As we gear up for the 2024 Presidents’ Cup at Royal Montreal, the stage is set for another exciting edition of this prestigious biennial tournament. Hosted for the second time at the Blue Course at Royal Montreal, the U.S. team will once again face off against the international team, excluding European players. With 30 matches spread over four days, the event will test the mettle of the world's top golfers in a match-play format that has consistently favored the U.S. since 2003.

This year’s Presidents’ Cup is shaping up to be another showdown heavily tilted in favor of the U.S. team, with significant factors contributing to the disparity in talent between the two squads. Below, we dive into team compositions, key players to watch, and strategic betting recommendations for those looking to get in on the action.

Team USA: Powerhouse Lineup Ready to Dominate

The U.S. team enters the Presidents’ Cup with a stellar track record, having won every event since 2003. Despite the absence of Bryson DeChambeau, the American team remains loaded with talent, including stars like Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Tony Finau.

Key Players to Watch

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele are expected to be key contributors for the U.S. team. Both players have impressive records in team events, with Schauffele boasting a 6-3-0 Presidents’ Cup record. His experience and versatility make him an ideal pairing option for captain Jim Furyk, giving him an edge in this format. With Royal Montreal’s tight fairways and thick rough, Schauffele’s driving accuracy could be a crucial factor in his success.

Tony Finau is another player worth watching closely. Though his 2024 season didn’t end as planned, Finau has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly with his ball-striking and improved putting. His record in team events is solid, having gone 3-2-3 in previous Presidents’ Cups. His familiarity with bent grass greens, like those at Royal Montreal, could provide an edge, making him a strong contender for top points scorer among the U.S. captain’s picks.

Rising Stars

This year, the U.S. team will feature some exciting debut performances, including those from Sahith Theegala and Russell Henley. Theegala’s rise in the golfing world has been meteoric, and his recent performances, including a third-place finish at the Tour Championship and seventh at Napa, indicate that he is more than ready for this event. His boundless energy and fanbase enthusiasm make him one of the most intriguing players to watch.

Henley, known for his accuracy off the tee, could be a perfect fit for Royal Montreal, where driving accuracy will be at a premium. Look for him to make a significant impact in his first Presidents’ Cup appearance.

International Team: Missing Key Players, Facing Tough Odds

The international team, led by captain Mike Weir, will be at a disadvantage due to the absence of several key players. LIV Golf’s exclusion from the tournament has deprived the international team of stars like Cam Smith, Joaquin Niemann, and Louis Oosthuizen. These players, particularly Cam Smith and Niemann, are far superior to the team’s current replacements, leaving a considerable gap in the talent pool.

Veteran Presence

Despite these losses, the international team still boasts a strong veteran presence, with Sungjae Im, Si Woo Kim, and Hideki Matsuyama returning to the squad. Sungjae and Si Woo were the standout performers for the international team in 2022, and their energy and consistency will be crucial if the internationals hope to mount a serious challenge.

Si Woo Kim, in particular, is a player to watch. Fresh off a fifth-place finish at the BMW Championship and an 18th-place showing at the European BMW PGA Championship, Si Woo’s ball-striking is in top form. His previous team-format performances, including his role in keeping the international team competitive at Quail Hollow, demonstrate his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations.

Canadian Contingent

With the tournament being held in Canada, the three Canadian players on the international team – Corey Conners, Taylor Pendrith, and Mackenzie Hughes – will face immense pressure to perform. Conners and Pendrith had disappointing outings in 2022, going 0-4-0, but this year offers a chance for redemption. Conners, known for his precision, could benefit from the narrow fairways at Royal Montreal, while Hughes comes into the tournament riding momentum after a fourth-place finish at the Pro Corps fall event in Napa.

While the international team may be undermanned, their path to success relies heavily on these players delivering under pressure. If they can ignite the Canadian fan base and bring the energy needed to challenge the Americans, the internationals could make this a more competitive event than expected.

LIV Golf Controversy: A Major Factor in the International Team’s Struggles

One of the most significant storylines heading into the 2024 Presidents’ Cup is the absence of LIV Golf players. The decision to exclude LIV players has drawn criticism, particularly given that players like Cam Smith and Joaquin Niemann would have made a massive impact on the international team. This exclusion has left the international squad depleted, while the U.S. team remains largely unaffected, save for the absence of Bryson DeChambeau.

Docter highlights how LIV’s format, which resulted in top players like Brooks Koepka and Jon Rahm being eliminated before the final day of the LIV Golf Team Championship, detracts from the quality of the product. He expresses disappointment that the Presidents' Cup will also suffer from the absence of key players, particularly with the growing rapprochement between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf organizers.

Betting Recommendations: Best Prop Bets and Outright Picks

Docter provides several valuable betting insights for those looking to place wagers on the 2024 Presidents’ Cup.

Outright Bet: Team USA to Win

The most straightforward bet is to back Team USA to win at -250 odds on DraftKings. Given the depth of the U.S. team and the absence of key international players, this is a solid pick for anyone looking to place a wager.

Top U.S. Points Scorer: Xander Schauffele (+450)

Schauffele’s experience and flexibility in pairings make him a strong contender to be the top points scorer for Team USA. His Presidents' Cup record (6-3-0) and driving accuracy, a crucial skill at Royal Montreal, position him as a standout player in this format.

Top U.S. Captain’s Pick: Tony Finau (+650)

Despite some struggles late in the 2024 season, Finau’s ball-striking remains among the best in the world, and his putting showed improvement toward the end of the year. With a respectable Presidents' Cup record (3-2-3) and comfort on bent grass greens, Finau is a solid choice for top captain’s pick.

Top U.S. Rookie: Sahith Theegala (+250)

Theegala’s energy and form, including a third-place finish at the Tour Championship and a seventh-place showing at Napa, make him a standout rookie. His recent success and growing fanbase give him an edge, and he could emerge as a key player for Team USA.

Top International Captain’s Pick: Si Woo Kim (+350)

Si Woo’s ball-striking and recent performances make him a strong candidate for top international captain’s pick. His track record in team events and ability to perform under pressure give him an edge over other international players.

Conclusion

The 2024 Presidents' Cup is shaping up to be another dominant outing for the U.S. team, thanks to a deep roster and the absence of key international players. While the international team will rely on veterans like Sungjae Im and Si Woo Kim, the talent gap is significant, making the U.S. the clear favorite. For those looking to bet, prop bets on players like Xander Schauffele and Sahith Theegala offer intriguing opportunities. As always, the Presidents' Cup promises thrilling golf, even if the odds are stacked in favor of the Americans.