We’ve all played team events, whether it’s a friendly match with your weekly group or an annual trip with friends in a Ryder Cup-style format. As much as we like to say “it’s just golf,” the team experience is a different game altogether. With the Presidents Cup happening this week, this dynamic will be on full display.
I’ve been fortunate to qualify for the Hudson Cup in the Pacific Northwest. There, the top 10 professionals from Washington and Oregon compete against the top 5 amateurs from the same region.
More recently, I’ve experienced the team element while playing with the LA Roses in the Grass League. Having played both traditional tournament golf and team formats, I’ve gathered some thoughts on what makes playing in a team atmosphere unique and how to play better team golf.
MEDINAH, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 23: (Front row L-R) Chris Gotterup, Jacob Bridgeman, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Jackson Koivun, Russell Henley (Back row L-R) Xander Schauffele, Assistant captain Jim Furyk, Assistant captain Gary Woodland, Assistant captain Webb Simpson, Captain Brandt Snedeker, Assistant captain Keegan Bradley, Sam Burns, Wyndham Clark, Cameron Young of the U.S. Team pose for a team photo prior to the Presidents Cup 2026 at Medinah Country Club on September 23, 2026 in Medinah, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Attitude
This one might seem obvious, but it’s crucial for good reason. Being a great teammate and keeping the mood positive or at least steady is essential — during practice rounds, in competition, and even after the round is over.
When you’re playing solo, you can process disappointment in your own way without affecting anyone else. In a team setting, however, a poor attitude can bring down the group.
These events are competitive, with plenty of pride on the line, but they’re also a celebration of the game. Giving your best effort is always expected, but as we know in golf, some days just don’t go your way.
On the other hand, being a gracious winner matters, too.
Group Synergy
Pairing up with a partner means thinking beyond your own game. It’s important to analyze how your strengths and weaknesses combine and, just as importantly, how you get along.
Team chemistry goes beyond golf skills. We’ve seen this with the USA Ryder Cup “pod system,” where players are grouped by personality and style as much as ability.
Tiger and Phil, for example, looked like a powerhouse pairing on paper, but the chemistry wasn’t there when it counted.
Conversely, sometimes players with very different handicaps end up as a great team simply because they get along well and complement each other’s games.
Momentum
In Four-Ball or Foursomes (best-ball or alternate shot), especially in match play, you have to expect the unexpected. These formats tend to bring out improbable results.
Maybe it’s my own experience—or scars from tough losses—that brings this to mind, but it’s a reminder to keep pressing until the very last hole.
I’ve lost matches that still impress me today. For example, in the Hudson Cup, my partner Reid Hatley and I were 3 under par through 12 holes in alternate shot, which is excellent.
But our opponents? They were 8 under through the same stretch—a remarkable performance from Matt Epstein and Austin Hurt.
I’ve had matches swing my way, too, but momentum really does matter in these formats.
I’ll be watching for these themes during the Presidents Cup this weekend. Both teams have strong lineups and, on paper, it should be a great contest.
But as always, the outcome often goes beyond what the stats predict. xperience—or scars from tough losses—that brings this to mind, but it’s a reminder to keep pressing until the very last hole. I’ve lost matches that still impress me today. For example, in the Hudson Cup, my partner Reid Hatley and I were 3 under par through 12 holes in alternate shot, which is excellent. But our opponents? They were 8 under through the same stretch—a remarkable performance from Matt Epstein and Austin Hurt. I’ve had matches swing my way, too, but momentum really does matter in these formats.
I’ll be watching for these themes during the Presidents Cup this weekend. Both teams have strong lineups and, on paper, it should be a great contest. But as always, the outcome often goes beyond what the stats predict.
