Snedeker Takes Blame for U.S. Presidents Cup Deficit

U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker took blame for a 10½–7½ Presidents Cup deficit after Saturday, telling TV he was proud "despite all my mistakes." Asked to elaborate after setting his singles lineup, he said he had not put players where they were comfortable, held himself to a high standard, and had been "second-guessing myself a lot," without naming specific errors. He rested world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler for Saturday afternoon foursomes after a morning fourballs win with Burns, saying he wanted Scheffler to have energy for Sunday singles against Nico Echavarria, who has not played since Thursday. Scheffler learned of the benching from TV interviewers before Snedeker could tell him. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley called the admissions "a bit surprising" and "too open," saying Snedeker gave "a lack of confidence" to teammates and that "the fat lady has not sung yet." McGinley said he does not think Snedeker made "massive mistakes," pointing to players "duffing shots and making mistakes at crucial times." Snedeker insisted he has not done the best job for his team. The International team built a four-point Friday lead. The U.S. outscored them 4½–3½ Saturday but trails by three with 12 singles left. Snedeker said "These guys are ready" and "This place has a weird history." A U.S. loss would be the first since 1998.