The United States won the&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.5-12.5 triumph over the Internationals. Schauffele never trailed in defeating Canada's Corey Conners 1-up, sinking a three-foot par putt at the 18th hole to lift the US squad to 15.5 points and seal the overall triumph at Quail Hollow.

"It feels good to win," Schauffele said. "It got pretty close there for a little bit. Winning is winning." The Americans, who led 11-7 entering the 12 final singles matches, improved to 12-1-1 in the all-time rivalry and have never lost on home soil. "They played great," US captain Davis Love said. "It was hard. They put in a lot of effort the last three weeks. They came in ready to go."

Conners, winless for the week, missed a five-foot par putt at 17 to keep Schauffele 1-up. At 18, Schauffele dropped his third shot three feet from the hole and, after Conners missed his third from a bunker, rolled in the deciding putt to tie the hole, win the match and set off a US celebration. "I was handed the opportunity and I was able to take advantage of it," Schauffele said.

The Internationals couldn't make the greatest last-day comeback in&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;history and haven't lifted the trophy since 1998. "We're a little disappointed," Internationals captain Trevor Immelman said. "We believed in ourselves. "We had an amazing week. They were fighting. These guys have massive hearts. I'll go into battle with them any day."

With 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players, the US team was a heavy favorite over a global side that lost British Open champion Cam Smith and several other top players who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, making them ineligible. "Trevor and his guys did a great job of rising to the occasion," Love said.

Tony Finau won five of the last nine holes to defeat Canada's Taylor Pendrith 3&amp;1 and lift the Americans within a point of clinching the&nbsp;Cup. "I fought as hard as I've ever fought in a match," Finau said. "You just have to get the job done." Jordan Spieth, winless in seven prior Ryder and&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;singles matches, became only the sixth player to go 5-0 in a single&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup, winning four holes in a row late to defeat Australia's Cam Davis 4&amp;3 for the first US point.

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"I was extra nervous," Spieth said. "I wanted to get that monkey off my back. They are looking for red on the board and it feels really good to finally provide that. "You can't put a price on this. I did as much as I could this week."

Patrick Cantlay never trailed in beating Australia's Adam Scott 3&amp;2 for the second US point. Cantlay went 3-up after four holes and Scott,&nbsp;Cup-less in 10 tries, was never nearer than 2-down after that. Sam Burns finished the week winless but helped the US cause by tying Japan's Hideki Matsuyama.

<h2>- Thomas, Scheffler lose -</h2>

The global stars pulled off two early upsets to delay the US party. South Korea's&nbsp;Kim Si-woo beat Justin Thomas 1-up, the American falling to 0-3 in career&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;singles. Thomas, who went 4-0 with Spieth in pairs, lost after Kim sank a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 and Thomas missed his from three inches closer.

"I believed I could do it and I did it," Kim said. "I've never (felt) this pressure. Real hard match. I kept the pressure to him and kept positive and that's why it worked."

Thomas won the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and his second major at this year's PGA. Colombian Sebastian Munoz beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler 2&amp;1, the Masters champion going 0-3-1 this week, worst mark of any world number one in a&nbsp;Presidents&nbsp;Cup.

"It was tough," Munoz said. "It was one of the best things I've ever achieved in my life. It took everything. I threw everything at him." In post-clinch finishes, South Korea's Im Sung-jae beat Cameron Young 1-up, Lee Kyoung-hoon downed Billy Horschel 3&amp;1, Max Homa beat South Korea's Kim Joo-hyung 1-up, Collin Morikawa defeated Chile's Mito Pereira 3&amp;2 and South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout downed Kevin Kisner 2&amp;1.\

The United States won the Presidents Cup for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.

The United States won the Presidents Cup for a ninth consecutive time on Sunday with Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele delivering the clinching point in a 17.5-12.5 triumph over the Internationals. Schauffele never trailed in defeating Canada's Corey Conners 1-up, sinking a three-foot par putt at the 18th hole to lift the US squad to 15.5 points and seal the overall triumph at Quail Hollow. "It feels good to win," Schauffele said. "It got pretty close there for a little bit. Winning is winning." The Americans, who led 11-7 entering the 12 final singles matches, improved to 12-1-1 in the all-time rivalry and have never lost on home soil. "They played great," US captain Davis Love said. "It was hard. They put in a lot of effort the last three weeks. They came in ready to go." Conners, winless for the week, missed a five-foot par putt at 17 to keep Schauffele 1-up. At 18, Schauffele dropped his third shot three feet from the hole and, after Conners missed his third from a bunker, rolled in the deciding putt to tie the hole, win the match and set off a US celebration. "I was handed the opportunity and I was able to take advantage of it," Schauffele said. The Internationals couldn't make the greatest last-day comeback in Presidents Cup history and haven't lifted the trophy since 1998. "We're a little disappointed," Internationals captain Trevor Immelman said. "We believed in ourselves. "We had an amazing week. They were fighting. These guys have massive hearts. I'll go into battle with them any day." With 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players, the US team was a heavy favorite over a global side that lost British Open champion Cam Smith and several other top players who jumped from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf, making them ineligible. "Trevor and his guys did a great job of rising to the occasion," Love said. Tony Finau won five of the last nine holes to defeat Canada's Taylor Pendrith 3&1 and lift the Americans within a point of clinching the Cup. "I fought as hard as I've ever fought in a match," Finau said. "You just have to get the job done." Jordan Spieth, winless in seven prior Ryder and Presidents Cup singles matches, became only the sixth player to go 5-0 in a single Presidents Cup, winning four holes in a row late to defeat Australia's Cam Davis 4&3 for the first US point. ALSO READ | Scrappy Internationals stun US to leave Presidents Cup up for grabs "I was extra nervous," Spieth said. "I wanted to get that monkey off my back. They are looking for red on the board and it feels really good to finally provide that. "You can't put a price on this. I did as much as I could this week." Patrick Cantlay never trailed in beating Australia's Adam Scott 3&2 for the second US point. Cantlay went 3-up after four holes and Scott, Cup-less in 10 tries, was never nearer than 2-down after that. Sam Burns finished the week winless but helped the US cause by tying Japan's Hideki Matsuyama. - Thomas, Scheffler lose - The global stars pulled off two early upsets to delay the US party. South Korea's Kim Si-woo beat Justin Thomas 1-up, the American falling to 0-3 in career Presidents Cup singles. Thomas, who went 4-0 with Spieth in pairs, lost after Kim sank a 10-foot birdie putt at 18 and Thomas missed his from three inches closer. "I believed I could do it and I did it," Kim said. "I've never (felt) this pressure. Real hard match. I kept the pressure to him and kept positive and that's why it worked." Thomas won the 2017 PGA Championship at Quail Hollow and his second major at this year's PGA. Colombian Sebastian Munoz beat top-ranked Scottie Scheffler 2&1, the Masters champion going 0-3-1 this week, worst mark of any world number one in a Presidents Cup. "It was tough," Munoz said. "It was one of the best things I've ever achieved in my life. It took everything. I threw everything at him." In post-clinch finishes, South Korea's Im Sung-jae beat Cameron Young 1-up, Lee Kyoung-hoon downed Billy Horschel 3&1, Max Homa beat South Korea's Kim Joo-hyung 1-up, Collin Morikawa defeated Chile's Mito Pereira 3&2 and South African Christiaan Bezuidenhout downed Kevin Kisner 2&1.\

