In a dramatic turn on the back nine at Medinah Country Club, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns secured a crucial 1‑up victory for the United States, pushing the team ahead 3‑2 in the Presidents Cup.
Key moments
After a strong start from the International pair Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im, who held a 1‑up lead through four straight holes, the Americans seized momentum. Burns delivered an 8‑iron from 172 yards that landed just two feet from the hole on the 14th, a shot Scheffler later called “the shot of the match.” Scheffler then saved par with a superb bunker play on the 18th, sealing the win.
“We finally got a point and it felt like a sigh of relief,” Burns said after the match. “We’ve played well before and just got beat, so it’s great to finally break the drought.”
Team outlook
The victory marked the ninth time in ten Presidents Cup events that the United States has captured the opening session, extending their dominance since the competition began in 1994. Both captains expressed satisfaction: U.S. captain Jordan Spieth praised the effort, while International captain Geoff Ogilvy noted the pride he felt for his players despite the loss.
Friday’s schedule includes five foursomes matches. Scheffler and Burns will open the day against Canadians Corey Conners and Nick Taylor.
Other notable performances
Jackson Koivun, a 21‑year‑old who turned professional just three months ago, teamed with Justin Thomas for a 4‑and‑3 win over Conners and Nico Echavarria. Koivun also became the first player to capture both a Walker Cup point and a Presidents Cup point within a year.
Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune delivered the International side’s first wins, the first time two Japanese players have won in the Presidents Cup since 1998. Matsuyama expressed excitement at playing alongside a fellow Japanese golfer.
Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa secured another American win, defeating Adam Scott and Ryan Fox 3‑and‑2.
Looking ahead
With the match still tight, the next sessions will be pivotal. The Americans aim to maintain their lead, while the International squad hopes to rally back.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
