U.S. Presidents Cup captain Jim Furyk made it clear that the notion of a passionless Presidents Cup doesn’t sit well with him.
During an interview with Golfweek’s Adam Schupak, Furyk responded forcefully to the suggestion that the golf event could benefit from an international team victory next week in Montreal.
Furyk shared a past experience from the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National, when a high-ranking PGA Tour official gave him what seemed like a half-hearted “good luck” wish.
The remark, which implied it would be better for the event if the U.S. lost, didn’t sit well with Furyk.
“Just the way he said it, it was so back-handed,” Furyk recalled.
He challenged the official, questioning if he had ever been a competitor.
Furyk passionately described how much time and effort both players and captains dedicate to winning the Presidents Cup, and how deeply they feel the highs and lows of the competition.
“I’ve seen grown men cry in the locker room because they’re upset,” Furyk emphasized.
“So, it’s not like I’m killing you right now, but f**k you. Go f**k yourself. You can quote me on that one.”
Rising competitiveness of the Presidents Cup
Although the U.S. has dominated the Presidents Cup, winning 12 of the 14 events, the international team has started to narrow the gap in recent years.
Since its inception, the international team, composed of top players from outside Europe and America, has struggled to secure a win, with their only victory coming in 1998, and a tie in 2003.
While the competition has often been overshadowed by the more emotionally charged Ryder Cup, recent Presidents Cups have delivered closer results.
In 2015, the Americans narrowly beat the international team 15.5-14.5 in South Korea, and in 2019, the U.S. again eked out a victory, 16-14, in Australia.
This year, the competition moves to The Royal Montreal Golf Club, giving the international squad a potential home advantage with three Canadian players: Corey Conners, Mackenzie Hughes, and Taylor Pendrith, on the roster.
Furyk acknowledged the energy that the Canadian players will bring but stressed the importance of focusing on his own team.
“Wherever those three go, you’ll definitely know it,” Furyk declared.
Despite the potential for a spirited crowd, he remains committed to ensuring the U.S. team stays focused on their own preparation and strategy.
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