United States secures ninth successive Presidents Cup

The underdog Internationals bared their teeth on Saturday, outplaying the United States in a marathon day of golf to leave American fans stunned and the Presidents Cup suddenly up for grabs.

The heavily favoured U.S. had started the day with a commanding 8-2 advantage and in position to register a Presidents Cup first - securing the golden trophy on Saturday.

But the Americans took their foot of the gas, opening the door for the scrappy Internationals, who split the morning foursomes 2-2 and then took three of four points in the afternoon fourballs to chop the U.S. advantage to 11-7.

"They (the U.S. players) were pretty mad," said U.S. captain Davis Love III. "We wanted to win every session, and we tied one and lost one today.

"So that wasn't part of our plan.

"They're going to come out mad tomorrow." While it was an inspiring performance by the Internationals they will head into Sunday's decisive singles still facing a daunting challenge of overhauling a U.S. team that needs just 4-1/2 points from the 12 matches to get to the 15 1/2 needed to secure victory.

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The Internationals, with a record eight Presidents Cup debutants in their 12-man team, were given little chance against a U.S. powerhouse featuring nine of the top 15 players in the world and had looked ready to be steamrollered after being routed in the opening two sessions.

International captain Trevor Immelman had vowed his men would fight until the final bell and they have now earned the opportunity to pull off what many believe would be the biggest upset in golf.

"We were in a deep hole," said Immelman. "We've been fighting our guts out all week and we've just been trying to stay patient to wait for some putts to go in.

"Finally, this afternoon, some putts started to fall for us."

A long day at the Quail Hollow Club began in the dawn chill but the early start did not stop fans from packing into the first tee stands, the pro-American crowd sending off Love's men to what they hoped would be another day of domination.

But the raucous cheers fell silent in the Charlotte twilight when the Australian duo of Adam Scott and Cam Davis rallied from 1-down to Sam Burns and Billy Horschel with three to play to register a 1-up win.

After splitting the foursome the Americans had looked to get back on track in the fourball when the U.S. power pairing of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas picked up their fourth win in four matches subduing Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Canadian Taylor Pendrith 4&amp;3.

But that would be the only U.S. point of the afternoon as the Internationals continued to build on their morning momentum.

South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Colombian Sebastian Munoz started the rally with a 3&amp;2 win over Tony Finau an Kevin Kisner.

But the spark the Internationals had been seeking came from fearless 20-year-old Kim Joo-hyung, his big putts and even bigger celebrations providing his team with an emotional jolt.

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Kim (also known as Tom Kim) partnered with Kim Si-woo to take down the unbeaten U.S. pair of world numbers four and five Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 1-up when the 20-year-old rookie dropped a nerve jangling 10-foot birdie putt at the 18th for the win.

"This young kid has burst onto the scene in the last six months, he's been such a tremendous gift to our sport," praised Immelman. "He has an ability to be a global superstar.

"I thought something that was so cool on the final hole today, he's about 240 yards out.

"I look back, I see the who's who of American golf in golf carts behind him.

"I see (Justin) Thomas, I see (Jordan) Spieth, I see (Tony) Finau, I see (Max) Homa, all of them sitting on carts 15 yards from him.

"And this kid pures a two iron to 10-feet and makes the putt."

The underdog Internationals bared their teeth on Saturday, outplaying the United States in a marathon day of golf to leave American fans stunned and the Presidents Cup suddenly up for grabs.

