Despite the International Team producing a remarkable comeback during Friday’s Presidents Cup foursomes, there’s no doubt several LIV Golf stars would walk straight into Mike Weir’s plans.
The USA won all five matches on an eventful opening day at Royal Montreal Golf Club. However, Weir’s men fought back on Friday, levelling the scoreboard.
The 12-man International Team and the United States side don’t include any LIV Golf players, and here, The Golfing Gazette names three breakaway league players who would probably be the first names on Weir’s team sheet.
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Cameron Smith
Aussie Cameron Smith played in the Presidents Cup in 2019 and would probably be the International’s star man if he were present in Montreal.
Bryson DeChambeau says Smith is the best putter he’s seen, and considering the putts missed by Weir’s team on Thursday, the 31-year-old would, without a doubt, have sunk some birdies during the opening exchanges.
Joaquin Niemann
Chilean Joaquin Niemann finished second in the LIV Golf Individual Championship and enjoyed a stellar season on the breakaway tour.
Data Golf has Niemann 16th in the world rankings, and the 25-year-old would almost certainly be one of the International side’s big names.
Louis Oosthuizen
Louis Oosthuizen is the next highest-ranked international star on LIV Golf and would’ve provided vast experience to this relatively young side.
The South African has won in 2024 and has shown glimpses of his former best. As a former major champion, Weir would’ve been a brave man to leave the 41-year-old out had he been available.
Why LIV Golf players can’t play in the Presidents Cup
LIV Golf players are not eligible for the Presidents Cup due to failing to meet the criteria set by the PGA Tour.
The 24 players taking part in the Presidents Cup must be eligible to compete in PGA Tour-sanctioned events in the 2024 season.
For the USA, Bryson DeChambeau, Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, and Patrick Reed are all missing out.
However, after the latest PGA announcement, US-based LIV players will be eligible for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black next September.
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