Let’s break down the crucial singles matchups and what’s at stake in each one.

Bombshell Showdown at Royal Montreal: Can the International Team Overcome the U.S. Dominance in the 2024 Presidents Cup?

As the 2024 Presidents Cup enters its final and most thrilling day, golf fans around the world are bracing for what promises to be an electrifying conclusion to the tournament. The serene beauty of Royal Montreal Golf Club in Quebec has been anything but calm as Team USA and the International squad have traded blows throughout the first three days of competition. Now, with the score sitting at 11-7 in favor of the Americans, the stage is set for Sunday’s singles matches—12 head-to-head duels that will determine whether the U.S. continues its iron grip on the Presidents Cup or if the Internationals can pull off one of the most stunning comebacks in golf history.

 

The biennial event, which pits the best American golfers against a team of non-European international stars, has been dominated by the U.S. for nearly three decades. The Americans have won 12 of the 14 Presidents Cup competitions, with one tie in 2003 and the Internationals’ lone victory coming back in 1998. But this time, under the leadership of captain Mike Weir, the International team has shown flashes of brilliance, fighting back from an early deficit to make things interesting heading into the final day.

 

The Americans, captained by Jim Furyk, surged ahead on Day 1, with commanding victories in the four-ball and foursomes sessions. But the Internationals responded in kind on Day 2, leveling the playing field with gritty performances across the board. Saturday saw the momentum swing back in favor of the U.S., as the team wrestled control after eight hard-fought sessions. Now, all eyes are on Sunday’s singles matchups, where every player must stand on their own. Can the Internationals reverse the tide, or will the Americans tighten their hold on the Presidents Cup for a 10th consecutive time?

Let’s break down the crucial singles matchups and what’s at stake in each one.

Match 19 (12:02 p.m.) — Xander Schauffele (USA) vs. Jason Day (INT)

Xander Schauffele and Jason Day are both known for their calm demeanor under pressure, but this matchup is sure to test their nerves. Schauffele, who has been one of the most reliable players for Team USA, will look to cement his side’s lead, but Day, a former World No. 1 and major champion, is more than capable of pulling off an upset. The outcome of this opening match could set the tone for the entire day. With Day looking to redeem his season and Schauffele eyeing another point for the U.S., fans should expect fireworks right from the start.

 

Match 20 (12:14 p.m.) — Sam Burns (USA) vs. Tom Kim (INT)

 

In what many are calling the battle of the rising stars, Sam Burns faces off against the electrifying Tom Kim. Burns has shown flashes of brilliance in this year’s competition, but Kim’s tenacity and youthful exuberance have made him a fan favorite. The young South Korean will be looking to deliver for his team on one of the biggest stages of his career. This clash could easily turn into one of the most thrilling matchups of the day.

Match 21 (12:26 p.m.) — Scottie Scheffler (USA) vs. Hideki Matsuyama (INT)

Arguably the heavyweight fight of the day, World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler goes head-to-head with Hideki Matsuyama, a Masters champion and one of the most experienced players on the International team. Scheffler, known for his calm and steady play, has been a force in team competitions. However, Matsuyama’s precision and consistency make him a formidable opponent. This match could be pivotal in determining whether the U.S. maintains its lead or if the Internationals can claw their way back.

Match 22 (12:38 p.m.) — Russell Henley (USA) vs. Sungjae Im (INT)

Russell Henley and Sungjae Im are two of the most unassuming players in the competition, but their quiet demeanor belies their deadly accuracy. Henley has been a steady hand for the Americans, while Im’s all-around game has proven vital for the Internationals. This match is a coin flip, and both teams will be hoping their player can seize control early.

Match 23 (12:50 p.m.) — Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Taylor Pendrith (INT)

Patrick Cantlay, one of the most ice-cold competitors on the U.S. team, will face off against Canada’s own Taylor Pendrith. The crowd will undoubtedly be behind Pendrith, but Cantlay is known for blocking out distractions and focusing solely on the task at hand. Pendrith will need to harness the energy of the home crowd if he hopes to take down one of the world’s top players.

Match 24 (1:02 p.m.) — Keegan Bradley (USA) vs. Si Woo Kim (INT)

In this matchup, Keegan Bradley’s fiery competitive spirit will go up against Si Woo Kim’s unflappable demeanor. Bradley has been a force in team competitions before, but Kim has the kind of unpredictable game that can either soar to incredible heights or falter under pressure. If Kim catches fire, Bradley could be in for a tough fight.

Match 25 (1:19 p.m.) — Tony Finau (USA) vs. Corey Conners (INT)

Tony Finau, a fan favorite and one of the most laid-back players on Team USA, will go up against Corey Conners, the sharp-shooting Canadian. Finau’s power off the tee will be a key factor, but Conners’ accuracy and short game could level the playing field. Expect this one to be a back-and-forth battle with plenty of drama.

Match 26 (1:31 p.m.) — Wyndham Clark (USA) vs. Min Woo Lee (INT)

Newly crowned major champion Wyndham Clark will face off against the dynamic Min Woo Lee. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance, and this match could go either way. Clark’s confidence will be sky-high, but Lee’s fearless approach might just give him the edge in what promises to be an exciting contest.

Match 27 (1:43 p.m.) — Sahith Theegala (USA) vs. Byeong Hun An (INT)

Sahith Theegala, known for his creativity and shot-making ability, will take on Byeong Hun An, who has quietly been one of the steadiest players for the International team. Theegala’s flair for the dramatic could make this one of the more entertaining matches of the day.

Match 28 (1:55 p.m.) — Collin Morikawa (USA) vs. Adam Scott (INT)

Collin Morikawa, a two-time major winner, will go head-to-head with Adam Scott, the elder statesman of the International team. Scott’s experience and smooth swing have served him well in past Presidents Cups, but Morikawa’s precision could prove too much to handle.

Match 29 (2:07 p.m.) — Brian Harman (USA) vs. Christiaan Bezuidenhout (INT)

Brian Harman’s grit and determination will be put to the test against Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who has quietly been one of the standout performers for the International team. This match will likely be a war of attrition, with both players grinding for every point.

Match 30 (2:19 p.m.) — Max Homa (USA) vs. Mackenzie Hughes (INT)

In the final match of the day, Max Homa, one of the most outspoken and confident players on the American team, will square off against Mackenzie Hughes, who will have the full support of the Canadian crowd behind him. Homa has been in stellar form, but Hughes will be determined to make a statement in front of his home fans.

The Final Verdict

The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the 2024 Presidents Cup. With the Americans leading 11-7, they only need four points to claim their 10th consecutive victory. But the Internationals, bolstered by a passionate captain and a determined roster, are far from giving up. One thing is for certain: Sunday’s singles matches are bound to deliver high drama, intense competition, and the kind of thrilling moments that will be remembered for years to come.

Will the Americans continue their reign, or will the Internationals pull off the ultimate upset? All will be revealed in a matter of hours at Royal Montreal.