The underdog Internationals bared their teeth on Saturday, outplaying the United States in a marathon day of golf to leave American fans stunned and the Presidents Cup suddenly up for grabs. The heavily favoured U.S. had started the day with a commanding 8-2 advantage and in position to register a Presidents Cup first - securing the golden trophy on Saturday. But the Americans took their foot of the gas, opening the door for the scrappy Internationals, who split the morning foursomes 2-2 and then took three of four points in the afternoon fourballs to chop the U.S. advantage to 11-7. "They (the U.S. players) were pretty mad," said U.S. captain Davis Love III. "We wanted to win every session, and we tied one and lost one today. "So that wasn't part of our plan. "They're going to come out mad tomorrow." While it was an inspiring performance by the Internationals they will head into Sunday's decisive singles still facing a daunting challenge of overhauling a U.S. team that needs just 4-1/2 points from the 12 matches to get to the 15 1/2 needed to secure victory. Also Read: Paul Pogba's brother Mathias alleges Juventus star paid witch doctor to ‘neutralise’ Kylian Mbappe The Internationals, with a record eight Presidents Cup debutants in their 12-man team, were given little chance against a U.S. powerhouse featuring nine of the top 15 players in the world and had looked ready to be steamrollered after being routed in the opening two sessions. International captain Trevor Immelman had vowed his men would fight until the final bell and they have now earned the opportunity to pull off what many believe would be the biggest upset in golf. "We were in a deep hole," said Immelman. "We've been fighting our guts out all week and we've just been trying to stay patient to wait for some putts to go in. "Finally, this afternoon, some putts started to fall for us." A long day at the Quail Hollow Club began in the dawn chill but the early start did not stop fans from packing into the first tee stands, the pro-American crowd sending off Love's men to what they hoped would be another day of domination. But the raucous cheers fell silent in the Charlotte twilight when the Australian duo of Adam Scott and Cam Davis rallied from 1-down to Sam Burns and Billy Horschel with three to play to register a 1-up win. After splitting the foursome the Americans had looked to get back on track in the fourball when the U.S. power pairing of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas picked up their fourth win in four matches subduing Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Canadian Taylor Pendrith 4&3. But that would be the only U.S. point of the afternoon as the Internationals continued to build on their morning momentum. South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Colombian Sebastian Munoz started the rally with a 3&2 win over Tony Finau an Kevin Kisner. But the spark the Internationals had been seeking came from fearless 20-year-old Kim Joo-hyung, his big putts and even bigger celebrations providing his team with an emotional jolt. Also Read: Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge breaks marathon world record in Berlin Kim (also known as Tom Kim) partnered with Kim Si-woo to take down the unbeaten U.S. pair of world numbers four and five Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele 1-up when the 20-year-old rookie dropped a nerve jangling 10-foot birdie putt at the 18th for the win. "This young kid has burst onto the scene in the last six months, he's been such a tremendous gift to our sport," praised Immelman. "He has an ability to be a global superstar. "I thought something that was so cool on the final hole today, he's about 240 yards out. "I look back, I see the who's who of American golf in golf carts behind him. "I see (Justin) Thomas, I see (Jordan) Spieth, I see (Tony) Finau, I see (Max) Homa, all of them sitting on carts 15 yards from him. "And this kid pures a two iron to 10-feet and makes the putt."

Scrappy Internationals stun US to leave Presidents Cup up for grabs

Tiger Woods, playing captain in a 2019 US victory, couldn't be an assistant at this week's Presidents Cup due to severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year. But that doesn't mean the 15-time major champion isn't helping US captain Davis Love and the American staff against the Internationals at Quail Hollow.

Love said Woods remains a key advisor even though it's from a distance. "We're including him, as usual," Love said. "He's having fun. He obviously misses it. I know he wishes he were here." Love called Woods during Thursday's opening matches while watching groups play the sixth hole. "We talked for a while," Love said. "I said, 'At least you're watching. You can call if you see anything.'

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Woods made his comeback following the injuries at the Masters in April, 14 months after the auto accident in Southern California. He completed 72 holes over hilly Augusta National to finish 47th. Woods made the cut in May at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills but withdrew after struggling to a 79 in the third round. He also missed the cut in July at the British Open at St. Andrews.

Love could understand why Woods would not want to test himself over the hilly North Carolina layout this week."It's not easy," Love said. "We're banging around in a cart and walking up and down hills. I get it." World number eight Will Zalatoris, who won his first PGA title last month at Memphis, is at Quail Hollow after being unable to compete for the Americans due to two herniated discs in his back that will sideline him for several months. "It's good to be here. It's good to be with the guys," Zalatoris said. "But it is bittersweet."

Tiger Woods, playing captain in a 2019 US victory, couldn't be an assistant at this week's Presidents Cup due to severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year.

Tiger Woods, playing captain in a 2019 US victory, couldn't be an assistant at this week's Presidents Cup due to severe leg injuries suffered in a car crash last year. But that doesn't mean the 15-time major champion isn't helping US captain Davis Love and the American staff against the Internationals at Quail Hollow. Love said Woods remains a key advisor even though it's from a distance. "We're including him, as usual," Love said. "He's having fun. He obviously misses it. I know he wishes he were here." Love called Woods during Thursday's opening matches while watching groups play the sixth hole. "We talked for a while," Love said. "I said, 'At least you're watching. You can call if you see anything.' ALSO READ | Americans take 4-1 lead on Internationals at Presidents Cup Woods made his comeback following the injuries at the Masters in April, 14 months after the auto accident in Southern California. He completed 72 holes over hilly Augusta National to finish 47th. Woods made the cut in May at the PGA Championship at Southern Hills but withdrew after struggling to a 79 in the third round. He also missed the cut in July at the British Open at St. Andrews. Love could understand why Woods would not want to test himself over the hilly North Carolina layout this week."It's not easy," Love said. "We're banging around in a cart and walking up and down hills. I get it." World number eight Will Zalatoris, who won his first PGA title last month at Memphis, is at Quail Hollow after being unable to compete for the Americans due to two herniated discs in his back that will sideline him for several months. "It's good to be here. It's good to be with the guys," Zalatoris said. "But it is bittersweet."

Presidents Cup: Injured Tiger Woods helps US cause from a distance

Justin Thomas and Cameron Young sank clutch putts and the United States blunted a back-nine fightback to lead the Internationals 4-1 after Thursday's opening Presidents Cup matches. The Americans dominated early then held on in foursomes (alternate shot) matches at Quail Hollow, stretching their Presidents Cup win streak in the format to 16 sessions since 2005.

