Sam Burns for three sessions.
Who Scottie Scheffler practiced alongside on Monday at the Presidents Cup
Their partnership also featured in one session at last year’s Ryder Cup, but that proved to be a disappointing occasion for the pair too. But perhaps they may get an opportunity to put things right this year.
As reported by NBC, Scheffler was in the second practice group on Monday alongside Burns, Keegan Bradley and Russell Henley.
The first group included Tony Finau, Wyndham Clark, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele; while Max Homa, Brian Harman, Sahith Theegala and Collin Morikawa were in group three.
American fans are waiting for the curveballs from the captain
It seems fair to say that Furyk has sprung no surprises with his groupings for the opening practice round. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are arguably USA’s strongest partnership, while Max Homa and Brian Harman were outstanding on Saturday at the Ryder Cup.
Tony Finau and Collin Morikawa are amongst those who appear to have the games to play with almost anyone. Meanwhile, Russell Henley is also someone who has the skillset to be an underrated option this week.
In fact, perhaps Monday’s groupings opens the door for Furyk to throw in a curveball, with Smylie Kaufman claiming that Henley could be a fantastic partner for Scheffler.
Admittedly, Furyk did not capture the imagination with his captain’s picks, simply picking the next six names in the qualification standings. So plenty will doubt the likelihood of a few funky pairings when the event actually starts.
But then again, it is hard to question much that the Americans have done in the Presidents Cup over the years when you look at their record in the competition.
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