The 2024 Presidents Cup -- as is always the case this time of year -- marks the end of competitive golf for many Americans. It is unlikely that Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele or Collin Morikawa will play much (if at all) for the rest of the fall as they begin to prepare for the 2025 season beginning in January.

As such, this will be the last chance to see them in full form, trying to do what all American teams have done for the last 20 years: beat the International team in the Presidents Cup.

There are plenty of storylines to go around across both sides as Mike Weir's International team attempts to end the drought against an interesting amalgamation of U.S. players that will try to keep them from doing so. While the Ryder Cup often offers more intrigue and opportunity to critique every decision, this President's Cup is not short on drama or narratives. 

Let's take a look at a few of those that will be fun to follow as the festivities get underway at Royal Montreal Golf Club on Thursday.

2024 Presidents Cup storylines

1. Through lines: This is the first Ryder Cup or Presidents Cup since 1993 that will not feature Phil Mickelson, Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas or Jordan Spieth. Why that seemingly random collection of four American names? Well, the latter two were considered the successors to the former two. Mickelson essentially said as much about Spieth as Lefty started to age out of these team events. But things have not gone well. Spieth's year ended with a wrist surgery, and Thomas was left off the team by captain Jim Furyk after failing to automatically qualify. 

Mickelson, Spieth and Thomas, in particular, have long been considered the soul of any U.S. team, which seemingly leaves a spot to fill on this year's squad. Who will step up? That's a big question as event begins and the U.S. marches toward what would be its 10th consecutive victory. Is it Max Homa? He certainly fits the spiritual and emotional mold, but his golf has been bad. What about Scottie Scheffler or Xander Schauffele? The dynamic of this specific U.S. team is going to be fascinating to watch throughout this event.

2. No losses this century: Speaking of consecutive wins, the U.S. team is trying to keep its streak of not losing Presidents Cups alive. It has not happened since 1998 when it fell to Ernie Els and Greg Norman at Royal Melbourne. The U.S. and International teams tied in 2003, but it's been all Stars and Stripes since then with nine straight victories, five of which have been by four or more points. The U.S. is a huge favorite to win its 10th in a row and keep the streak rolling.