As the Presidents Cup kicks off with the highly anticipated Thursday Fourball matches, golf fans are in for an exciting series of head-to-head battles. Will Doctor’s podcast provides sharp predictions, grounded in statistical analysis and strategic insights. Here, we’ll explore Doctor’s breakdown of the five Thursday matches, delving into each player’s form, past Presidents Cup performances, and pairing decisions. His predictions are informed by key statistics and betting odds, making this an essential guide for anyone interested in the tournament.

Match 1: Xander Schauffele & Tony Finau vs. Jason Day & Byung-hun Ahn

The first match sees Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau favored at -180 on DraftKings, a fact that immediately catches Doctor’s attention. Despite some early surprise at U.S. captain Jim Furyk’s decision to split the established pairing of Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, Doctor supports Furyk’s choice. He highlights Schauffele’s flexibility and his proven ability to adapt to various partners. Pairing him with Finau, who has shown steady improvement in his driving accuracy, presents a formidable challenge for the international team.

Player Stats & Analysis

• Xander Schauffele: Schauffele has consistently proven himself in team formats, making him one of the most reliable players for the U.S. His ability to gel with different partners enhances his value in Fourball.
• Tony Finau: Finau struggled earlier in the season with driving accuracy but made key improvements in his final two tournaments at Castle Pines and Eastlake. His combination of added distance and improved control makes him a strong asset in this match.

Jason Day and Byung-hun Ahn will have to overcome their underwhelming past performances in the Presidents Cup. Day, in particular, has not fared well in this tournament, having consistently underperformed. His last outing at the BMW Championship saw him finish 33rd, and he failed to qualify for the Tour Championship.

• Jason Day: Despite being one of the best putters in the world, Day’s struggles with driving accuracy and ball-striking in recent months make him a weak link in this pairing. He has lost shots in driving accuracy in 7 of his last 11 events.
• Byung-hun Ahn: Ahn has seen limited success in his only previous Presidents Cup appearance in 2019 and has struggled with consistency in recent tournaments.

Prediction: Schauffele & Finau to win. Schauffele’s adaptability and Finau’s late-season resurgence make them the stronger duo, while Day and Ahn’s ongoing issues with accuracy and form suggest they will struggle.

Match 2: Collin Morikawa & Sahith Theegala vs. Adam Scott & Min Woo Lee

In the second match, Collin Morikawa and Sahith Theegala are the favorites at -135, and Doctor is quick to emphasize their impressive recent form. Theegala is coming off a near-win at the 2024 FedEx Cup, where he placed third, while Morikawa finished second at the Tour Championship. Morikawa’s consistency this season has been remarkable, with 8 top-ten finishes in 2024, even though he didn’t secure a victory.

Player Stats & Analysis

• Collin Morikawa: Ranked fourth in the world, Morikawa’s elite ball-striking and consistency make him a dominant force in this format. His success in the Presidents Cup team format at Quail Hollow in 2022, where he went 2-1-0, adds to his confidence heading into this match.
• Sahith Theegala: Theegala has emerged as a rising star, particularly after his strong finishes in the FedEx Cup and the early fall events. His near-miss at Eastlake and a solid performance in Napa showcase his current form and potential.

On the other side, Adam Scott and Min Woo Lee will attempt to challenge the U.S. pair. Scott, a veteran with ten Presidents Cup appearances, has struggled to make a significant impact. His overall record of 18-25-6 reflects his difficulties in team formats, though his desire to improve this record remains strong. Min Woo Lee, a younger talent, has not been able to consistently deliver top results, with a 32nd place finish in Napa in his most recent tournament.

• Adam Scott: While Scott’s experience is invaluable, his poor Presidents Cup record remains a glaring weakness. He will need to deliver a standout performance to have any chance of overcoming the U.S. pair.
• Min Woo Lee: Lee’s recent form has been inconsistent, and while he has shown flashes of potential, his performances in key tournaments have been underwhelming.

Prediction: Morikawa & Theegala to win. The U.S. pair’s form and consistency far outweigh Scott and Lee’s chances, making Morikawa and Theegala the clear favorites.

Match 3: Scottie Scheffler & Russell Henley vs. Sungjae Im & Tom Kim

Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley are the favorites at -142, and Doctor is enthusiastic about this pairing. He praises Furyk’s decision to split Scheffler from his usual partner, Sam Burns, and instead pair him with Henley, who ranked fifth on the PGA Tour for driving accuracy this season. Henley’s stellar performances at the U.S. Open and the British Open, combined with Scheffler’s status as the world’s number one player, make them a formidable duo.