Thomas sank a 27-foot par putt to win the crucial 15th hole to give him and Jordan Spieth a 2&amp;1 triumph over Corey Conners and Im Sung-jae. Young sank a 26-foot birdie putt to win the 17th as he and Collin Morikawa beat South Koreans Lee Kyoung-hoon and Kim Joo-hyung 2&amp;1.

"We had some matches that we played really solid and some that were really a grind," US captain Davis Love said. "A great start, a lot of heart." The Americans lead the all-time rivalry 11-1-1 and have never lost on home soil, having won the past eight consecutive Cups. Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and 2021 PGA Tour playoffs winner Patrick Cantlay ripped Masters winners Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and Adam Scott of Australia 6&amp;5 in the opener. But the other matches were tight to the finish, with South Korean Kim Si-woo and Australian Cameron Davis winning the last four holes in a 2-up victory over top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.

"We hung in there. We got off to a tough start and were behind the 8-ball early," said Internationals captain Trevor Immelman. "We're going to have to find a way to make a few putts in the next few days. But we'll hang in there. That's what we do. We'll never quit." Max Homa and Tony Finau won 1-up over Canada's Taylor Pendrith and Chile's Mito Pereira after Pendrith missed a 10-foot par putt at 18. It took 99 minutes to crack par for the Internationals, who quickly fell behind in every match but grinded back. "We're going to learn a lot," said Canada's Conners. "I think we're going to be just as hungry to get back out there."

The Americans are huge favorites with 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players to none for an International roster decimated by defections to the LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Series. World number four Schauffele and fifth-ranked Cantlay won the fifth through seventh holes with birdies for a 4-up lead and took the last three holes with pars.

"We felt like the wind was picking up so we told each other to ball-strike the heck out of this place and that's what we did," said Schauffele. Schauffele and Cantlay rose to 5-0 in foursomes at Ryder and Presidents Cup. They also won this year's PGA pairs event in New Orleans.

"We just feel really comfortable and confident playing together," Cantlay said. "To make no bogeys it was really good&nbsp;golf." Spieth and Thomas stayed unbeaten in Cup foursomes. They went 3-up after six but Im's 14-foot birdie putt to win the ninth trimmed it to 1-up. "It was a big grind," Spieth said.

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<h2>- 'Exactly what we needed' -</h2>

Thomas sank his clutch putt at 15, Quail Hollow's closing hole when he won the 2017 PGA Championship but moved this week to produce thrills. Thomas did, pumping his fist and screaming, "That's what I'm talking about," before two final tied holes sealed victory.

"It was huge," Thomas said. "It was great. It was exactly what we needed kind of thing." Young holed a 24-foot birdie putt to win the sixth but a Lee birdie at 12 tied the match. Morikawa's approach landed inches from the cup at 13 to set up a birdie to restore the US lead ahead of Young's winning putt. "It was awesome," Young said.

Reigning Masters champion Scheffler and Burns were 2-up after 14 but Kim Si-woo and Davis took the lead when Davis dropped his approach at 17 inside four feet and Kim sank the birdie putt, then won 18 when Scheffler missed a 12-footer for par. "We had a brutal first nine," Kim said. "We played nervously but we tried to fight back." Davis said of his heroics at 17: "It was the first time all day a shot come off like I wanted and it came at a perfect time."

Justin Thomas and Cameron Young sank clutch putts and the United States blunted a back-nine fightback to lead the Internationals 4-1 after Thursday's opening Presidents Cup matches.

Justin Thomas and Cameron Young sank clutch putts and the United States blunted a back-nine fightback to lead the Internationals 4-1 after Thursday's opening Presidents Cup matches. The Americans dominated early then held on in foursomes (alternate shot) matches at Quail Hollow, stretching their Presidents Cup win streak in the format to 16 sessions since 2005. Thomas sank a 27-foot par putt to win the crucial 15th hole to give him and Jordan Spieth a 2&1 triumph over Corey Conners and Im Sung-jae. Young sank a 26-foot birdie putt to win the 17th as he and Collin Morikawa beat South Koreans Lee Kyoung-hoon and Kim Joo-hyung 2&1. "We had some matches that we played really solid and some that were really a grind," US captain Davis Love said. "A great start, a lot of heart." The Americans lead the all-time rivalry 11-1-1 and have never lost on home soil, having won the past eight consecutive Cups. Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and 2021 PGA Tour playoffs winner Patrick Cantlay ripped Masters winners Hideki Matsuyama of Japan and Adam Scott of Australia 6&5 in the opener. But the other matches were tight to the finish, with South Korean Kim Si-woo and Australian Cameron Davis winning the last four holes in a 2-up victory over top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. "We hung in there. We got off to a tough start and were behind the 8-ball early," said Internationals captain Trevor Immelman. "We're going to have to find a way to make a few putts in the next few days. But we'll hang in there. That's what we do. We'll never quit." Max Homa and Tony Finau won 1-up over Canada's Taylor Pendrith and Chile's Mito Pereira after Pendrith missed a 10-foot par putt at 18. It took 99 minutes to crack par for the Internationals, who quickly fell behind in every match but grinded back. "We're going to learn a lot," said Canada's Conners. "I think we're going to be just as hungry to get back out there." The Americans are huge favorites with 10 of the world's 16 top-ranked players to none for an International roster decimated by defections to the LIV Golf Series. World number four Schauffele and fifth-ranked Cantlay won the fifth through seventh holes with birdies for a 4-up lead and took the last three holes with pars. "We felt like the wind was picking up so we told each other to ball-strike the heck out of this place and that's what we did," said Schauffele. Schauffele and Cantlay rose to 5-0 in foursomes at Ryder and Presidents Cup. They also won this year's PGA pairs event in New Orleans. "We just feel really comfortable and confident playing together," Cantlay said. "To make no bogeys it was really good golf." Spieth and Thomas stayed unbeaten in Cup foursomes. They went 3-up after six but Im's 14-foot birdie putt to win the ninth trimmed it to 1-up. "It was a big grind," Spieth said. ALSO READ | Deeper resolve for global Presidents Cup side following LIV losses - 'Exactly what we needed' - Thomas sank his clutch putt at 15, Quail Hollow's closing hole when he won the 2017 PGA Championship but moved this week to produce thrills. Thomas did, pumping his fist and screaming, "That's what I'm talking about," before two final tied holes sealed victory. "It was huge," Thomas said. "It was great. It was exactly what we needed kind of thing." Young holed a 24-foot birdie putt to win the sixth but a Lee birdie at 12 tied the match. Morikawa's approach landed inches from the cup at 13 to set up a birdie to restore the US lead ahead of Young's winning putt. "It was awesome," Young said. Reigning Masters champion Scheffler and Burns were 2-up after 14 but Kim Si-woo and Davis took the lead when Davis dropped his approach at 17 inside four feet and Kim sank the birdie putt, then won 18 when Scheffler missed a 12-footer for par. "We had a brutal first nine," Kim said. "We played nervously but we tried to fight back." Davis said of his heroics at 17: "It was the first time all day a shot come off like I wanted and it came at a perfect time."

