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The International team hadn’t led after the first day of the Presidents Cup since 2005. That is until Thursday, when it took its largest lead at Royal Melbourne since 1998, the same year of its only victory in 12 Presidents Cup matches. The Americans were served notice that this year at Royal Melbourne, things are going to be different.
Whether it was jet lag, lack of motivation or a simple case of rust, the U.S. team put together an uninspiring performance. Aside from a dominant effort from Tiger Woods and Justin Thomas, the Americans were blitzed on Day 1 of the President’s Cup as the Internationals jumped out to a 4 to 1 lead after the day’s five four-ball matches.