‘He gets all the credit’: Team USA captain thanks Trump after Presidents Cup comeback

MEDINAH, ILLINOIS: Team USA captain Brandt Snedeker gave President Donald Trump a special shoutout after the Americans pulled off a major comeback to win the Presidents Cup on Sunday, September 27.

The US team defeated the International team 17-13 at Medinah Country Club, overcoming a three-point deficit heading into the final session.

Snedeker credited Trump, who attended the event as its honorary chairman, for bringing energy to the team before the decisive matches. The captain’s comments came after the Americans won nine of the 12 singles matches to secure the victory.

Brandt Snedeker reveals what he told Trump before Presidents Cup win

Snedeker made sure to mention Trump while celebrating Team USA’s victory.

"One last shoutout: Donald Trump. President Trump. He told me, 'I am going to bring energy today for you. You guys need it,'" Snedeker said.

The captain then recalled what he had told the president before the final session: "I told him if we did this, he gets all the credit. So, thank you, President Trump."

Trump was at Medinah Country Club as the Americans faced an unusual situation. For the first time in Presidents Cup history, Team USA entered the final session trailing on home soil.

The 80-year-old briefly addressed the crowd from the first tee before play began, making a few remarks about the reception he received.

Trump addresses the crowd at Medinah Country Club

Trump joked about how the media might describe the crowd’s reaction to him.

"You know, the fake news media will say I get a very bad reception," he said as the crowd laughed. "But we get a good reception."

He also explained why he had kept his remarks short, saying PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp had asked him to make a brief speech: "[PGA Tour CEO] Brian [Rolapp] said, 'Could you make a short speech?' I said, 'No, I don't have the courage to make a speech. These people wanna see golf. They don't wanna hear speeches.'"

Trump then added, "I'll only say this: Our country is doing great, better than ever before."

The president’s appearance came as Team USA looked to protect its strong record at the Presidents Cup.

The Americans had won all eight editions played on home soil and had claimed 10 consecutive victories overall before the event.

Team USA overturns Presidents Cup deficit with late rally

Despite that record, the Americans entered Sunday’s singles matches trailing the International team 10½–7½. 

Team USA had also come off a 15-13 loss to Europe at last year’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Another defeat on home soil would have added to the pressure surrounding the team.

Instead, the Americans produced a strong final-session performance, winning nine of the 12 singles matches and outscoring the International team 9½–2½.

The rally secured a 17-13 victory and continued the United States’ winning run at the Presidents Cup.

Presidents Cup rookie Jacob Bridgeman delivered the decisive point for the Americans. He made a par putt on the 18th green to seal the victory.

The result completed Team USA’s comeback after it had entered the final day facing a deficit on home soil for the first time in the event’s history.