Americans take 4-1 lead on Internationals at Presidents Cup

Internationals captain Trevor Immelman says losing several top players to LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;has deepened the determination of the players who will compete against the United States at the Presidents Cup. Having worked with more than two dozen players over the past 18 months, Immelman hopes the lost talent might help create a tighter bond among the players who will tee off starting Thursday in the team showdown at Quail Hollow.

"Strengthened our team from a resolve standpoint," Immelman said. "The 12 that are here, they are the ones that remained loyal, stayed with our team, wanted to play in the Presidents Cup and those are the guys I want to fight with."

The Americans lead the all-time rivalry 11-1-1, having won eight in a row. Their only loss came at Melbourne in 1998. The Internationals were seen as a serious threat to win on US soil for the first time before losing several top players to the Saudi-backed LIV&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Series.

British Open winner Cameron Smith, the world number three from Australia, Chile's Joaquin Niemann, South African Louis Oosthuizen, Mexico's Abraham Ancer and Aussie Marc Leishman were the top names who jumped to LIV, bringing indefinite bans from the PGA and banishment from Presidents Cup consideration. "There's a tension and strife in the game right now," US captain Davis Love said.

Immelman still has five top-30 players in past Masters champions Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, South Korean stars Kim Joo-hyung and Im Sung-jae and Canada's Corey Conners. But the diminished global squad is seen as a severe underdog against a mighty US lineup with 12 of the world's 25 top-ranked players, 11 of them in the top 18.&nbsp;

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And that's with eighth-ranked Will Zalatoris injured and several US stars joining LIV, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau. "We're really happy with the 12 we've got," Love said. "There's no talk in our team room of anybody missing."

But&nbsp;golf&nbsp;fans will never know if a full Internationals lineup might have challenged the Americans. "We can't run from it," Immelman said. "It has been a real tough time. It was sad and disappointing to have to go through that. It has been tough to see. "All those players knew what the repercussions would be if they went over to the other tour. Everybody knew where they stood." Immelman said he got the bad news directly from players and was kept in the loop as they decided on LIV. "Am I disappointed they won't all be here? Absolutely," Immelman said. "Now we get to go up against a strong American team. we're looking forward."

Immelman said nothing came of talk to make his team an organization to allow LIV players, saying, "When you look under the hood... it's not really a viable option."

Camaraderie among best -

Immelman's plight had some sympathy from US star Justin Thomas, who won his second PGA Championship in May. "It's just an unfortunate situation for him. It's not fair," Thomas said. "It's tough. We didn't want it. He didn't want it. It's a bummer. "But he has put together a very strong team, camaraderie-wise one of the best they've had." Unifying talent from across the planet have been the achievement, Immelman said.

"You're blending seven or eight cultures and trying to get everybody in their sweet spot," he said. "It has been tricky and something we've worked really hard on over the last three or four years. "We're starting to get there slowly but surely, so now it's much more about how those two players can blend together and their games would then match up with the&nbsp;golf&nbsp;course."

Internationals captain Trevor Immelman says losing several top players to LIV Golf has deepened the determination of the players who will compete against the United States at the Presidents Cup.

Internationals captain Trevor Immelman says losing several top players to LIV Golf has deepened the determination of the players who will compete against the United States at the Presidents Cup. Having worked with more than two dozen players over the past 18 months, Immelman hopes the lost talent might help create a tighter bond among the players who will tee off starting Thursday in the team showdown at Quail Hollow. "Strengthened our team from a resolve standpoint," Immelman said. "The 12 that are here, they are the ones that remained loyal, stayed with our team, wanted to play in the Presidents Cup and those are the guys I want to fight with." The Americans lead the all-time rivalry 11-1-1, having won eight in a row. Their only loss came at Melbourne in 1998. The Internationals were seen as a serious threat to win on US soil for the first time before losing several top players to the Saudi-backed LIV Golf Series. British Open winner Cameron Smith, the world number three from Australia, Chile's Joaquin Niemann, South African Louis Oosthuizen, Mexico's Abraham Ancer and Aussie Marc Leishman were the top names who jumped to LIV, bringing indefinite bans from the PGA and banishment from Presidents Cup consideration. "There's a tension and strife in the game right now," US captain Davis Love said. Immelman still has five top-30 players in past Masters champions Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama, South Korean stars Kim Joo-hyung and Im Sung-jae and Canada's Corey Conners. But the diminished global squad is seen as a severe underdog against a mighty US lineup with 12 of the world's 25 top-ranked players, 11 of them in the top 18. ALSO READ | 'Unfortunately, I cannot speak on that': Magnus Carlsen refuses to clarify cheating claims And that's with eighth-ranked Will Zalatoris injured and several US stars joining LIV, including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Patrick Reed and Bryson DeChambeau. "We're really happy with the 12 we've got," Love said. "There's no talk in our team room of anybody missing." But golf fans will never know if a full Internationals lineup might have challenged the Americans. "We can't run from it," Immelman said. "It has been a real tough time. It was sad and disappointing to have to go through that. It has been tough to see. "All those players knew what the repercussions would be if they went over to the other tour. Everybody knew where they stood." Immelman said he got the bad news directly from players and was kept in the loop as they decided on LIV. "Am I disappointed they won't all be here? Absolutely," Immelman said. "Now we get to go up against a strong American team. we're looking forward." Immelman said nothing came of talk to make his team an organization to allow LIV players, saying, "When you look under the hood... it's not really a viable option." Camaraderie among best - Immelman's plight had some sympathy from US star Justin Thomas, who won his second PGA Championship in May. "It's just an unfortunate situation for him. It's not fair," Thomas said. "It's tough. We didn't want it. He didn't want it. It's a bummer. "But he has put together a very strong team, camaraderie-wise one of the best they've had." Unifying talent from across the planet have been the achievement, Immelman said. "You're blending seven or eight cultures and trying to get everybody in their sweet spot," he said. "It has been tricky and something we've worked really hard on over the last three or four years. "We're starting to get there slowly but surely, so now it's much more about how those two players can blend together and their games would then match up with the golf course."

