2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal: Everything You Need to Know

The Presidents Cup returned to Canada for the first time since 2007, with Royal Montreal Golf Club serving as the host venue for the 2024 edition scheduled for September 24-28. This prestigious biennial competition between Team USA and the International Team delivered another exciting chapter in this storied rivalry, culminating in a dominant American performance.

Historic Venue Returns

Royal Montreal Golf Club, founded in 1873, is the oldest golf club in North America and a fitting stage for this premier international competition. The club previously hosted the Presidents Cup in 2007, where Team USA secured a victory on foreign soil. The course had undergone significant renovations since then, with improvements designed to challenge the world's best players while maintaining its historic character.

The Blue Course at Royal Montreal tested every aspect of the players' games. At over 7,400 yards from the championship tees, length was essential, but accuracy proved equally important. The tree-lined fairways demanded precision off the tee, while the large, undulating greens tested the short game and putting skills of both teams.

The course setup featured strategically placed bunkers that penalized wayward tee shots, and thick rough made recovery shots extremely challenging. Par 3s played a crucial role, with several requiring precise iron play over water hazards. The signature 18th hole, a challenging par-4 with water running along the left side, provided the stage for dramatic finishes in Sunday singles matches.

Team USA Dominance

Team USA entered the 2024 Presidents Cup as heavy favorites and fully justified that status, demonstrating remarkable depth and team chemistry. The American squad boasted incredible talent, with multiple major champions and top-10 world-ranked players, all expertly managed by Captain Jim Furyk.

Scottie Scheffler, the world's number one player and multiple major champion, led the American charge with his combination of power, precision, and mental fortitude. Alongside Scheffler, players like Xander Schauffele, Collin Morikawa, Patrick Cantlay, and Justin Thomas formed a core of proven winners who excelled in team competition.

The American team's strength lay not just in individual talent but in their experience in match play. Many of these players had competed in multiple Presidents Cups, understanding the unique pressures and strategies required for success in team golf. Furyk's leadership experience from his playing days provided invaluable guidance in managing this talented roster.

The team featured dominant pairings like Schauffele-Cantlay, who proved virtually unbeatable in team formats, and emerging partnerships featuring younger stars who brought energy and fearlessness to the competition.

International Team's Challenge

The International Team faced an uphill battle but entered with renewed optimism under the leadership of Mike Weir, a Canadian golf legend and Masters champion. The International squad had the home-crowd advantage and a roster of talented players hungry to make history.

Hideki Matsuyama, Japan's first male major champion, brought world-class ball-striking and experience to the team. Tom Kim, despite his youth, had already proven himself as a fiery competitor who rises to the occasion in team events. Adam Scott, the elder statesman, provided leadership and a wealth of Presidents Cup experience spanning over two decades.

The International Team attempted to maximize their strengths in team formats by creating effective partnerships and capitalizing on partisan crowd support. The key was building enough momentum heading into Sunday singles to have a chance at competing.

New additions to the International Team roster included rising stars like Taylor Pendrith, who played in front of his home Canadian crowd, and experienced veterans like Joaquin Niemann and Si Woo Kim, whose skills could prove crucial to team success.

Captain Weir's intimate knowledge of Royal Montreal, having competed there throughout his career, provided strategic advantage. He advised players on club selection, green reading, and course management tactics that only a local legend would know.

Format and Schedule

The 2024 Presidents Cup followed the traditional format:

• Thursday: Five foursomes (alternate shot) matches in the morning, five four-ball (best ball) matches in the afternoon
• Friday: Five foursomes matches in the morning, five four-ball matches in the afternoon
• Saturday: Four foursomes matches in the morning, four four-ball matches in the afternoon
• Sunday: 12 singles matches

This format produced 30 total points, requiring a team to reach 15.5 points to win. If the competition ended in a 15-15 tie, the defending champion (Team USA) would retain the cup.

Opening ceremonies and course preparations began early each morning. Prime viewing areas around key holes like the par-3 6th and the challenging 18th offered fans incredible vantage points to witness golf's premier team competition.

Canadian Golf Celebration

The 2024 Presidents Cup represented a celebration of golf in Canada. The country has produced numerous PGA Tour winners and experienced a golf renaissance, with increased participation and investment in the sport. Royal Montreal's hosting duties showcased Canadian hospitality and the country's passion for golf to a global audience.

