United States take 3-2 Presidents Cup lead as Thomas and Koivun win at Medinah

The United States finished the opening day of the Presidents Cup with a 3-2 advantage over the International team at Medinah Country Club in Illinois on Thursday. BBC Sport reported that captain Brandt Snedeker’s side won three of the five fourball matches, beginning its attempt to secure an 11th consecutive title in the biennial competition.

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Justin Thomas and Jackson Koivun beat Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria 4 and 3, giving the American debutant a victory alongside one of the team’s experienced performers. According to the PGA Tour’s match report, Thomas improved his Presidents Cup record to 11 wins, three losses and two ties, including seven victories without a defeat or tie in fourballs. He birdied the 14th and 15th holes to finish the match.

Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns needed the final hole to complete a 1-up win against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im. Golf Channel reported that Burns’ birdie at the 14th brought the match level after the Americans had fallen behind. Both International players then three-putted the 17th, handing the US pair an advantage they retained. The result was Scheffler and Burns’ first win together in Cup team play after three defeats and a tie.

Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa supplied the other American point, defeating Adam Scott and Ryan Fox 3 and 2. BBC Sport reported that the US pairing led from the first hole. Golf Channel’s account credited Clark with four birdies over the opening eight holes, helping the Americans reach the turn three holes ahead before closing out the contest on the 16th.

The International team’s two victories kept Geoff Ogilvy’s side within a point. Hideki Matsuyama and fellow Japanese player Ryo Hisatsune defeated Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele 3 and 1. Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim added a 3-and-2 win over Chris Gotterup and Patrick Cantlay, ensuring the visitors had two winning partnerships despite losing the session.

Friday brings five foursomes matches, switching the competition to alternate shot. Saturday’s programme consists of four morning fourball matches and four afternoon foursomes, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday. A total of 15½ points is needed to win the Cup. The International team is seeking its first victory since 1998.