When Kevin Kisner, assistant captain of the U.S. Presidents Cup team stripped down for a good laugh, the moment instantly went viral, cementing the 2024 Presidents Cup as one of the most memorable in recent golf history. The tournament, held from to at Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia, ended in a triumphant 13‑11 victory for Team USA under the steady hand of head captain Jim Furyk. Kisner’s role went far beyond the usual pep‑talk duties; he was a logistical hub, a confidant, and, on Sunday, the unwitting star of a shirt‑free spectacle.
Behind the Bet: Homa’s Eagle and Kisner’s Shirtless Celebration
The most talked‑about clip from the event came courtesy of Max Homa, who had wagered with Kisner that if he holed out from anywhere on the course, the assistant captain would have to lose his shirt. Homa delivered on the very first hole of the final day, sinking a 15‑yard approach for an opening eagle.
“I mean, like half a second, second and a half,” Homa recalled, laughing. “I looked back and he was scampering down the 9th fairway trying to run away from me… He left me a good four minutes before that. I don’t blame him.”
True to his word, Kisner ripped off his shirt seconds before the post‑match press conference, sprinting shirtless into the center of the team celebration. “I can’t wait to get back to that team room and run around naked for the rest of the night. Go, Team USA,” he shouted to a microphone on NBC.
Leadership From the Top: Jim Furyk’s Game Plan
While the shirtless stunt provided the headlines, Kisner repeatedly praised Furyk’s meticulous preparation. “We walked in that room on Friday after getting hammered zero‑five and he was like, ‘We’re not going to panic. We have a game plan. We know exactly who we want to play and why.’” Kisner noted that Furyk had laid out pairings and tee times two weeks in advance, leaving no room for improvisation.
“He basically told us exactly what was going to happen from the get‑go,” Kisner said. “He wanted the guys to know who they’d be playing with, when they’d go, and we’d stick to the plan no matter what.” The captain’s communication style, according to Kisner, was “concise, to the point, and genuinely motivational,” a stark contrast to the usual rah‑rah leadership seen in team golf events.
The Long Hours of an Assistant Captain
What many fans overlook is the sheer amount of behind‑the‑scenes labor. Kisner admitted that the commitment “was a lot longer than I expected.” He spent countless hours arranging meals, coordinating practice rounds, and fielding personal requests from players.
“We basically put players first in whatever they needed,” he explained. “Once we got them taken care of, the captains hung out for a while.” Nightly debriefs became a ritual: “Every night Jim would decompress with a few beers back at the team room and talk,” Kisner recalled, adding that the schedule was so packed “you don’t even have time to take a leak.”
Team USA’s Turnaround After a 0‑5 Start
Friday’s matches left the U.S. team “hammered 0‑5,” a deficit that could have demoralized a lesser squad. Instead, Furyk’s calm, data‑driven approach helped the team regroup. The assistant captain highlighted that the pre‑set pairings allowed players to focus on execution rather than strategy, which proved crucial when the tide turned on Saturday.
By the final day, the momentum had shifted. Homa’s eagle, Kesler’s clutch putt, and a series of strategic foursomes propelled Team USA to a narrow but decisive win.
What’s Next for Kisner: 2025 Ryder Cup Role
Recognition for the assistant captain’s contributions came quickly. Shortly after the Presidents Cup victory, the PGA announced that Kisner would serve as an assistant captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, slated to be held at Bethpage State Park in New York. The appointment signals confidence in his leadership style and suggests we’ll see more of his behind‑the‑scenes influence on future team events.
Key Facts
- Event: Presidents Cup 2024Royal Melbourne Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia
- Result: USA 13‑11 victory over International team
- Assistant captain: Kevin Kisner
- Head captain: Jim Furyk
- Bet that sparked the viral moment: Max Homa’s opening‑day eagle
- Future role: Kisner named assistant captain for Ryder Cup 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Kevin Kisner’s shirtless stunt impact team morale?
The unexpected strip‑down broke the tension after a grueling week, giving players a light‑hearted moment that reinforced camaraderie. Several teammates later said the laughter helped them forget the earlier 0‑5 deficit and play with renewed confidence.
What was Jim Furyk’s strategy for handling the early losses?
Furyk relied on a pre‑established game plan, refusing to deviate after the Friday setback. He emphasized steady pairings, clear communication, and a calm atmosphere, which allowed players to focus on execution rather than panic.
Why is Kevin Kisner’s appointment to the 2025 Ryder Cup significant?
Being named an assistant captain for the Ryder Cup signals that Kisner’s behind‑the‑scenes leadership is valued at the highest levels of the sport. It suggests he’ll have a say in player selections, pairings, and the overall team culture for the next major international competition.
What role did Max Homa play in the Presidents Cup narrative?
Beyond his crucial eagle on the final day, Homa’s playful bet with Kisner added a human element that captured public imagination. His willingness to engage in the wager showed the relaxed yet competitive spirit that defined Team USA’s locker‑room atmosphere.
How did the media cover the Presidents Cup’s off‑course moments?
NBC’s coverage highlighted both the on‑course drama and the off‑court antics, replaying Kisner’s shirtless dash and the “drunken press conference” moments. Analysts noted that these clips generated millions of social‑media views, boosting the event’s visibility beyond traditional golf fans.