United States Suffers Complete Sweep in Presidents Cup, with International Team Seizing Momentum on Day Two
The score is now even at 5-5 with just two more days of golf remaining.
Stepping into the second day of the contest, Team USA had complete dominance over the Internationals in the face-off.
Led by top-ranked golfer Scottie Scheffler, the US team thoroughly defeated their rivals 5-0 on the inaugural day, making it seem like the trophy was already headed in one direction.
However, the Internationals displayed a remarkable comeback, delivering a stellar performance to even out the score.
The comeback started from the very first match of the day when Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im defeated Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 7 and 6, setting a new record for the shortest match ever in the tournament, last set back in 2011.
International Team captain Mike Weir was proud of his team's performance after an exceptional Day 2.
"Golf is a game of nerves and controlling nerves, but I had faith in our guys," Weir told reporters following the second day. "I'm just so proud of them, so excited for them. To play that well yesterday and not earn any points was disappointing. But to see their determination and them sticking with it, with the captains and myself encouraging them to stay the course, I couldn't be happier. Just so proud of them."
Team USA captain Jim Furyk acknowledged that his team needed to respond in a similar manner to their opponents.
"I said yesterday in some interviews, they have nothing to lose. They're going to come out firing. ... The idea is to come out firing tomorrow," Furyk told journalists.
"We're going to face a boisterous crowd again. It's the weekend. We can expect the same 1st tee experience that we witnessed today."
After the first day, International superstar Tom Kim claimed the crowd was too quiet. However, it seemed the crowd also rebounded after a tough first day and Kim credited the fans for an impressive second day.
"They were incredible today. They definitely brought it. I may have sat out, but the crowd, I think, plays a significant role," Kim said after Day Two.
"I believe the reason we played so well today was due to our fans backing us up. They provide momentum, they offer energy. The crowd absolutely played a huge role in our victory today."
As we move towards the final two days, the game is wide open and both teams will be aiming to gain an edge heading into Sunday's final showdown.
"We know there's still plenty of golf to be played. We played excellently yesterday, and they played well today. Now we're back to square one, where it's tied moving forward," US player Tony Finau told reporters.
"So it's a battle, and I have faith in my 11 guys in a battle over the next three rounds."
International veteran Adam Scott issued a similar statement, stating that his team must be at their best to maintain their momentum.
"We're going to have to be on point, stay focused, and keep our spirits high because that team is no joke. We're going to have to fight really hard if we want to be in the mix on Sunday afternoon."
In the midst of the tense competition, fans at the golf course cheered loudly for their favorite players, adding an exciting atmosphere to the ongoing sport.
Despite the even score, both Team USA and the Internationals have expressed their eagerness to showcase their skills in the remaining days of the golf tournament.
