The International team swept Friday’s foursomes for the second consecutive Presidents Cup, taking a 7-3 lead over the U.S. at Medinah Country Club. Golf.com writers cited missed putts, errors and pressure as possible factors in the American team’s poor showing.
Sean Zak said anxiety may have set in for the U.S. as favorites and pointed to International players making 10- to 20-foot putts. Josh Berhow said foursomes have not been an American strength; he cited Justin Thomas hitting into a hazard, Xander failing to escape a bunker and numerous missed mid-range putts.
Josh Sens said match-play momentum can swing as putting form changes and pressure prompts players to press. He described a U.S. recovery Saturday followed by a pull-away in singles as the “smart money” prediction, noting singles as a historical U.S. strength.
