U.S. Takes 3-2 Lead Over Internationals in Presidents Cup Opening Session

The United States won the opening fourballs session 3-2 at Medinah Country Club, highlighted by Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns’ first victory as partners.

The United States team secured a 3-2 lead over the International team following Thursday’s opening fourballs session at Medinah Country Club. Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns earned their first point as a pair in five attempts, defeating Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im 1-up. The match was squared on the 14th hole when Burns hit an approach to 2 feet for birdie, and the Americans took the lead on the 17th after Lee and Im both missed par putts. Scheffler sealed the victory on the 18th hole by hitting a bunker shot to tap-in range for par.

Justin Thomas and 21-year-old Jackson Koivun provided another U.S. point with a 4-and-3 win over Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria. Koivun, who turned professional three months ago, helped the duo reach a 3-up lead by the sixth hole after landing a wedge shot within 7 feet for birdie. Thomas improved his career Presidents Cup fourballs record to 7-0 during the match. The third American victory came from Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa, who never trailed in their 3-and-2 defeat of Adam Scott and Ryan Fox.

The International team earned two points through Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune, as well as Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim. Matsuyama and Hisatsune defeated Xander Schauffele and Cameron Young after winning the final two holes of the front nine to establish a 2-up lead, eventually ending the match on the 17th. This marked the first time two Japanese players competed together in the event since 1998. The tournament continues Friday with five scheduled matches of foursomes.