U.S. Captain Brandt Snedeker acknowledged President Donald Trump for energizing the American team, leading to a 17-13 victory over the International team at the Presidents Cup on Sunday.
One last shoutout: Donald Trump. President Trump. He told me, ‘I [am] going to bring energy today for you. You guys need it.’
Snedeker stated. I told him if we did this, he gets all the credit. So, thank you, President Trump.
In attendance was Trump himself, as the U.S. team faced unfamiliar challenges entering the singles sessions at Medinah Country Club. For the first time, Team USA trailed on home soil leading into the final session.
The U.S. golfers welcomed Trump’s visit and expressed their pride in representing America. As honorary chairman, Trump addressed the crowd briefly before play began.
You know, the fake news media will say I get a very bad reception,
Trump remarked amid laughs from the crowd. But we get a good reception.
He added, Our country is doing great, better than ever before.
Although Team USA had won all eight Presidents Cups on home soil and ten consecutive overall, they were recovering from a 15-13 Ryder Cup loss to Europe at Bethpage Black the previous year. Another foreign victory on U.S. soil would have been unwelcome.
The American team rallied on Sunday, erasing a 10½-7½ deficit by winning nine of twelve singles matches and outscoring the Internationals 9½-2½. Rookie Jacob Bridgeman sealed the win with a par putt on the 18th green.
Executing an Early Strategy
Captain Snedeker deployed top players early, including Cameron Young, Justin Thomas, and Scottie Scheffler. Young overcame a two-hole deficit to secure a 3&2 victory. Thomas, a match play specialist, defeated Corey Conners 5&3. Scheffler faced challenges but outlasted Nico Echavarria, winning 2&1.
Despite the U.S. surge, the International team fought hard. Tom Kim finished strong, defeating world-ranked Wyndham Clark, while Sungjae Im bested Sam Burns.
Chris Gotterup shone throughout the tournament, defeating Christiaan Bezuidenhout 1 up, making a bid for the 2027 Ryder Cup team.
Highlights from Key Matches
One of the standout matches involved Collin Morikawa and Hideki Matsuyama. After Matsuyama led early, Morikawa rallied and ultimately won a crucial point.
Patrick Cantlay delivered a significant moment against Adam Scott, sinking a 57-foot birdie putt. Cantlay, typically reserved, celebrated vigorously, closing out Scott on the 17th hole, granting a 2&1 win.
As other matches progressed, rookies Jackson Koivun and Bridgeman, alongside veteran Russell Henley, aimed to complete the comeback. Koivun reversed his match against Si Woo Kim, winning 1 up.
Bridgeman demonstrated composure by sinking a par putt on 18, providing the points needed for victory.
Ending Strong and Future Challenges
Bridgeman’s triumph sparked a U-S-A!
chant from the crowd, celebrating the Americans’ ongoing success at the Presidents Cup.
The U.S. team secured their eleventh consecutive victory in the event, remaining undefeated at home.
However, caution arose as the American team hadn’t defeated Si Woo Kim, a top-ranked international. Given their world rankings, a home victory should have come more easily.
The International team swept Friday’s foursomes comprehensively, placing the U.S. in an unfavorable position by Saturday. Despite winning opportunities throughout the tournament, the Americans faced a Sunday comeback.
As Team USA looks ahead to the Ryder Cup in 2027 at Adare Manor, they must improve in team formats. Sunday success offers hope, but failures in team events, especially foursomes, highlight areas needing enhancement.