GOLF Presidents Cup Preview and Odds

The biennial Presidents Cup, or the United States versus everyone (except Europe), is this Thursday through Sunday at the Royal Montreal Golf Club. The international team has not defeated the United States since 1998.

It was a tie back in 2003, but the United States has won the last nine competitions (since 2005).

In 2022, at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, the United States won, 17½-12½.

This is match-play, similar to the Ryder Cup, except the Presidents Cup is now four days long instead of three. There are a dozen players aside, with any ‘earnings’ going to charity. 

U.S, will have Jim Furyk as its captain here, with the internationals led by Canadian Mike Weir. The full roster is available on the Presidents Cup website.

It’s no surprise the United States is a prohibitive -335 to lift the trophy (internationals at +240), according to Presidents Cup odds.  There are also odds regarding a draw, if you’re so inclined,

It’s Furyk’s Team

This isn’t the first time Jim Furyk has captained a United State squad. Furyk was the 2018 captain of what was a loaded Ryder Cup team which lost anyway. He was also co-captain of the Americans in the both ‘21 and ‘23 Ryder Cups, so he has a taste of success.

While Furyk admitted his wild-card picks might’ve been wrong previously, he’s done some new ‘homework’ this time around. “There are already some different ideas in the captain’s picks,” he said. “I think I’ll have some different thoughts on pairing these guys together.

“I have a much easier group to pair this year (because of) our chemistry, our team room, but I’m me. I’m the same guy. These guys know what to expect. I’ve been an assistant or a vice-captain on a lot of their teams. They have an expectation of who I am and how I do things, and that won’t change, but I’ll definitely apply some lessons.”

Internationals as ‘Dogs’

Canadian Mike Weir, of Sarnia, Ontario, is a fitting choice to lead the Presidents Cup international contingent in Montreal. Weir was on five losing Presidents Cup teams, but has a winning record himself (13 wins, nine losses, two halves).

He did defeat Tiger Woods in a singles match earlier in his career, as the lefty justified the confidence of none other than Gary Player. 

Weir is stoked about this opportunity.

“To be the captain in my home country, in the great city of Montreal, at the wonderful Royal Montreal GC – I couldn’t be more proud and excited. The fans were incredible in 2007 (same venue), but we hope it’s even bigger and better this year.”

Americans Again Presidential

The United States has five players on its roster who have won 50% or more of the points they have played in such competitions, while the internationals have only two players.

The United States certainly has better Cup records, winning at a higher rate than their foes.

The internationals have three players who’ve won a major, the U.S. has six (Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Colin Morikawa, Wyndham Clark, Brian Harman and Keegan Bradley).

All 12 of the Americans are ranked in the world’s top 30, while the international team has four.

There are any number of ways to wager on this event, as per Presidents Cup specials. Using the three-way market, the United States is 2-5 (-250) to win in Montreal. They’ve done it nine years in a row. They are poised to do it again, so that’s the way we’re going.