KIM 'POKED THE BEAR' AS U.S. SWEEP DAY 1

Americans off to perfect Presidents Cup start amid spat between Scheffler and Kim

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Top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and South Korea's Tom Kim got involved in a spat that rankled feelings on Sept 26 as the United States swept to a 5-0 lead at the Presidents Cup.

The friends were at the heart of a dispute that sparked complaints of gamesmanship at Royal Montreal, where the Americans swept the four-balls to seize command in quest of a 10th consecutive triumph.

Scheffler and Russell Henley beat Kim and Im Sung-jae 3&2 in the most lopsided Day 1 result.

Kim delivered a fist pump and some trash talk to Scheffler after sinking a 27-foot birdie putt at the par-three No. 7, only for the American star to sink his own 27-foot birdie putt to tie the hole and respond.

"Looked like he poked the bear, from my perspective," Scheffler said.

For Kim, it was good-natured jabbing, as they would do in rounds together.

"That's how we play back at home," Kim said. "It's all fun. I made it on top of him and he gave it to me, and I gave it back. I don't shy away from him.