Presidents Cup report: Tiger inspires USA to Presidents Cup victory

Presidents Cup report: What happened on day two?

After the shock of the first day, Tiger Woods was hoping his American side could start the task of clawing back a three-point deficit.

But the Internationals held their advantage after the foursomes – leading 6.5-3.5 heading into the third day of the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

There was at least some joy for Woods, as his men won more than double the points they managed on day one. So what happened?

Louis Oosthuizen/Adam Scott beat Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar – 3&2

The first match was also the first to finish as the Internationals showed no signs of a hangover after their opening day triumph.

Scott and Oosthuizen were behind for almost the entirety of the front nine but levelled just before the turn. They really got going on the back nine and won three in a stretch of six holes to secure a significant 3&2 victory.

You don't have to call backboard to use it.@Louis57TM and @AdamScott take the lead.#MustSeeMoments pic.twitter.com/yszfll88xy

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019

Marc Leishman/Abraham Ancer beat Patrick Reed/Webb Simpson – 3&2

As Patrick Reed faced another day of jeers from the crowd, he and partner Webb Simpson endured a second tough day on the course.

Wow 😳 pic.twitter.com/iSgLdv5Ppp

— NCG (@NCG_com) December 13, 2019

Marc Leishman and Abraham Ancer sent the Internationals into a temporary five-point lead, downing Reed and Simpson with two holes to spare.

They led all the way from the fifth and extended their advantage on the back nine to seal a commanding 3&2 victory.

Creativity on full display.

Excellent execution, @Abraham_Ancer.#QuickHits pic.twitter.com/8nyy9LhbJR

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019

Patrick Cantlay/Xander Schauffele beat Joaquin Niemann/Adam Hadwin – 1up

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele birdied the 18th to win the first American point of the day after a back and forth contest.

He and Schauffele were locked in a tight battle with Joaquin Niemann and Adam Hadwin and were 1-down as late as the 14th.

They levelled after 15 and it remained that way until the last. Cantlay was left with a speedy birdie putt for the victory and rolled it into the centre of the cup.

Huge putt by @Patrick_Cantlay.

The U.S. Team gets their first point on Day 2.

It's now 6-2 in favor of the International Team. pic.twitter.com/Tga7D3UdYY

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019

Sungjae Im/Cameron Smith tied with Rickie Fowler/Gary Woodland – Halved

For the majority of the day a point looked a certainty for rookies Cameron Smith and Sungjae Im, but a late rally from their opponents pegged them back.

The International pair led from the first and it was back-to-back birdies at 16 and 17 from the Americans that saw the match return to all-square.

Neither pairing could birdie the 18th for a last-gasp victory as they settled for the first half of the week.

Tiger Woods/Justin Thomas beat Hideki Matsuyama/Byeong Hun An – 1-up

Once again the headlines focused on playing captain Tiger Woods as he partnered Justin Thomas to victory for the second consecutive day.

While Woods was the key man in the opening fourballs, this was a strong team effort from the pair.

After leading for a stretch early on, momentum swung to the Internationals in the middle of the round, but things evened out from the 13th through the 17th, setting up another 18th hole showdown.

Woods put Thomas in position for a blockbuster finish, leaving him with a long look at birdie. His partner, who was such a crucial player in 2017, once again proved his worth and holed the putt to send the Americans back to their hotel on a high.

The dynamic duo. 🇺🇸@TigerWoods x @JustinThomas34 electrified the crowd on Friday at the @PresidentsCup. pic.twitter.com/6NsMRUd0IP

— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) December 13, 2019

Scoreboard: Internationals 6.5 – 3.5 USA

To recap what happened on the first day, click onto the next page…