Scheffler and Burns Secure Crucial Win for U.S. at Presidents Cup

Opening Session Results at Medinah

U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker acknowledged the hard-fought nature of the morning matches. “A session win is a session win. We’re going to take it any way we can get it,” Snedeker said, pointing out that five matches of foursomes remain on the schedule for Friday.

The Americans grabbed their three points through Scheffler and Burns, a 4-and-3 performance from Jackson Koivun and Justin Thomas against Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria, and a 3-and-2 win by Wyndham Clark and Collin Morikawa over Adam Scott and Ryan Fox. Meanwhile, the International Team countered with two wins courtesy of Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Hisatsune—marking the first time two Japanese players have paired up in the event since 1998—alongside the anchor match victory by Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim.

Scheffler and Burns Break Through in Swing Match

The spotlight of the afternoon fell on the tightly contested opening match between Scheffler and Burns against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im. Prior to Thursday, Scheffler and Burns held an 0-3-1 combined record as partners in the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup. After jumping out to an early lead with birdies on the first four holes, the American pair found themselves fighting back after the Internationals rattled off four consecutive birdies.

The turning point arrived late on the back nine. After Im drained a 10-foot birdie on the par-3 13th to put the Internationals ahead, Burns answered immediately by sticking his approach shot to two feet on the 14th hole. “Sam hit probably the shot of the match there on 14,” Scheffler said.

Errors on the 17th hole by Lee and Im proved costly, and Scheffler sealed the full point on the 18th by blasting out of a greenside bunker to tap-in range for par. International captain Geoff Ogilvy expressed satisfaction with keeping the score close. “Two-to-three their way is not too bad,” Ogilvy said. “The boys have got a round under their belt now.”

Koivun Makes History for the U.S. Team

Twenty-one-year-old Jackson Koivun continued his rise in professional golf by securing a decisive point alongside Thomas. Having turned pro just over three months after helping Auburn capture an NCAA Championship title in June, Koivun became the first player to win a Walker Cup point and a Presidents Cup point just over a year apart.

“First two holes, definitely a little shaky,” Koivun admitted after hitting his second tee shot out of bounds before recovering. “Me and J.T., we played really well out there. He picked me up when I didn’t play too hot.” Thomas improved his four-ball record at the event to 7-0-0 as the Americans protected their streak of opening-session dominance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score after the opening session of the Presidents Cup?

The U.S. team led the International Team 3-2 after Thursday’s four-ball matches.

Who secured the opening match victory for the United States?

Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns won the opening match on the 18th hole against Min Woo Lee and Sungjae Im.

What format is played on Friday at Medinah Country Club?

Five matches of Foursomes are scheduled for Friday.

How did Jackson Koivun perform in his debut?

Koivun teamed with Justin Thomas to secure a 4-and-3 victory over Corey Conners and Nico Echavarria.