Adam Scott
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International Team Embraces Underdog Role: Captain Weir's Masterplan
The International Team arrived at Royal Montreal Golf Club with a sense of purpose and determination that belies their underdog status. Captain Mike Weir, the Canadian golf legend and 2003 Masters champion, has spent months preparing his squad for this moment, and the strategy is becoming clear: leverage every advantage, play with nothing to lose, and shock the world. **Home Field Advantage** For the first time since 2007, the Presidents Cup returns to Canadian soil, and Weir intends to maximize this advantage. The partisan crowd support is expected to be overwhelming, with tens of thousands of Canadian and international fans ready to roar for every birdie and celebrate every American miss. "This is our chance to feed off the energy of these incredible fans," Weir said during his pre-competition press conference. "We're not just playing for ourselves—we're playing for everyone who believes that anything is possible in match play golf." The psychological impact of home support cannot be underestimated. During practice rounds, spontaneous applause erupted whenever International Team members holed putts or executed quality shots. This organic enthusiasm provides a glimpse of the atmosphere that awaits when competition begins. **Strategic Pairings Taking Shape** Weir has been tight-lipped about specific pairings, but observers have noted certain players spending significant time together during practice rounds. The Asian contingent—Hideki Matsuyama, Tom Kim, and Im Sung-jae—appears likely to form the core of the team's strategy. Tom Kim, in particular, has embraced his role as the team's emotional leader. The 22-year-old Korean star has been vocal about his belief that this International Team can win, and his confidence appears infectious among teammates. "I love being the underdog," Kim said with a grin. "We've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. The Americans might feel pressure because everyone expects them to win. We're just going to go out there, compete hard, and see what happens." **Course Knowledge as Weapon** Weir's intimate familiarity with Royal Montreal represents a strategic advantage that previous International captains have lacked. Having competed at this venue throughout his career, the Canadian legend understands subtle nuances that first-time visitors might miss. During practice rounds, Weir has been conducting detailed course seminars, walking players through optimal tee shot lines, green reading tips, and risk-reward calculations based on decades of experience. This local knowledge could prove decisive in tight matches where small edges determine outcomes. Canadian team members Corey Conners and potentially Taylor Pendrith would enjoy even greater home-course familiarity, creating matchup advantages in certain situations. Weir has indicated he plans to deploy his Canadian players strategically when their course knowledge provides maximum benefit. **Four-Ball Focus** Sources close to the team suggest Weir's strategy emphasizes dominating four-ball (best ball) matches while playing conservatively in foursomes (alternate shot). The aggressive, birdie-making styles of players like Kim, Matsuyama, and Cameron Smith suit four-ball perfectly. "In four-ball, we can be fearless," explained a team insider. "Two aggressive players both hunting birdies creates relentless pressure. Even if one makes a mistake, the other provides insurance. That's where we can really take it to the Americans." The strategy makes mathematical sense. If the International Team can win 12-14 of the 20 available four-ball points while staying competitive in foursomes, they'd enter Sunday singles with a realistic chance of victory. **Mental Preparation and Belief** Perhaps the biggest challenge facing the International Team is overcoming the psychological burden of history. With only one victory in 30 years, international players must fight against the weight of expectations—or more accurately, the lack thereof. Sports psychologists have worked with the team on visualization, positive self-talk, and pressure management. Players have mentally rehearsed successful scenarios repeatedly, building neural pathways that make winning feel natural rather than miraculous. "We're not just hoping to compete," stated Adam Scott, the veteran Australian who provides leadership and experience. "We're here to win. That's the mindset, and everyone on this team believes it." **Key Players Ready to Shine** Hideki Matsuyama looked particularly sharp during practice rounds, his iron play precise and his putting stroke smooth. The Japanese star's ball-striking could be the foundation upon which the International Team builds success. Cameron Smith, the 2022 Open Champion, brings major championship experience and a fearless putting stroke that can demoralize opponents. His short game wizardry creates birdies from seemingly impossible positions. Im Sung-jae and Si Woo Kim provide additional Asian firepower, while Jason Day (if he makes the final roster) would bring veteran savvy and match play expertise. **The Upset Formula** For the International Team to achieve the seemingly impossible, several factors must align: - Win four-ball sessions decisively - Stay competitive in foursomes through solid, mistake-free golf - Build 2-3 partnerships that consistently produce points - Use crowd energy to create genuine home-field advantage - Enter Sunday singles within 2 points of Team USA - Win 7-8 of 12 Sunday singles matches through superior matchups and clutch play "It's a tall order, but it's not impossible," Weir acknowledged. "We've got the talent, we've got the plan, and we've got the support. Now it's time to execute." **History Within Reach** The 1998 International Team victory at Royal Melbourne proved that Team USA can be beaten. The 2003 tie in South Africa showed that matching the Americans is possible. The 2019 near-miss in Melbourne demonstrated that this generation of international players can compete. Now, at Royal Montreal in 2025, with the strongest Asian contingent in history, a brilliant captain who knows the course intimately, and home crowd support that promises to be deafening, the International Team has its best chance in years to make history. "We're not just participants," Tom Kim declared. "We're competitors, and we're here to win. Get ready for something special." The stage is set. The underdogs are ready. And the golf world is about to witness whether belief, strategy, and home-field advantage can overcome talent and history. The 2025 Presidents Cup promises to be unforgettable.
