Saturday’s opener was a tough battle and another clear sign that both Furyk and Weir would be relying on their best golfers all weekend.

Xander Schauffele, the second-best golfer in the world, joined Tony Finau in Saturday’s second match against Corey Conners and Mackenzie Hughes. Schauffele and Finau won 3&2.

Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns secured a 2-1 victory over Hideki Matsuyama and Sungjae Im in the final four-ball game, ensuring the USA would start the afternoon with a lead. It was an interesting turn of events after Cantlay and Schauffele were defeated by Matsuyama and Im 7&6 in Friday’s four-way match.

Cantlay’s eagle on No. 12 played a big role in giving Team USA the advantage. It also spoiled a five-birdie performance from Im.

However, there would be no cleaning in the morning. In the third game, Si Woo Kim and Tom Kim brought the international team back into the game with a 4&3 win over Keegan Bradley and Wyndham Clark.

Kim and Kim played a great game while maintaining the energy and momentum for the international team.

Kim and Kim were back in pairs in the afternoon when the action turned to the foursome game. In fact, Weir decided to keep all four pairings from Round 3 for Round 4.

It was certainly an unexpected decision after losing three of four games in the morning. However, he may have been banking on the success his team had with the four-a-side format on Friday.

Things didn’t quite go as Weir had imagined.

Scott and Pendrith got the international team off to a good start in the afternoon, winning their match against Brian Harman and Max Homa by two holes. Another impressive lap from Scott helped offset Pendrith’s less than stellar performance.

However, towards the end of the second game, the momentum shifted to the Americans. Conners and Hughes were tied, while Morikawa and Burns reached the final hole. A draw in the game would have given each team half a point, but the stalemate did not last.

Conners narrowly missed a par putt attempt, which ultimately cost his team the hole and the match.

It wasn’t all bad for the international team. With Kim and Kim trailing Schauffele and Cantlay by a hole, Si Woo Kim hit an improbable shot down the slope to secure birdie and level the score.

However, a clutch birdie putt from Cantlay on No. 18 turned a potential tie into another win for Team USA.

The excitement of the entire American team after Cantlay’s putt was palpable. It was an exciting end to another strong day for their team.

Just before Cantlay sank the final put of the night, Scheffler and Russell Henley staged an epic comeback, eventually pulling away from Matsuyama and Im to claim a 3&2 victory.

Matsuyama and Im were in the lead after six holes, but something clicked for Scheffler and Henley, who were in complete control from that point on. Their win ensured that Team USA would start Sunday with a lead.

Cantlay’s putt ensured it would be a formidable shot.

With an 11-7 lead, Team USA is well-positioned to win the Presidents Cup for the tenth consecutive year. With four of the top six golfers, the Americans are likely to have a lead in direct individual play, according to the world golf rankings.

The US team also only needs 4.5 points to win the tournament. Four wins and a draw from 12 games will do it, although the skill and drive we have seen from the international team suggests there will be another string of struggles on Sunday.