When Keegan Bradley, 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup captain sank the winning putt on Sunday, the Presidents CupRoyal Montreal Golf Club officially became a 10‑year streak for the United States. The International Team, led by South Korean challenger Si Woo Kim, fell 18.5‑11.5, handing America its 13th win in 15 editions of the biennial showdown.
How the Contest Unfolded
The opening day saw the U.S. explode out of the gates, sweeping the first five‑player foursomes 5‑0 at the historic Montreal venue. The International side answered back with a mirror‑image sweep the following morning, setting the stage for a seesaw battle.
By Saturday, however, Jim Furyk’s squad had seized a 11‑7 lead, winning six of the eight points on the second day. That margin meant they only needed 4.5 of the twelve singles points on Sunday to wrap the Cup.
Bradley's Winning Moment
Bradley entered the final round with a 2‑1‑0 record for the week, paired against a poised Kim. He jumped ahead on the back‑nine, ripping four of the first five holes. A missed four‑foot putt at the 16th and an eight‑footer at the 17th gave Kim a brief lifeline, but the Korean star couldn’t convert a 6‑foot birdie putt on the 18th. When the green finally fell, Bradley, though visibly exhausted, let out a laugh that echoed across the clubhouse.
“That was incredible. I was saying all week I didn’t know if I’d ever get to do this again. It’s a fairy tale. It’s a movie almost,” Bradley said, eyes shining. “You just have to work as hard as I can, and good things happen.” The sentiment resonated because just a decade earlier he’d been the unlucky point‑loser at Gleneagles during the 2014 Ryder Cup, watching Jamie Donaldson clinch victory for Europe.
Other Notable Performances
Xander Schauffele turned heads with a dominant 7‑and‑5 win over veteran Jason Day. Meanwhile, Russell Henley secured a full point, adding to the U.S. tally.
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler stumbled, losing to former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, but the defeat didn’t dent the overall lead. Patrick Cantlay posted his fourth win, a 3&1 triumph over Taylor Pendrith, finishing the tournament 4‑1‑0.
On the International side, Corey Conners delivered a spectacular 5&3 victory over Tony Finau, the lone bright spot for the challengers.
Team USA’s Path to Victory
The numbers tell the story: 18.5 points for the United States, 11.5 for the International Team. The decisive 7.5 points on Sunday’s singles round cemented a lead that had been building since Saturday’s six‑point haul. It also marked the 10th straight Presidents Cup win for the Americans, a streak that only the Europeans managed to break once, back in 1998.
Analysts point to the depth of the U.S. roster—12 players who each contributed at least half a point—as a key factor. The cohesion displayed throughout the event, from morning practices to after‑round celebrations, also silenced critics who claimed American squads lacked the camaraderie seen in European teams.
What This Means for the 2025 Ryder Cup
Bradley’s heroics provide a confidence boost ahead of his captaincy duties for the 2025 Ryder Cup in Rome. The win at Royal Montreal Golf Club suggests his leadership style—part aggressive play, part emotional openness—resonates with his teammates.
"If this is my last round as a player, I’m happy with that," he reflected after the match. Whether he steps back from competitive play or continues to chase tour victories, his role as captain is now stamped with a memorable triumph.
- Final Score: USA 18.5 – International 11.5
- Winning Point: Keegan Bradley def. Si Woo Kim, 1‑up
- Venue: Royal Montreal Golf Club, Montreal, Canada
- Date: September 29, 2024
- U.S. Lead Before Sunday: 11‑7
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this victory affect Team USA’s chances in the 2025 Ryder Cup?
The win reinforces confidence in the current U.S. player pool and validates Keegan Bradley’s leadership style. With most of the Presidents Cup roster likely eligible for the Ryder Cup, their chemistry and recent success suggest a strong footing against Europe in Rome.
What were the key moments that turned the match in America’s favor?
Saturday’s six‑point haul by Jim Furyk’s squad gave the U.S. a decisive lead, and Keegan Bradley’s clutch birdie putt on the 18th hole clinched the Cup. Xander Schauffele’s 7‑and‑5 win over Jason Day also added momentum early in the singles.
Who were the standout performers for the International Team?
Corey Conners shone with a 5&3 victory over Tony Finau, and Si Woo Kim pushed the final match to the last hole, keeping his side in contention until Bradley sealed the win.
How does this result compare to previous Presidents Cup outcomes?
It marks the United States’ 10th straight victory, extending a dominance that began in 2007. The margin of 7 points mirrors the 2019 win, underscoring a consistent performance gap between the two sides.
What is the historical significance of the Royal Montreal Golf Club hosting the event?
It was the first time the Presidents Cup landed in Canada’s French‑speaking region, showcasing the club’s storied architecture and drawing a record‑sized crowd that highlighted golf’s growing popularity north of the border.