Deeper resolve for global Presidents Cup side following LIV losses

Saudi Arabia has never been part of the Presidents Cup, which every two years pits the best golfers from the United States against the best from the rest of world -- except Europe.

But this week at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit will be in the middle of the action, as the feud between it and the PGA Tour continues to escalate, impacting both teams.

The PGA Tour organises the Presidents Cup while LIV Golf, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has been busy poaching players, luring away some of golf's biggest names with staggering sums of money.

In retaliation the PGA Tour has suspended anyone jumping to the rebel circuit and the result is both sides will be missing key players when play gets underway on Thursday.

The U.S. will be without the services of LIV defectors and major winners Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lithuanias-aleksandr-sorokin-runs-3196-km-in-24-hours-to-set-new-world-record-518023">Lithuania's Aleksandr Sorokin runs 319.6 km in 24 hours to set new world record</a>

LIV Golf's number one recruit six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who has played in more Presidents Cups (12) and more matches (55) than anyone else, would likely not have made the squad on merit but almost certainly would have found a place in a non-playing role as an ambassador or co-captain.

Their absence will have minimal impact on a powerhouse American lineup that still includes three of the top five in the world rankings, led by number one Scottie Scheffler.

The 12-man International squad, however, cannot come close to matching the deep U.S. talent pool and the loss of world number three, Australian Cameron Smith, the Open and Players championship winner this year, is a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the Presidents Cup for just the second time.

South African Louis Oosthuizen, Chile's Joaquin Niemann and Mexico's Abraham Ancer are also unavailable to International captain Trevor Immelman, who has called up a record eight Presidents Cup debutants.

Australian Adam Scott, playing his 10th Presidents Cup and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama his fifth are the only members of the squad to have played in more than one event.

In 13 previous Presidents Cups the International team has just one victory, coming in 1998 when the event was staged in Australia.

Every other Presidents Cup has gone to the United States with the exception of 2003 in South Africa that ended in a draw.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/roger-federer-doubtful-to-take-part-in-farewell-laver-cup-tournament-will-make-a-last-minute-decision-517956">Roger Federer doubtful to take part in farewell Laver Cup tournament, will make a last-minute decision</a>

The last time the U.S. staged the event in 2017 at Liberty National they charged into a 14-3 1/2 lead going into the Sunday singles and coasted to a 19-11 victory.

Having home advantage once again and 40,000 boisterous fans backing them, there are fears that an inexperienced International team could be in for a humiliating thrashing at Quail Hollow.

"We'll be representing underdogs all over the world in every facet of life," conceded Immelman. "Whether it be business or sport or kids at school.

"We look forward to the Presidents Cup every time.

"Over the years you look at the history books, everybody knows we've had our butts kicked, but that doesn't mean we'll come with any less passion and compete to try and win."

Saudi Arabia has never been part of the Presidents Cup, which every two years pits the best golfers from the United States against the best from the rest of world -- except Europe.

Saudi Arabia has never been part of the Presidents Cup, which every two years pits the best golfers from the United States against the best from the rest of world -- except Europe. But this week at the Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte, the Saudi-backed LIV Golf circuit will be in the middle of the action, as the feud between it and the PGA Tour continues to escalate, impacting both teams. The PGA Tour organises the Presidents Cup while LIV Golf, bankrolled by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, has been busy poaching players, luring away some of golf's biggest names with staggering sums of money. In retaliation the PGA Tour has suspended anyone jumping to the rebel circuit and the result is both sides will be missing key players when play gets underway on Thursday. The U.S. will be without the services of LIV defectors and major winners Dustin Johnson, Bryson DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka. Also Read: Lithuania's Aleksandr Sorokin runs 319.6 km in 24 hours to set new world record LIV Golf's number one recruit six-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who has played in more Presidents Cups (12) and more matches (55) than anyone else, would likely not have made the squad on merit but almost certainly would have found a place in a non-playing role as an ambassador or co-captain. Their absence will have minimal impact on a powerhouse American lineup that still includes three of the top five in the world rankings, led by number one Scottie Scheffler. The 12-man International squad, however, cannot come close to matching the deep U.S. talent pool and the loss of world number three, Australian Cameron Smith, the Open and Players championship winner this year, is a huge blow to their hopes of lifting the Presidents Cup for just the second time. South African Louis Oosthuizen, Chile's Joaquin Niemann and Mexico's Abraham Ancer are also unavailable to International captain Trevor Immelman, who has called up a record eight Presidents Cup debutants. Australian Adam Scott, playing his 10th Presidents Cup and Japan's Hideki Matsuyama his fifth are the only members of the squad to have played in more than one event. In 13 previous Presidents Cups the International team has just one victory, coming in 1998 when the event was staged in Australia. Every other Presidents Cup has gone to the United States with the exception of 2003 in South Africa that ended in a draw. Also Read: Roger Federer doubtful to take part in farewell Laver Cup tournament, will make a last-minute decision The last time the U.S. staged the event in 2017 at Liberty National they charged into a 14-3 1/2 lead going into the Sunday singles and coasted to a 19-11 victory. Having home advantage once again and 40,000 boisterous fans backing them, there are fears that an inexperienced International team could be in for a humiliating thrashing at Quail Hollow. "We'll be representing underdogs all over the world in every facet of life," conceded Immelman. "Whether it be business or sport or kids at school. "We look forward to the Presidents Cup every time. "Over the years you look at the history books, everybody knows we've had our butts kicked, but that doesn't mean we'll come with any less passion and compete to try and win."

