U.S. trails at Presidents Cup: The persistent struggles in foursomes

At the Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, Team USA enters Sunday’s final day trailing the International Team 10.5-7.5. Given that the Americans have only lost once in 15 previous Cups, the deficit is alarming. The core issue remains their performance in alternate-shot (foursomes) matches. Out of nine foursomes matches played this week, the Americans have managed only two points. This continues a long-term trend: in the last four team events, the U.S. has recorded 8 wins and 26 defeats in this format. U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker admitted he is searching for answers, noting that the team did practice the format to get players comfortable. Experts suggest the issue is systematic. Dr. Bob Rotella, a leading sports psychologist, told GOLF.com that American golfers do not prioritize foursomes because it is rarely played in high-level college or professional tournaments. «My guess is we just do not spend much time playing or practicing it,» Rotella said. While established pairings like Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay remain competitive, others, such as Russell Henley and Jacob Bridgeman, struggled significantly. As the team heads into Sunday's singles matches, the focus remains on why the U.S. continues to struggle in the format that has defined recent team event losses.