MARK ROLFING TELLS INTERNATIONAL TEAM TO START FAST AT PRESIDENTS CUP

Television golf commentator Mark Rolfing has urged the International team to start fast at the 16th Presidents Cup, due to be played at Medinah, near Chicago, saying an early lead is needed to quieten crowd support for the United States. Betting markets listed the Americans at -420, the International team at +460 and a tie at +1425 ahead of the event. Speaking to Golf Channel, Rolfing said the side needs to "quiet down the Chicago crowd pretty quickly" by getting ahead in matches. He added that the first three holes are "critical" and must be played aggressively.

The United States has held a 13-1-1 record against the International team over the past 32 years, according to figures cited ahead of the event. The Americans have also dominated recent opening sessions, sweeping Thursday's fourball matches 5-0 in 2024 and winning four of five foursomes in 2022. The International team won the opening fourballs 4-1 at Royal Melbourne in 2019, the last time it led after the opening matches. Brendon de Jonge said the squad has discussed the need for a fast start "ad nauseam" and cannot afford to trail heavily. He said International sides have historically struggled in fourball play.

Records show the International team has led after the opening session in only four of 15 Presidents Cups, in 1998, 2003, 2005 and 2019. Its largest opening lead came in 2019, when it went 4-1 up at Royal Melbourne. De Jonge said the International team must avoid a heavy deficit after the first session's matches. Rolfing said falling behind early could allow American momentum to build.