Player Stats & Analysis

• Scottie Scheffler: Scheffler has had an elite season, consistently dominating across tournaments. His all-around game, particularly his ball-striking and putting, makes him an invaluable asset in this format.
• Russell Henley: Henley’s accuracy off the tee has been a defining feature of his game, and his steady performances in major events throughout the year further enhance his value in team formats.

On the international side, Sungjae Im has shown improvement throughout 2024, managing to climb to seventh in the FedEx Cup standings. However, Doctor questions Mike Weir’s decision to pair him with Tom Kim, whose form has been underwhelming this year. Kim, who was one of the standout performers in the 2022 Presidents Cup, has struggled in 2024, finishing 52nd in the FedEx Cup standings.

• Tom Kim: Kim’s lack of form this season raises significant concerns, and while he performed well in the 2022 Presidents Cup, his recent struggles may leave him vulnerable against the U.S. pair.
• Sungjae Im: Im’s steady improvement throughout 2024 gives him a fighting chance, but the weak link in his partnership with Kim could be costly.

Prediction: Scheffler & Henley to win. Scheffler’s dominance, combined with Henley’s driving accuracy, gives the U.S. pair a clear edge over the inconsistent international duo.

Match 4: Wyndham Clark & Keegan Bradley vs. Taylor Pendrith & Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Wyndham Clark and Keegan Bradley are -112 favorites, and Doctor expresses confidence in their ability to overcome the international team. He is particularly critical of Mike Weir’s decision to pair Taylor Pendrith with Christiaan Bezuidenhout, who has struggled with his form in recent months. Bezuidenhout’s driver has been unreliable, and his short game, which is usually a strength, has also faltered in his last few tournaments.

Player Stats & Analysis

• Wyndham Clark: Clark has had a solid season, and his well-rounded game makes him a strong partner for Bradley. His consistency off the tee and around the greens should give the U.S. pair an advantage.
• Keegan Bradley: Known for his determination and grit, Bradley brings valuable experience to this pairing. His tenacity in match play formats is well-suited for the Presidents Cup.

Bezuidenhout’s recent form has been a concern, with lackluster performances in his last four starts. Meanwhile, Pendrith has shown flashes of potential, but he lacks the consistency needed to carry this pairing to victory.

• Christiaan Bezuidenhout: Bezuidenhout’s recent struggles with driving and short game make him a liability in this match. His form has dipped significantly, which could be a deciding factor.
• Taylor Pendrith: While Pendrith has the talent to compete at a high level, his inconsistent play leaves this pairing vulnerable.

Prediction: Clark & Bradley to win. Bezuidenhout’s poor form will likely hinder the international team’s chances, making the U.S. pair the favorites.

Match 5: Hideki Matsuyama & Corey Conners vs. Patrick Cantlay & Sam Burns

The final match of the day features evenly matched teams, with both pairs priced at -110. Matsuyama and Conners have both had solid individual seasons, but Doctor points out their struggles in team formats. Matsuyama, despite his success in individual tournaments, has not fared well in the Presidents Cup, while Conners’ form has been inconsistent.

Player Stats & Analysis

• Hideki Matsuyama: Matsuyama’s impressive individual results in 2024, including wins at Riviera and Memphis, demonstrate his capabilities. However, his team format performances have been less successful.
• Corey Conners: Conners has shown flashes of brilliance but has been inconsistent in key events, raising doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level in this format.

On the U.S. side, Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns form a strong partnership. While Burns struggled in the 2022 Presidents Cup, he has found success in Fourball formats and will likely be more comfortable playing alongside Cantlay, who has thrived in team events.

• Patrick Cantlay: Cantlay’s success in team formats makes him a crucial player for the U.S. team. His consistency and calm demeanor add stability to this pairing.
• Sam Burns: Burns has shown improvement in Fourball play and will benefit from Cantlay’s experience and leadership.

Prediction: Cantlay & Burns to win. Despite Matsuyama and Conners’ individual successes, their struggles in team formats give the advantage to the U.S. pairing.

Conclusion

Doctor’s predictions for the Thursday Fourball matches heavily favor the U.S. team, with strong pairings and well-timed captain decisions giving them an edge. While the international team has potential, some questionable pairing decisions and inconsistent player form may prove to be their downfall. Based on Doctor’s analysis, the U.S. is in a strong position to sweep the first day of the Presidents Cup.