World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler says there is no advantage to being a favorite or an underdog in this week’s Presidents Cup between Team USA and Team International, live on Sky Sports Golf.
The four-day event begins on Thursday and is played in five sessions, with Jim Furyk captaining the strong United States team and former Masters champion Mike Weir leading the international line-up on ‘home soil’ at the Royal Montreal Golf Club.
“Is there an (advantage)? I guess you could say one team has nothing to lose if they’re the underdog, but at the same time, when you’re the underdog – I’ve been the underdog many times. In my career – I still want to win like I did when it was my favorite,” Scheffler said.
“I’m probably not the best person to ask. I’m internally motivated. I like to try to prove myself, almost to myself sometimes. I like to come out here and compete because I like to do it.
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Will the International team end their losing streak in the Presidents Cup? Ernie Els offers a rallying cry ahead of hosts USA this week, live on Sky Sports
“I try to do my best to block the noise at times, and I think at times throughout the year it can be a challenge when either I have a hard year or I have a great year. Both sides of the coin can be challenging.
“I tried my best to stay as I could and not think too much about it because the score was 0-0. It doesn’t matter who we like and who we don’t like. We have to go out there and play.
“My job is to go out in the first game and do my best and try to get a point for our team. Outside, I don’t think we are favored to win or not.
“My job is to win. All I can do is win one point in Thursday’s game.”
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Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast, Simon Holmes said the only way an International team can beat the United States in the Presidents Cup is if Canadian players step up to the occasion on home soil.
A two-time Ryder Cup competitor (2021, 2023), 2022 Presidents Cup winner and 2024 Olympic gold medalist for the US, Scheffler said competing for your country brings a different kind of energy and pride.
“I think there is a big difference. Of course you see me getting emotional after the Olympics,” he said.
“I am really proud to play for my country. I have had the opportunity to do this many times, and it is very special.
“Coming here to a foreign land for us and trying to compete and bring back the cup, I think it will be fun.
“When you’re in this team event, it’s a bit more relaxed at the beginning of the week. You see people in a different environment. When you’re sitting with people at dinner at night who may have had dinner, you see them.
“So getting more time with each other in a more relaxed environment is important. That’s why the memories are so happy. You get to know the guys better and make good friends. Going out and competing together is fun.”
Captain Furyk, Weir is ready for the pressure of the Presidents Cup
International Team Captain Mike Weir told the media on Tuesday…
“Jim (Furyk) knows how close the last few years have been. It’s a tight, tight competition. The score in years past has gone the USA’s way, but it’s been a competitive game.
“I think it’s the right direction no matter what happens. Of course, it’s competitive. We want to win. We don’t put that extra, ‘we have to do this to raise the show.’
“It’s just a good competition, and we’re not adding layers on top.
“This is at home in front of my own fans. I guess for me I used the energy in a positive way when I was here in 2007. I didn’t take it as pressure. I took it as, ‘just embrace it’ I don’t know if I will have another chance to playing in front of my country’s fans.
“The most important thing is to enjoy yourself.”
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Highlights from the final day of the 2022 Presidents Cup, held at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, North Carolina
Team USA captain Jim Furyk told the media Tuesday …
“I would say it was just a very emotional week where there were ups, there were downs. The US team ran, then the International team ran. It was kind of a rollercoaster ride all week.
“These people spend a ton of energy. A lot of them probably just let (the players) know how much. It’s a marathon. It’s a long week, and make sure you save some energy for the back and pace yourself on the road. .
“I’m going to make some different changes. I’m going to run this team a little differently. I’m going to take from some of the good experiences we’ve had in the past.
“The biggest question I always get from 18 is, if you had the chance to go back and do things differently, would you?
“The first time I heard the question, I started laughing. My answer was very simple. How arrogant of you to say. ‘No, we didn’t win, but I wouldn’t have done anything different?’ Of course I will go back and change it.
Who will win the Presidents Cup? Watch the 2024 contest from September 26-29 live on Sky Sports. Live coverage begins on Thursday 26 September at 4.30pm on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the President’s Cup and more with NOW.
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