No LIV players but rebel circuit set to dominate Presidents Cup

United States captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-moves-clear-as-woods-surges-in-bahamas-266577">Tiger Woods</a> has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup.

Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

The US&nbsp;pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/presidents-cup-internationals-stun-us-to-lead-presidents-cup-4-1-267935">Presidents Cup</a> debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition.

Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match.

Tony Finau is back in the US&nbsp;line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea.

The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler.

United States captain Tiger Woods has decided to sit out Saturday morning's fourball matches against the Internationals at the Presidents Cup. Justin Thomas, whose partnership with Woods at Royal Melbourne has helped keep the United States in touch with the Internationals, has instead been paired with Rickie Fowler. The US pair will face Australian Marc Leishman and China's Li Haotong, who has been handed his Presidents Cup debut by captain Ernie Els on the third day of the biennial competition. Woods has decided to stick with the misfiring combination of Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson, sending them out for a third time despite defeats in the first two days, to face Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan. Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, whose Friday win over Adam Hadwin and Joaquin Niemann helped the United States hold the Internationals to a 6.5-3.5 lead, take on South Korea's Im Sung-jae and Abraham Ancer in an all-rookie match. Tony Finau is back in the US line-up after being rested on Friday and will partner Matt Kuchar against Australian Adam Scott and An Byeong-hun of South Korea. The pairings for Saturday afternoon's foursome matches have yet to be announced.

Golf: Tiger Woods to sit out Saturday fourballs at Presidents Cup

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches.

Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win.

Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun&nbsp;of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1.

There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama.

Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead.

There was a huge upset on Thursday morning in Australia as the Presidents Cup got underway between holders America and rest of the world team. The internationals made the pundits eat humble pie by taking a 4-1 lead. Team USA captain Tiger Woods led his team out for the first match as he paired up with Justin Thomas to take on Marc Leishman and Joaquin Niemann. Only the second-ever playing captain in Presidents Cup history, Woods was in scintillating form as he sunk 6 birdies to give his team a 4 and 3 win but that turned out to be the only success for the Americans as the internationals upset the form book in the other matches. Im Sung-Jae and Adam Hadwin were locked in a tight battle with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 13 holes halved before a birdie from Hadwin on the 16th saw the pairing win. Former world number-1 Adam Scott and South Korean An Byeong-hun of South Korea never trailed against Bryson de Shambo and Tony Finau and win 2 and 1. There was another tight game between Japan's Hideki Matsuyama and Taiwan's CT Pan against Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson both major winners. The Americans never led this one either and Captain America Reed's late heroics could not prevent a 1-up win for Pan and Matsuyama. Finally, rookie Abraham Ancer and South Africa's Louis Oosthuizen put on a front nine blitz to thrash the powerful pairing of US Open champion Gary Woodland and former world No-1 Dustin Johnson 4 and 3.

Presidents Cup: Internationals stun US to lead 4-1

Sydneysider Matt&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;won his&nbsp;second<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-tweaks-extreme-heat-policy-187116">&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open</a>&nbsp;title in four years on Sunday after a two-under-par 69 in the final round proved just enough for a one-shot victory over major&nbsp;winner Louis Oosthuizen.

There was&nbsp;late&nbsp;drama when Oosthuizen finished with an eagle to draw within a shot of the lead but&nbsp;Jones, despite finding a bunker from the 18th tee, held his nerve to nail a five-foot par putt on the final green and secure the title.

Jones, the overnight leader, ended on 15-under 269 for a tournament to raise the Stonehaven Cup for the&nbsp;second&nbsp;time at The&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Golf&nbsp;Club, where he is a member and also secured his 2015 triumph.

Players had complained of visibility problems and stinging eyes when smoke from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sydneysiders-urged-to-stay-indoors-as-australian-bushfire-smoke-blankets-city-263900">bushfires</a> raging around Sydney blanketed the course over the first two rounds of the tournament but blustery&nbsp;winds cleared the skies over the weekend.

The&nbsp;wind brings its own problems to the suburban layout but it appears few players are better equipped to deal with them than&nbsp;Jones, who has finished first-second-first on his last three visits home for the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;Open.

The Arizona-based 39-year-old had picked up at least three shots over the back nine in the first three rounds so he would have been confident of victory when he turned around at level par with his three-shot overnight lead intact.

He walked hand-in-hand with one of his daughters at one point and the back-nine birdies duly arrived at the 13th and 14th holes with the&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;looking to have sealed the title when he nailed a 30-foot putt for another at the 17th.

It was not going to be that straightforward, however, and Oosthuizen, who had also picked up three birdies on the back nine, triggered a&nbsp;late&nbsp;scare&nbsp;with an eagle three at the last that left&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;needing to par the final hole for victory.

Jones's ball was in a bunker when the roar went up for Oosthuizen's eagle putt and the&nbsp;Australian's&nbsp;second&nbsp;shot ended up in a rough patch of bark.

