Henley says pairing with Scheffler brings no extra pressure at Presidents Cup
The short version
- Henley says his long friendship with Scheffler means he feels no added pressure as a partner
- The pair are 2-1 at the 2024 Presidents Cup and 0-2 at the following Ryder Cup together
- Scheffler has lost 11 of 21 matches across the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup
- Snedeker could pair Henley and Scheffler again this week at Medinah
Russell Henley credits a longtime friendship with Scottie Scheffler for easing any burden he might otherwise feel as a Presidents Cup partner.
Russell Henley says a years-long friendship with Scottie Scheffler has kept him from feeling any extra weight when the two are partnered in team competition. Speaking ahead of the Presidents Cup at Medinah, Henley explained that being matched with Tiger Woods would have been a different story, since he grew up watching Woods on television constantly.
The two Americans have teamed up five times across the last two team events, with uneven outcomes. They went 2-1 together at Royal Montreal in 2024, then dropped both of their matches at the following year's Ryder Cup. U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker could reunite the pairing this week.
Henley also addressed Scheffler's surprisingly shaky record in team play. Scheffler has lost 11 of 21 career matches across the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup, and no American in the field this week has more Presidents Cup losses. That stands in contrast to a run of four majors and 22 PGA Tour victories since the start of 2022.
Henley said the gap is partly explained by format. Over 72 holes, he noted, the world's best player usually beats or ties nearly everyone, but 18-hole matches with a partner are a different challenge. He added that he enjoys playing alongside Scheffler, calling him an exceptional teammate and golfer.
