When Mike Weir, captain of the International Team unveiled his full roster on September 3, 2024, the golf world took notice. The squad is set to compete at the 2024 Presidents CupRoyal Montreal Golf Club from September 24‑29, a venue that hasn’t hosted the biennial clash since 2007. Across the fairway, the United States Team enters as the reigning champion, riding a nine‑match winning streak that many pundits say looks unbreakable.
Team Selection and a Canadian First
Weir’s eight automatic qualifiers were joined by six captain’s picks, a blend that leans heavily on home‑grown talent. Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith and Mackenzie Hughes become the first trio of Canadians ever to represent the International side in a Presidents Cup. Hughes, 33, arrives with two PGA Tour victories and a career‑best streak of three top‑10 finishes in 2024, including a T3 at the Valspar Championship.
South Africa’s Christiaan Bezuidenhout, South Korea’s Si Woo Kim and Australia’s Min Woo Lee round out the picks, each bringing a mix of experience and recent form. Kim, who debuted in 2017, is hailed as a “no‑brainer” after a solid showing at the 2022 Quail Hollow event.
Strategic Emphasis on Putting
Weir’s comments in a Golf Today interview made it clear that putting will be the linchpin of his strategy. “I believe in these guys. I totally believe that they’re going to perform really well,” he said, adding that the team’s “great chance to bring the Cup back to our side.” The emphasis stems from hard data gathered at the 2022 edition, where the United States out‑gained the International squad by a staggering +28 strokes on the greens, while the visitors managed only +5. That differential was cited by former International captain Trevor Immelman as the decisive factor.
Hughes, a former NCAA standout and now one of the PGA Tour’s top putters (ranked 14th in Strokes Gained: Putting in 2022), fits the bill perfectly. “He is steady and calm under pressure and is without doubt one of the best putters on the PGA TOUR,” Weir remarked, underscoring why the Canadian’s inclusion is more than a hometown nod.
Format Decision and Home‑Field Edge
As the host captain, Weir also set the session order, opting to open the competition with four‑ball matches on Thursday. The move isn’t random; historical data shows the International side enjoys a 12‑6 advantage in four‑ball on away courses over the past two events. At Royal Melbourne in 2023, the visitors surged ahead 4‑1 after the first session, while Quail Hollow in 2022 saw them claw back after a U.S. 10‑4 lead.
Playing at Royal Montreal Golf Club brings a climate and course‑layout advantage for the Canadians, who have spent countless hours navigating its narrow fairways and fast‑breaking greens. The venue’s reputation for rewarding precise iron play and, crucially, a solid short‑game aligns perfectly with Weir’s putting‑centric formula.
Expert Predictions and Historical Context
ESPN’s golf analysts remain skeptical. In a pre‑event piece, they wrote, “The U.S. squad is too talented and deep,” forecasting a 17‑13 victory that would extend the United States’ streak to ten straight titles. Their skepticism stems from the depth of the American roster, which includes a slew of world‑ranked players and multiple major champions.
However, the data chip away at that narrative. While the U.S. dominates overall talent, the International team has consistently narrowed gaps in four‑ball and match‑play formats on foreign soil. The record shows a 12‑6 edge for the Visitors in four‑ball at away venues, and a 6‑5 edge in the overall points battle in those same events.
What Lies Ahead for the International Squad
Looking beyond the opening session, the key battles will center on Friday’s foursomes and the Sunday singles. If the International team can capitalize on early momentum, they could force the U.S. into a pressure‑filled final day. Weir’s confidence isn’t just bravado; it’s a calculated gamble that the blend of home‑ground familiarity, putting prowess, and a refreshed Canadian core will tilt the scales.
Should the Canadians perform as expected, the ripple effect could be massive for golf in Canada—think increased junior participation, higher sponsorship dollars, and a potential surge in PGA Tour cards for Canadian players. In short, a victory would be more than a trophy; it would be a catalyst for the sport’s growth north of the border.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mike Weir pick three Canadians for the International Team?
Weir highlighted both form and familiarity with Royal Montreal. Hughes brings elite putting, while Conners and Pendrith have shown steady improvement on the PGA Tour, offering the host nation a morale boost and local crowd support.
How does the four‑ball format benefit the International Team?
Four‑ball rewards aggressive play and strong short‑game synergy. Historical data shows the International side holds a 12‑6 edge in this format on overseas courses, a trend that Weir hopes to repeat at Royal Montreal.
What are ESPN’s main concerns about the International roster?
ESPN points to the United States’ deeper talent pool and recent major‑winner count. Their analysis suggests the U.S. could still dominate the singles sessions, offsetting any early lead the Visitors might build.
When and where will the 2024 Presidents Cup take place?
The event runs from September 24‑29, 2024, at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in Montreal, Quebec. It marks the tournament’s first return to Canada since the 2007 edition.
What impact could a win have on Canadian golf?
A victory would likely spark a surge in junior enrollment, attract corporate sponsorship, and bolster the pipeline of Canadian players earning PGA Tour cards, echoing the boost seen after the 2016 Rio Olympics.
