Is It Time to Adjust the Presidents Cup Points Format?

The Walker Cup concluded last week, the Solheim Cup wraps up this weekend, and the Presidents Cup is next on the team‑event calendar, teeing off in under two weeks at Medinah Country Club just outside Chicago.

The United States enters as the heavy favorite, holding a 13‑1‑1 edge in the all‑time series. Their sole tie occurred in 2003, and the International side’s lone victory dates back to 1998. Over the past 20 years the U.S. has dominated, capturing the last ten matches, with three of the four most recent wins decided by a margin of five points or more.

What steps could make the Presidents Cup more competitive? This question has circulated for several years and resurfaced on the latest episode of GOLF’s Subpar podcast.

Guest Brendon de Jonge, a Zimbabwean who represented the International team in 2013, suggested that if he were in charge he would adjust the points structure.

The Presidents Cup spans four days of competition, offering a total of 30 points. By contrast, the Ryder Cup—which boasts a richer history—runs three days and awards 28 points.

“The less points you play for the closer it’s always going to be,” he said. “You’ve got a proven product with the Ryder Cup, 28 points, and that was the thing that [captain] Nick Price worked really hard for — and then Trevor [Immelman] and Ernie [Els] and following captains — to try to get those points to come down.”

When the Presidents Cup first started, there were 32 total points. That eventually changed to 34 and, back in 2015, to 30. With so many points available, de Jonge says, it makes it more likely there could be a “massive blowout” from one side.

“The American team is always going to be deeper, so the more points you are playing for the bigger advantage for them,” he said. “Points have come down now, so we are getting closer and closer, but I still think if you can get that to 28 you are improving the chances of the International team.”

Will the International team end its losing skid this year? We’ll have to wait until Sept. 24-27 to find out.

“I will say this, they need to win this one,” de Jonge said. “It’s been so one-sided to have one win and one tie since 1994, it’s tough. It’s tough to really call it a competition when it’s that one-sided.”

You can listen to the podcast via the link above, or watch the episode on YouTube below.

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