Effectively, the 2024 professional golf season concluded last month with yet another U.S. victory over the International Team in the Presidents Cup. That’s 13 wins for the Americans in the 15 Cups that have been contested — the Internationals won in 1998 and the squads tied in 2003 — with the next Presidents Cup set for famed Medinah Country Club, outside of Chicago in September 2026.

Numbers are what they are, and while the U.S. prevailed in Montreal, 18 1/2 to 11 1/2, there were intriguing statistics that emerged from the 2024 Presidents Cup that illustrated how close the matches were, in a sense. The figures also demonstrated the importance of being able to handle pressure down the stretch — which comes, in part, with having a purpose when you prepare for a round of golf through practice and in having your mind keenly focused on finishing strong in any given match.

First, the numbers that showed how tight the overall play was … over the five sessions of the Presidents Cup, including fourballs, foursomes (alternate shot) and the 12 singles matches on Sunday, the U.S. won a total of 117 holes. The Internationals won 116. How about that!

Now, the numbers that really count — during the fourballs and foursomes sessions on the third day of competition, with the team score tied at 5-5 going in, the U.S. tandems won 19 holes on the back nine. The Internationals won just eight. Not surprisingly, the U.S. captured six of the eight matches that day and took a four-point lead into the singles matches. In those singles, the Americans won 26 holes on the back nine to 23 by the Internationals. Closer, yes, but the damage had been done the previous day.

No wonder U.S. Captain Jim Furyk pointed to the difference in the results as those weekend matches came to a conclusion. The U.S. was just better — and likely more focused — when it counted the most. And, sure, the U.S. had Scheffler and Schauffele and Morikawa and Cantlay. A more talented, and deeper bunch than the International squad. No question.

Keep the Momentum Going: Follow the Professional Golf Season with Effective Practice

So, what does this mean to your game, and how can TurfHound’s advanced synthetic surfaces help you, whether you may be the favorite or the underdog in a match? First, use any practice time /session as an opportunity to focus on improving your game. Whether it’s a pre-round warm-up or an hour dedicated to hitting balls, practice to targets/specific locations on the range. Don’t just hit balls! As noted earlier, have a purpose during that time, and especially work on the scoring clubs (wedges, 9-iron to 7-iron). They are the ones, along with your putter, that typically determine the difference on the back nine of a close team or individual match.

TurfHound patented products provide a “Next level” hitting surface for you as a player, and for any golf course operator who wants to give their players an edge on the range. Our Performance Surfaces allow you to experience the same ball response and shot results hitting from a synthetic turf as you would from natural turf. Our Active Foam allows for the most realistic feel underfoot and for clubhead action through the ball.

Take advantage of the benefits of TurfHound practice surfaces when you are preparing for a match. Focus on the task ahead of you, have a clear mind, and remember that golf is supposed to be fun and competitive. You can have both experiences, and coming through when it matters most, just makes the game that much more enjoyable!

Ready to take your game to the next level? Contact us today to learn.