The U.S. team took a 3-2 lead over the International squad after Day 1 of the 2026 Presidents Cup, with Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns ending a winless partnership streak in a pivotal Four-ball match.
The U.S. team secured a narrow 3-2 advantage over the International squad in the opening session of the 2026 Presidents Cup, with Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns finally breaking their winless partnership drought in a tightly contested Four-ball match at Medinah Country Club. The victory, along with strong performances from rookies and veterans, gave the Americans a foothold in the 16th edition of the biennial team competition.
Scheffler and Burns Break Winless Streak in Crucial Match
Scheffler and Burns, who had a 0-3-1 record together in previous Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup matches, clinched a 1-up victory over Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im in a back-and-forth Four-ball encounter. The duo trailed after Lee and Im took a 1-up lead on the 13th hole, but Burns’ 8-iron approach to within two feet on the 14th hole tied the match. Scheffler’s bunker shot on the 18th hole sealed the win, with Im’s 40-foot birdie attempt bouncing out of the cup.
Sam hit probably the shot of the match there on 14,
Scheffler said, crediting Burns for shifting momentum. We lost 13 to go 1-down, and then he hit one in there to a couple feet, and we were able to square the match up.
The victory marked the ninth time in the last 10 Presidents Cups that the U.S. led after the opening session, extending their dominance in the event.
Koivun’s Debut Makes Impact as U.S. Gains Momentum
Twenty-one-year-old Jackson Koivun, making his Presidents Cup debut, teamed with veteran Justin Thomas to secure a 4-and-3 win over Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria. Koivun, who turned pro just over three months prior, delivered a clutch 7-foot birdie on the sixth hole to establish a 3-up lead. His early nerves faded as he found rhythm with Thomas, who improved to 7-0 in Four-ball matches at the event.
Thomas saved the hole with a bunker shot, and the duo never looked back. Koivun’s performance added to the U.S. team’s momentum, with the Americans securing two of the five Four-ball matches.
International Team Stays Competitive Despite Setbacks
Despite the U.S. lead, the International team showcased resilience, with the Japanese duo of Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune winning 3-and-1 against Cameron Young and Xander Schauffele. It was the first time two Japanese players had partnered in the Presidents Cup since 1998.
International captain Geoff Ogilvy acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic. Two to three their way is not too bad,
he said. We had a couple of really good, solid matches there, and we had a match go up to 18, which would have been nice if it went the other way.
The Internationals secured two wins, including a 3-and-2 victory by Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim, but fell short of overtaking the U.S.
Team Dynamics Shape the Day’s Narrative
The U.S. team’s success hinged on its blend of veteran experience and youthful energy. Thomas, a four-time Presidents Cup participant, paired with Koivun to deliver a steady performance, while Scheffler and Burns’ breakthrough win underscored the value of perseverance. Meanwhile, the Internationals leaned on their strong finishes, with Im and Lee’s putting woes costing them critical points.
As the competition moves to Friday’s foursomes session, the U.S. will aim to build on its lead, while the Internationals seek to close the gap. The Americans’ 10 victories in the event since 1994 remain a dominant narrative, but the International team’s fight to stay competitive highlights the evolving nature of the rivalry.