Internationals surge ahead at Presidents Cup
The International team won all five foursomes matches on Friday to move 7-3 ahead of the United States at Medinah. After trailing 3-2, Geoff Ogilvy's side dominated the alternate-shot session, with wins from pairs including Sungjae Im and Hideki Matsuyama. The result boosts their chances of a first Presidents Cup victory since 1998.
After Thursday's fourballs, the United States held a 3-2 edge. On Friday, however, the Internationals swept all five alternate-shot matches at Medinah, turning the deficit into a 7-3 advantage. The day began with Sungjae Im and Hideki Matsuyama defeating Russell Henley and Jacob Bridgeman 3&2.
Corey Conners and Nick Taylor then edged Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns by one hole, after Burns's final-green putt from about 20 feet failed to drop. Ryan Fox and Min Woo Lee, Adam Scott and Christiaan Bezuidenhout, and Tom Kim and Si Woo Kim also won, completing the sweep. The Internationals are chasing their first Presidents Cup title since 1998 and only their second since the event started in 1994.
A strong International lead may energize golf followers outside the U.S., especially in nations represented by players, and could draw more casual viewers to weekend coverage. For Medinah-area businesses and tournament organizers, a closer or historic finish may boost attendance, merchandise, and hospitality spending. Players on both teams may face added pressure and visibility, while a rare International win could shape future interest in team golf.