The week featured numerous fan experiences, including practice round access, player appearances, and the traditional opening ceremony. Montreal's vibrant culture and world-class dining scene provided the perfect backdrop for corporate hospitality and fan engagement.

Special events throughout the week included junior golf clinics led by Presidents Cup players, charity fundraising galas, and interactive fan zones where attendees could test their skills on simulator challenges and putting contests. The city of Montreal welcomed an estimated 200,000 visitors, creating an economic impact exceeding $100 million.

Canadian golf legends were honored throughout the week, with special tributes to players like Mike Weir, George Knudson, and other pioneers who paved the way for the country's golf success. The celebration extended beyond the ropes, with Montreal's downtown core hosting Presidents Cup themed events, exhibitions, and entertainment.

Weather and Conditions

Late September in Montreal presented ideal golf weather, with temperatures ranging from 15-20°C (59-68°F). The unpredictable autumn weather could have introduced elements of chance with potential rain, wind, or morning fog.

However, conditions remained largely favorable throughout the week, allowing for quality golf to be played. The course setup team worked closely with officials to ensure fair playing conditions regardless of weather. Greens were maintained at championship speed, running around 12-13 on the stimpmeter, while fairways remained firm but receptive to reward quality approach shots.

Championship Legacy

The Presidents Cup has grown into one of golf's premier events since its inception in 1994. What sets it apart is its charitable focus—100% of net proceeds benefit charity. Over its history, the Presidents Cup has donated more than $60 million to various charitable organizations around the world, making it one of sport's most philanthropic events.

Players from both teams embrace this charitable mission, with each team member receiving $250,000 to donate to charities of their choice. This focus on giving back added meaning beyond the competition and reflected golf's values of sportsmanship and community service.

The 2024 edition supported numerous Canadian charities, with a particular focus on youth golf development, junior education programs, and community sports initiatives. The long-term impact included course improvements, equipment donations, and scholarship programs designed to make golf more accessible to the next generation.

Global Broadcast Coverage

Global broadcast coverage ensured fans worldwide could experience every moment of the 2024 Presidents Cup. Featured groups, player tracking, and advanced shot analytics provided unprecedented access to the competition. Digital platforms offered streaming options, real-time scoring, and behind-the-scenes content.

Innovative coverage included player microphones, drone footage showcasing Royal Montreal's beautiful layout, and expert analysis from golf legends. Social media integration allowed fans to engage directly with players and access exclusive content throughout the week.

Tournament Results and Outcome

Team USA dominated the 2024 Presidents Cup, securing their 10th consecutive victory with a final score of 18.5-11.5. This marked the largest margin of victory for an away team in Presidents Cup history.

The Americans swept the first day of matches, a rare occurrence that set the tone for the week. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley provided one of the day's biggest victories with a 3&2 four-ball win, highlighted by Scheffler's late-match birdie surge.

Throughout the week, Team USA's depth and team chemistry proved overwhelming. While the International Team mounted some competitive efforts, particularly on Friday, the American advantages in individual talent, team experience, and match-play acumen proved decisive.

Keegan Bradley, the U.S. Ryder Cup captain, secured the clinching point with a 1-up victory over Si Woo Kim on Sunday, cementing what would be America's most dominant Presidents Cup victory at a non-U.S. venue.

Future Implications

The 2024 Presidents Cup at Royal Montreal provided important context for the 2026 event at Medinah Country Club in Chicago. Team USA's continued dominance reinforces their position as the competition's favorites, while the International Team faces the challenge of narrowing the gap.

The experience at Royal Montreal, with a passionate Canadian crowd and home-nation support, demonstrates how crucial home-field advantage can be. Yet, as the Americans proved, depth of talent and team experience ultimately prevail.

For golf fans worldwide, the 2024 Presidents Cup provided compelling team competition, memorable individual performances, and proof that despite Team USA's dominance, the Presidents Cup remains golf's premier international team event. The passion, skill, and sportsmanship on display ensured that this chapter in the competition's history will be remembered fondly by all who witnessed it.

As the golf world looks toward Medinah in 2026, the 2024 Champions from Royal Montreal have set a high bar—one that will inspire both Americans to defend their legacy and international players to finally break through the American dominance that has defined this storied competition for three decades.