His third shot got him back on the fairway, however, and a well-judged approach shot gave him a short putt to clinch his third professional title.

South African Oosthuizen, using the tournament to warm up for next week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne, shot a 66 for&nbsp;second&nbsp;place with Aaron Pike (69) and Japan's Takumi Kanaya (71) in third place a further five shots back on nine-under.

Jones, Queenslander Pike, and amateur world number one Kanaya also earned spots at next year's British&nbsp;Open&nbsp;with Oosthuizen enjoying a lifetime exemption after his 2010 triumph at the major.

England's Paul Casey, the highest-ranked player in the field at world number 14, finished in a share of fifth on eight-under after a final round 72.

Sydneysider Matt Jones won his second Australian Open title in four years on Sunday after a two-under-par 69 in the final round proved just enough for a one-shot victory over major winner Louis Oosthuizen.

Sydneysider Matt Jones won his second Australian Open title in four years on Sunday after a two-under-par 69 in the final round proved just enough for a one-shot victory over major winner Louis Oosthuizen. There was late drama when Oosthuizen finished with an eagle to draw within a shot of the lead but Jones, despite finding a bunker from the 18th tee, held his nerve to nail a five-foot par putt on the final green and secure the title. Jones, the overnight leader, ended on 15-under 269 for a tournament to raise the Stonehaven Cup for the second time at The Australian Golf Club, where he is a member and also secured his 2015 triumph. Players had complained of visibility problems and stinging eyes when smoke from the bushfires raging around Sydney blanketed the course over the first two rounds of the tournament but blustery winds cleared the skies over the weekend. The wind brings its own problems to the suburban layout but it appears few players are better equipped to deal with them than Jones, who has finished first-second-first on his last three visits home for the Australian Open. The Arizona-based 39-year-old had picked up at least three shots over the back nine in the first three rounds so he would have been confident of victory when he turned around at level par with his three-shot overnight lead intact. He walked hand-in-hand with one of his daughters at one point and the back-nine birdies duly arrived at the 13th and 14th holes with the Australian looking to have sealed the title when he nailed a 30-foot putt for another at the 17th. It was not going to be that straightforward, however, and Oosthuizen, who had also picked up three birdies on the back nine, triggered a late scare with an eagle three at the last that left Jones needing to par the final hole for victory. Jones's ball was in a bunker when the roar went up for Oosthuizen's eagle putt and the Australian's second shot ended up in a rough patch of bark. His third shot got him back on the fairway, however, and a well-judged approach shot gave him a short putt to clinch his third professional title. South African Oosthuizen, using the tournament to warm up for next week's Presidents Cup in Melbourne, shot a 66 for second place with Aaron Pike (69) and Japan's Takumi Kanaya (71) in third place a further five shots back on nine-under. Jones, Queenslander Pike, and amateur world number one Kanaya also earned spots at next year's British Open with Oosthuizen enjoying a lifetime exemption after his 2010 triumph at the major. England's Paul Casey, the highest-ranked player in the field at world number 14, finished in a share of fifth on eight-under after a final round 72.

Golf: Jones comes through late scare to win second Australian Open

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-reed-wont-dial-down-the-passion-at-presidents-cup-261792">Patrick Reed</a> edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club.

After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round.

The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round.

Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last.

"I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working."

US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under.

Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead.&nbsp;

Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66.

Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66.

Also watch:&nbsp;Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine

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Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch.

Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed.

"Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it.

Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the <a href="wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Presidents Cup</a> next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds.

"I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there.&nbsp;

"Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round.

Patrick Reed edged into a three-shot lead at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas on Thursday as Tiger Woods bounced back into contention after a lacklustre opening round. Former Masters champion Reed carded a second consecutive six-under-par 66 to finish the second round at 12 under for the tournament at Albany Golf Club. After strong winds which buffeted the course on Wednesday, Reed was among several players who took advantage of less hostile conditions to post a low-scoring round. The American started slowly, picking up two birdies over the front nine to reach the turn at two-under for the round. Back-to-back birdies on the 10th and 11th holes were followed by two more on 14 and 15, and although a bogey on the 16th followed, Reed recovered with a birdie on the last. "I feel good," Reed said afterwards. "I feel like the game's a lot clearer than it was earlier this year. I'm giving myself opportunities and the putter's working." US Open champion Gary Woodland, who had shared the first-round lead on Wednesday, posted a three-under-par 69 to finish the day alone in second place at nine-under. Sweden's Henrik Stenson and Spain's Jon Rahm shared the third spot on eight under, four off the lead. Stenson moved up the leaderboard after a five-under-par 67 while Rahm shot a six-under-par 66. Tournament host Woods meanwhile came back strongly after his disappointing 72 on Wednesday, hitting a bogey-free 66. Also watch: Tiger Woods: Return of the Winning Machine × Woods' round burst into life on the back nine, with the former world number one snaring an eagle three on the par-five 11th to launch his charge down the stretch. Woods followed it with birdies on the 12th, 14th and 16th holes to finish on six under after 36 holes, six shots back from Reed. "Yesterday was tough with the wind blowing, especially with the putts," Woods said. "But today was a little less windy, the ball was flying and I got after it. Woods, who will captain and play for the United States at the Presidents Cup next week in Australia, is confident about his chances heading into the final two rounds. "I didn't really do anything poorly today," he said. "I just want to keep creeping my way back. I'm right there. "Few shots back but at least I've got a chance going into the weekend."

Golf: Patrick Reed moves clear as Tiger Woods surges in Bahamas

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris.

His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections.

Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US&nbsp;captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

"Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

"It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game.

"That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf."

His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea.

Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up.

"Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said.

"I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course."

The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again.

"My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said.

"Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup. The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with Tiger Woods as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris. His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections. Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne. "Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. "It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game. "That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf." His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea. Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up. "Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said. "I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course." The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again. "My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said. "Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

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