When Xander Schauffele, Team USA player stepped onto the tee at the Royal Montreal Golf Club on Sunday, the air crackled with the promise of a ninth‑point swing that could seal the Presidents Cup for the United States.
The final day of the 2024 Presidents Cup unfolded on September 29, 2024, with twelve singles matches kicking off at 12:02 p.m. Eastern Time. The United States squad entered the day perched atop the scoreboard at 11‑7, needing just 4½ more points to clinch the trophy for the 13th time in the competition’s 15‑edition history.
Team Stakes Heading into Sunday
Across four days of four‑ball and foursomes play, the American side built a modest lead, but the International team – a composite of golfers from Australia, Asia, Africa and the Americas – remained within striking distance. Coach Steve Stricker (United States) emphasized the fragile nature of the gap: “Every match is a chance to swing momentum.” Meanwhile, International captain Coleman Hall urged his men to stay hungry, noting the tightness of the schedule and the unpredictable Montreal weather.
Matchups and Schedule
The lineup read like a who's‑who of modern golf. Below is the full order, each pairing battling for a single point:
- Match 19 – Xander Schauffele (USA) vs. Jason Day (International) – 12:02 p.m.
- Match 20 – Sam Burns vs. Tom Kim – 12:14 p.m.
- Match 21 – Scottie Scheffler (USA) vs. Hideki Matsuyama (International) – 12:26 p.m.
- Match 22 – Russell Henley vs. Sungjae Im – 12:38 p.m.
- Match 23 – Patrick Cantlay vs. Taylor Pendrith – 12:50 p.m.
- Match 24 – Keegan Bradley vs. Si Woo Kim – 1:02 p.m.
- Match 25 – Tony Finau vs. Corey Conners – 1:19 p.m.
- Match 26 – Wyndham Clark vs. Min Woo Lee – 1:31 p.m.
- Match 27 – Sahith Theegala vs. Byeong Hun An – 1:43 p.m.
- Match 28 – Collin Morikawa vs. Adam Scott – 1:55 p.m.
- Match 29 – Brian Harman vs. Christiaan Bezuidenhout – 2:07 p.m.
- Match 30 – Max Homa vs. Mackenzie Hughes – 2:19 p.m.
Each bout was a pressure cooker. A single birdie could swing a half‑point, and a double‑bogey could hand the opponents a full one. Fans shivered as the afternoon sun sifted through the historic club’s pine‑lined fairways.
Venue, Fans and Broadcast
The Royal Montreal Golf Club – founded in 1876 and Canada’s oldest golf institution – turned its classic sandstone clubhouse into a bustling arena. Gates opened at 9:00 a.m., and a throng of roughly 5,000 spectators milled through the courtyard, clutching programs and chanting “USA! USA!” in unison.
For those watching from home, NBC carried the action live from noon to 6 p.m. ET, employing a rotating crew of analysts including former champion Jordan Spieth and broadcaster Mike Tirico. Their commentary highlighted the strategic element of singles play – “It’s not just about power; it’s about reading the green under pressure,” Spieth observed during the Scheffler‑Matsuyama duel.
Implications and What’s at Stake
If the United States secured the requisite 15½ points, it would mark its 13th triumph, reinforcing a dominance that stretches back to the inaugural event in 1994. The International team, meanwhile, hopes to narrow the historical gap – their best finish came in 2019 when they fell just short with a 12‑10 score.
Beyond the trophy, the Cup influences world‑ranking points and sponsor exposure. A win means an influx of $2.3 million in team‑share bonuses, according to a recent PGA announcement. For the International side, a victory could spark a surge in golfing participation across Asia and Australia, where the sport’s growth has slowed in recent years.
Looking Ahead
Should the U.S. clinch the Cup on Sunday – which most pundits now expect given the current 11‑7 lead and the depth of the American lineup – the celebratory ceremony will kick off immediately after the final putt. Fireworks, a six‑song medley performed by a local choir, and a ribbon‑cutting of a new junior‑development facility at the club are on the agenda.
If the International squad stages a comeback, the narrative will shift dramatically. A rally from 11‑7 to a tie would etch this edition into Cup lore, reminiscent of the 2003 comeback in South Africa.
FAQs
How does the 2024 Presidents Cup affect the world golf rankings?
The event awards ranking points based on match outcomes, with each point contributing to a player’s Official World Golf Ranking. A strong performance can boost a golfer’s rank by up to 15 spots, especially for those outside the top 20.
Who are the captains of the U.S. and International teams?
Team USA is led by Steve Stricker, while the International squad is guided by Coleman Hall. Both have extensive Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup experience as players and strategists.
What makes the Royal Montreal Golf Club a special venue?
Founded in 1876, it is Canada’s oldest golf club, featuring classic oak trees, a historic stone clubhouse, and a course design that blends traditional parkland with modern drainage technology – perfect for high‑stakes match play.
How can fans watch the singles matches live?
NBC broadcasts the action live across the United States and streams it via the NBC Sports app. In Canada, Sportsnet holds the rights, offering both TV and online streaming options.
What happens if the match ends in a tie?
The Cup would remain with the defending champion. In 2024, the United States holds the trophy, so a tie would mean the U.S. retains it for another four years.