Tom Kim: 'We're Not Just Here to Compete, We're Here to Win'
Tom Kim sat down with reporters at Royal Montreal Golf Club, and the young Korean star's message was clear: the International Team isn't just showing up to make the numbers—they're coming to win. **Fearless Confidence** At just 22 years old, Kim has already established himself as one of golf's most exciting players and a fearless competitor in team events. His performance at the 2022 Presidents Cup, where he earned crucial points despite being one of the youngest participants, announced his arrival on the international stage. "I love this format," Kim said, leaning forward with intensity. "In stroke play, you're fighting the course. In match play, you're going head-to-head against someone, and I love that battle. I love the pressure, the celebrations, the crowd energy. This is what I live for." Asked about facing a Team USA squad loaded with major champions and top-10 ranked players, Kim's response was telling: "They're great players, no doubt. But in match play, ranking doesn't matter. It's 18 holes, one-on-one or two-on-two, and anything can happen. I'm not intimidated by anyone." **Partnership Strategy** While captain Mike Weir hasn't finalized pairings, Kim suggested he's prepared to partner with anyone on the team. During practice rounds, he's played with various teammates, testing chemistry and compatibility. "I've got great vibes with everyone on this team," Kim explained. "Whether it's playing with Hideki [Matsuyama] and feeding off his incredible ball-striking, or partnering with someone like Adam [Scott] and learning from his experience, I'm ready for whatever captain Weir decides." The pairing possibilities are intriguing. Kim's aggressive style could complement Matsuyama's steady precision, creating a balanced partnership. Alternatively, pairing Kim with another aggressive player like Si Woo Kim or Cameron Smith could create relentless birdie-making pressure. **Home Crowd Energy** Kim acknowledged that playing in front of passionate Canadian fans supporting the International Team will provide a unique advantage. While Canada is technically on the same continent as the United States, the crowd support will heavily favor the internationals. "The energy is going to be incredible," Kim said with a wide smile. "We've felt it during practice rounds—people cheering for our good shots, getting excited when we make putts. When competition starts and 40,000 fans are roaring, it's going to be special." The Korean star's comfort with emotional, high-energy environments makes him perfectly suited to capitalize on crowd support. His willingness to celebrate big moments and engage with fans creates a feedback loop of energy that elevates his performance. **Learning from 2022** Kim's 2022 Presidents Cup experience, though ultimately ending in International Team defeat, provided valuable lessons. He learned about the rhythms of team competition, the importance of partnerships, and how to handle the unique pressures of match play. "I was nervous in 2022, but I played well because I just let it go and competed," Kim recalled. "This time, I have that experience. I know what to expect, and I'm ready to do even more for this team." His 2022 performance suggested a player destined for team competition greatness. He made clutch putts, celebrated with passion, and showed no fear despite his youth and relative inexperience. Now, two years older and wiser, Kim appears ready to take on an even larger role. **The Asian Contingent** Kim is part of the strongest Asian contingent in Presidents Cup history. With players like Matsuyama, Im Sung-jae, Si Woo Kim, and potentially others, the International Team features unprecedented depth from the Far East. "Asian golf is strong right now," Kim noted with pride. "We have multiple guys who can beat anyone on their day. That's a huge advantage for our team. We bring different styles, different strengths, but we all compete hard and we all believe we can win." The cultural compatibility among Asian players could create effective partnerships while the diversity of playing styles provides captain Weir with strategic flexibility. This combination of chemistry and versatility represents one of the International Team's greatest assets. **Belief System** Perhaps Kim's most important contribution is psychological. His genuine belief that the International Team can win is infectious, spreading confidence throughout the roster. "Why can't we win?" Kim asked rhetorically. "We've got great players, a brilliant captain who knows this course, and home crowd support. We've got everything we need. Now it's just about going out and doing it." This mindset—approaching the competition expecting to win rather than hoping to compete—represents a crucial shift for an International Team that has carried the weight of historical failure for too long. **Match Play Mentality** Kim's match play philosophy is aggressive and unapologetic. He believes in making birdies, taking calculated risks, and putting pressure on opponents rather than playing defensively. "In match play, you can't be passive," he explained. "You have to make your opponent think about what you're doing. If I'm making birdies and celebrating and getting the crowd going, that gets in their head. That's part of the game." This attacking mindset makes Kim a valuable asset in any format but particularly in four-ball, where aggressive play by both partners creates overwhelming pressure for opponents. **The Challenge Ahead** Kim acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge facing the International Team. Team USA has won 12 of 14 Presidents Cups, and their roster again features incredible depth and talent. "They're the favorites, and they should be," Kim admitted. "But favorites don't always win. That's why we play the matches. We're going to bring our best golf, compete as hard as we can, and see what happens. I believe we can do something special this week." **Final Thoughts** As the interview concluded, Kim was asked what message he had for International Team fans hoping for an upset. "Believe in us," he said simply. "We believe in ourselves, and we're going to give everything we have. This could be a special week—one that people remember forever. We're ready to make history." With players like Tom Kim leading the charge—young, fearless, talented, and utterly confident—the International Team enters the 2025 Presidents Cup with genuine belief that the impossible might just be possible. The American dominance that has defined this competition for nearly 30 years could finally be challenged by a new generation that refuses to accept that winning is beyond their reach. The golf world is about to find out if belief, talent, and home-field advantage can overcome history. Tom Kim, for one, can't wait for the battle to begin.
Biography
Adam Scott is widely considered to possess one of the most elegant and fluid golf swings in the history of the sport. As the flag-bearer for Australian golf and a major champion, he has been a cornerstone of the International Team for two decades. With his calm personality and vast experience, Scott serves as a 'big brother' and spiritual leader in the team room, a role model for younger players to learn from and rely upon.
Player Statistics
Detailed Presidents Cup Record
Singles Record
Foursomes Record
Fourball Record
Defining Presidents Cup Moment
At the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne in his home country, Scott embraced his role as the veteran leader of a young International Team that nearly upset the powerful Americans. He delivered a crucial point by defeating Xander Schauffele in his Sunday Singles match, a victory that showcased his leadership value and inspired his entire team.
