A Red, White, and Blue Sunday in Canada
Collin Morikawa, Brian Harman, Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau of the U.S. Team (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
"The Starter" recaps the week gone by in golf. PGA Professional Brendon Elliott, a three-decade industry veteran, provides his insights for RG. In this installment, Red, White, and Blue Sunday in Canada; Hidalgo Wins in Spain; LPGA Scorcher.
When the dust settled on Sunday, the scoreboard lit up: 18.5 points for the U.S. and 11.5 for the Internationals, and with that, the U.S. Team bagged their 10th consecutive Presidents Cup victory. The week at Royal Montreal was nothing short of exciting. After a back-and-forth first two days, which saw the Americans sweep day one, only to have the Internationals do the same on day two, the American squad found themselves with an 11-7 lead after three days. As Sunday's Singles matches began, the U.S. only needed 4.5 points to secure the Cup. Xander Schauffele got things rolling by securing the first point of the day with a commanding 4-and-3 win over Jason Day. The real nail-biter came when Keegan Bradley clinched the winning point for the U.S. with a 1-up victory against Si Woo Kim on the 18th hole.
My Take – The Day's Highlights:
Solid Start With Schauffele
In Sunday's kickoff match, Xander Schauffele set the stage for the U.S. Team with a standout victory over Jason Day from the International Team. Schauffele sealed the deal with a 4 and 3 win, nailing an up-and-down par at the 15th hole. He built a strong 5-up lead through nine holes and breezed his way to the finish.
Green Jacket Showdown
In a nail-biting showdown between Masters champions, Japan's Hideki Matsuyama clinched a narrow victory over U.S. Team's Scottie Scheffler on the 18th hole.
Scheffler came out swinging, holing a stunning 35-foot bunker shot for birdie at the first to grab a 1-up lead, which he held onto until Matsuyama fired back. Matsuyama's precision shone through at the par-3 seventh with a brilliant tee shot that led to a birdie, tying the match. He then stuck a wedge within a foot on the eighth, birdied, and went 1-up. Scheffler evened the score with a par at the ninth, but Matsuyama sank an 11-foot birdie on the 11th to edge ahead again.
Scheffler responded with back-to-back birdies at the next two holes to regain his 1-up advantage, but Matsuyama wasn't done. He birdied the 14th and 15th to take back the lead. Scheffler tied it up once more with a par at the 16th. Matsuyama landed a short iron to 6 feet on the par-3 17th, sinking the birdie to go 1-up.
On the 18th, Scheffler narrowly missed a 12-foot birdie, leaving Matsuyama to secure the win with a steady 3-footer for par.
Didn't Play Like a Rookie
Big shout out to U.S. Team rookie Russell Henley for clinching a win over three-time International Team member Sungjae Im! Henley was on fire this Sunday, wrapping up the week with an impressive 3-1 record. He also shined as Scottie Scheffler's partner, with the duo posting a solid 2-1 record—hats off to Henley on his stellar week.
My MVP: Captian America, Keegan Bradley
Keegan Bradley was the emotional star of the week for the U.S. Team, securing a narrow yet crucial victory over Si Woo Kim of the International Team, ultimately clinching the Presidents Cup. Building a solid 3-up lead through the first 15 holes, Bradley had to hold his nerve as Kim mounted a valiant late charge. The nail-biting finale saw Bradley maintaining his composure, and, in an incredible display of skill and determination, he clinched the win on the 18th hole.
This victory was especially significant for Bradley, who will captain the U.S. Team at next fall's Ryder Cup. The match showcased his exceptional abilities as a player and potential as a leader. Bradley's win provided the crucial Presidents Cup-clinching point, pushing the U.S. Team's total to 15.5 points out of the 30 available for the week.
In the grand scheme of the tournament, Bradley's performance stood out as the emotional high point. The intensity and pressure of the final holes, the wild cheers from the crowd, and the overwhelming relief and joy on Bradley's face after securing the win all contributed to a moment of euphoria that will be remembered for years. His victory was more than points on the board; it was a testament to his grit, passion, and unwavering dedication to his team and the sport.
Bradley's win on the 18th hole was the perfect climax to an intense week of competition and served as a fitting way to seal the deal for the U.S. Team. It was an ending that symbolized the strength, resilience, and unity of the U.S. squad, with Bradley's emotional triumph underscoring the human element that makes the sport so compelling.
In every sense, Keegan Bradley proved to be the heart and soul of the U.S. Team, and his emotional victory was a perfect prelude to his future captaincy. His performance secured the Presidents Cup and inspired his teammates and fans, leaving an indelible mark on the tournament's history.
DP World Tour Wrap-Up: Ángel Hidalgo Takes Down Rahm For First Win
As someone who has dedicated many years to the world of golf, it's always exciting for me to witness emerging talent rise to the occasion. Ángel Hidalgo achieved a significant milestone by winning his first title at the ACCIONA Open de España in Madrid, marking the 11th Spanish golfer to win the prestigious Open de España.
Hidalgo began the final round with a two-shot lead but faced tough competition from Jon Rahm and David Puig. Puig briefly took a three-shot lead, creating a fierce contest. However, Hidalgo showed remarkable resilience and skill, regaining his two-shot lead after 16 holes. The excitement peaked when Rahm birdied the final two holes, forcing a playoff. Meanwhile, Puig's four bogeys on the back nine cost him a spot in the playoff.
The playoff was intense. Hidalgo and Rahm traded blows by securing birdies on the 18th hole, their first playoff hole. On the second playoff hole, Hidalgo seized the moment, making a birdie, while Rahm settled for par, clinching the victory for the 26-year-old Hidalgo. The dramatic conclusion not only showcased Hidalgo's capabilities as a big-time player but also was a proud moment for Spanish golf.
