A bridge too far for the Internationals
Hideki Matsuyama – his win over Scottie Scheffler the highlight for the Internationals today – image Getty Images
It was likely a ‘bridge too far’ even before play got underway on the final day of the 2024 Presidents Cup but at one stage during the middle of the 12 singles matches, the near impossible appeared as if it might just be possible.
The disappointing last hour of play on Saturday appeared as if it might well prove costly for the Internationals, a possible share of the lead on Saturday night turning into a four-point deficit heading into the final day and essentially that result up playing a very significant role.
Beginning the final day with such a deficit and given the greater ranking strength of the Americans who needed only 4½ points out of the 12 available on day four to take the Cup for the 13th time in 15 attempts, it appeared all but fait accompli for the Internationals
But as has so often been the case in events such as these, momentum plays a huge part in the final outcome and although the result of first match out between Jason Day and Xander Schauffele soon became obvious in the American’s favour, those behind were providing hope.
Although Day birdied the opening two holes of his encounter, Schauffele birdied four consecutive holes from the 5th and by the turn was 5 up and one point all but assured for the Americans.
Other matches were giving a glimmer of hope for the Internationals but as had been the case in yesterday’s afternoon foursomes, that hope soon turned to custard as although Hideki Matsuyama who overcame world number one Scottie Scheffler, Corey Connors and Chistian Bezuidenhout would record wins and Tom Kim, Ben An, Min Woo Lee would earn half points, the task, which always appeared to be the case, was beyond reach.
The final result of 18½ – 11½ perhaps did the Internationals a disservice but the bottom line it was another win for the Americans and importantly away from home and leaves us again pondering just what lies ahead for this, on paper at least, one-sided contest.
