The atmosphere at the Presidents Cup held at Royal Montreal on Day 1 was notably subdued, with the predominantly Canadian crowd failing to generate much excitement. The cheers from a few thousand fans in the grandstands at the first tee were polite but lacked passion, creating an ambiance that felt more akin to a quiet golf outing than a spirited international competition.
Despite Canada’s reputation for courtesy, many spectators appeared indifferent, even though golf has a significant following in the country. The event, which should have embraced the lively and spirited nature typical of team competitions, instead felt more like a tepid gathering than the high-energy atmosphere usually associated with events like the Ryder Cup.
This lack of enthusiasm was evident to both the players and their families, with frustration voiced among the International players’ wives. During Match 1, Jason Day and Ben An struggled against Xander Schauffele and Tony Finau, trailing as they moved through the course. Ellie Day and Jamie An attempted to rally the crowd to support their partners by initiating a chant, but met only with a lackluster response. One individual even shouted “U-S-A!” in a pointed retort to the quiet surroundings, highlighting the disappointing energy in the gallery.
While the match did see moments of excitement, such as the Internationals tying the score, the overall crowd response remained lackluster. As the competition continued, calls from the wives to the crowd for support went unanswered, with one expressing resignation to the subdued atmosphere.
Ultimately, while the International team faced tough competition from the U.S., the tepid reception from the Canadian audience was disappointing for an event of this magnitude, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more vibrant and engaging experience.