Kevin Kisner reveals what Camilo Villegas told him about Scottie Scheffler after the Presidents Cup

Presidents Cup 2024: The Drama Unfolds as Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler Exchange Putt Heroics

 

The 2024 Presidents Cup will be remembered for many reasons, but one moment that will undoubtedly go down in history occurred on a seemingly flat Thursday at Royal Montreal. Both Tom Kim and Scottie Scheffler, two of the tournament’s brightest stars, lit up the seventh hole with long, dramatic birdie putts. It was an exchange that electrified the fans, momentarily breaking the subdued atmosphere that had lingered throughout the opening day. What was initially shaping up to be a quiet day on the course took a sudden turn into something much more intense, as two of golf’s young guns squared off in a moment that encapsulated the spirit of competition.

 

Despite the excitement surrounding the Presidents Cup, particularly with Canadian golf icon Mike Weir leading a team that featured three Canadian players, the opening day didn’t quite live up to the hype. The atmosphere at Royal Montreal was unexpectedly flat, and the crowd’s energy levels lagged behind the intensity of the competition. Tom Kim, known for his passionate displays and fierce competitiveness, was visibly frustrated with the quietness in the stands as Team USA surged to a commanding 5-0 lead after the first session.

 

Kim, ever the showman, attempted to inject some life into the crowd after sinking a sensational birdie putt on the seventh hole. It was a moment that harkened back to his memorable heroics at Quail Hollow two years prior. But as fate would have it, Kim’s celebration was a bit premature. Before the South Korean could truly revel in the moment, Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer, answered back in style. Draining a lengthy birdie putt of his own, Scheffler appeared to turn toward Kim as the ball rolled into the hole, letting out a celebratory shout. It was a moment of friendly rivalry between the two, as the pair share a close friendship off the course. Even Scheffler’s father was taken aback by the moment, but it remained good-natured and within the bounds of sportsmanship—at least on the surface.

 

Camilo Villegas’ Role in a Controversial Presidents Cup Moment

 

What happened next, however, pushed the boundaries of sportsmanship even further. As the drama continued to unfold, Kim holed another impressive birdie putt on the very next hole, the eighth. But instead of waiting for the Americans to attempt their putt for a half, International vice-captain Camilo Villegas made a controversial decision. Villegas urged Kim and his playing partner, Sungjae Im, to proceed to the ninth tee without watching the conclusion of the eighth hole.

 

This action did not go unnoticed. Kevin Kisner, the US assistant captain, was seen in an animated conversation with Villegas shortly afterward. The moment added yet another layer of intrigue to the already heated competition. Speaking on the “Fore Play Podcast Plus,” Kisner later revealed the details of their exchange. Villegas, trying to explain his reasoning for what many perceived as poor sportsmanship, confessed that he was unnerved by Scheffler’s intense demeanor on the seventh hole. “Dude, I’m just going to be honest with you,” Villegas reportedly told Kisner. “When I saw Scottie do that [on seven], I feared a little bit for my guys. That was the scariest looking Scottie Scheffler I’ve ever seen, so I just didn’t want him to make another putt and something go awry.”

 

Kisner, while understanding Villegas’ reasoning, didn’t fully buy into the explanation. “I’ll take your word for it, but I still thought it was b——t,” Kisner responded. “You think Scottie’s going to punch one of your guys? I’m pretty sure we’re not going to do that.” The exchange highlighted the tensions simmering beneath the surface at the Presidents Cup, where even the smallest gestures can take on outsized significance.

 

The Drama that Fuels the Presidents Cup

 

Moments like the one between Kim, Scheffler, and Villegas are what keep the Presidents Cup exciting. The event has faced its share of criticism, particularly after another dominant US victory, with some questioning the competitive balance between the two sides. However, it’s these flashes of drama that make the Presidents Cup a must-watch. Without the occasional controversy or on-course tension, the event risks losing its edge.

 

The Presidents Cup thrives on rivalries, and every major event needs its heroes and villains. In this case, Tom Kim seemed to relish the role of antagonist, going head-to-head with Scheffler, one of the US team’s biggest stars. Meanwhile, Villegas’ decision to hurry his players off the green added fuel to the fire, even if it wasn’t intended as a mind game. Some spectators, and likely some players, saw it as a deliberate attempt to get under the Americans’ skin. Kisner’s skepticism of Villegas’ explanation only heightened the drama. And it’s not far-fetched to think that Villegas might have been trying to throw the US team off balance, even if only subconsciously.

 

Of course, Scottie Scheffler is not the type of player to lose his composure. Known for his incredible mental toughness and calm demeanor, Scheffler is not someone who easily succumbs to mind games. In hindsight, it was probably a strategic mistake for the International team to try and rattle him. Alongside Russell Henley, Scheffler went on to secure the US’s most dominant win of the day, further solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s steadiest competitors.

 

Adding Spice to a Familiar Formula

 

While the US team ultimately cruised to another comfortable victory, the Presidents Cup needs moments like these to remain relevant and exciting. Without the occasional flashpoint, the event could risk becoming too predictable. The 2024 edition, for all the lopsided scorelines, still managed to produce moments of genuine drama. Whether it was Kim’s attempts to rile up the crowd, Scheffler’s icy response, or Villegas’ controversial decision, these are the moments that will stick in the memory long after the tournament ends.

 

Golf, often seen as a gentleman’s game, is not immune to rivalries and high-stakes drama. And while the Presidents Cup may not yet have the same level of prestige as the Ryder Cup, it is evolving. Events like the Kim-Scheffler standoff and the Villegas-Kisner exchange are signs that the tournament is finding its own identity, one built on intensity, competition, and the occasional controversy.

 

In the end, the Presidents Cup is better for these moments of friction. They create storylines, spark debates, and keep fans engaged. Without a bit of spice, the event would lack the tension that makes it compelling. As the dust settles on Royal Montreal, it’s clear that while the US team may have walked away with the trophy, the real winners were the fans who got to witness these unforgettable moments of high drama on the world stage.