When Brandt Snedeker, a 44‑year‑old golfer from Tennessee, was announced as the U.S. Team captain for the Presidents CupMedinah Country Club, Chicago, Illinois, the golf world took notice. At the same time, Geoff Ogilvy, the 47‑year‑old Australian who captured the 2006 U.S. Open, was named captain of the International Team.
Background on the Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup is the only major team competition that pits the United States against a composite International side made up of players from outside Europe. Since its debut in 1994, the U.S. has dominated, posting a 13‑1‑1 record and a ten‑year winning streak that began in 2015. The most recent edition, held at the Royal Montreal Golf Club in September 2024, ended 18½‑11½ in America’s favour.
Unlike the Ryder Cup, which limits the International field to European players, the Cup invites talent from Asia, Oceania, Africa and South America. That broader pool makes the event a showcase of global golf talent and, increasingly, a barometer of how the sport is spreading beyond its traditional strongholds.
Snedeker and Ogilvy: New Captains
Snedeker said, "It’s a tremendous honor to be named U.S. Team Captain for the 2026 Presidents Cup by my peers, and I’m looking forward to leading our guys into Medinah for what will certainly be an amazing week of golf." He added that his own experience in team events—most notably a 2‑3‑0 record at the 2013 Presidents Cup and a combined 4‑2‑0 Ryder Cup record—will help him guide a squad that includes recent standouts like Xander Schauffele and Sam Burns.
On the other side of the pond, Ogilvy emphasized the International Team’s growing unity. "Since Ernie Els debuted the shield in 2019, the International spirit has intensified," he said from a restaurant overlooking Chicago’s famous Cloud Gate sculpture. "There is a burning determination within the group that is fed every time we watch the U.S. Team lift a trophy. Disappointment fuels motivation, and we’re ready to balance the ledger."
Both captains bring a blend of playing pedigree and leadership experience. Snedeker served as a captain’s assistant in the 2024 edition and will be a vice‑captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, while Ogilvy’s own captaincy resume includes a stint as vice‑captain for the International side in 2023.
Medinah Country Club: A Storied Venue
Course No. 3 at Medinah Country Club is no stranger to high‑stakes drama. It hosted the 2012 Ryder Cup—infamously dubbed the "Miracle at Medinah"—when a 10‑point European comeback overturned a four‑point U.S. lead. That match still serves as a cautionary tale for any captain thinking a lead is safe.
The venue has also staged two U.S. Opens (1990, 1999) and a PGA Championship (1999), cementing its reputation as a test of precision and nerve. For Snedeker, the course is personal: he played in that 2012 Ryder Cup, experiencing firsthand the pressure of a crowd that could swing from hostile to ecstatic in seconds.
Team Dynamics and Recent Performances
The American side entered the 2024 Cup with firepower. Russell Henley debuted with a win, while Keegan Bradley—the 2025 Ryder Cup captain—secured the clinching point after Si Woo Kim missed a 10‑foot putt on the 18th.
Internationally, players such as Anirban Lahiri (India) and Shane Lowry (Ireland) have shown that the gap is narrowing. According to data from the Official World Golf Ranking, six International players sit inside the top‑20 as of March 2025, up from three two years ago.
Analysts at Golf Channel note that the International Team’s cohesion will be the X‑factor. "Ogilvy talks about a shield, a symbol that unites players from five continents," said senior analyst David Feherty. "If they can translate that symbolism into match‑play discipline, the streak could end."
Tickets, Hospitality and What Fans Can Expect
General‑admission tickets went on sale the day the captains were announced, with prices ranging from $150 for weekday practice rounds to $550 for the four‑day Saturday‑Sunday championship sessions. Premium packages include club‑house access, private viewing decks on the 18th green, and a post‑round dinner with former captains.
Organizers, under the umbrella of the PGA Tour, promised “first‑class hospitality”—a phrase that translates into heated blankets for chilly evenings, gourmet food stations, and a state‑of‑the‑art mobile app that streams live leaderboards and player interviews.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The next six months will be a whirlwind of practice matches, team‑building retreats, and media days. Snedeker has already hinted at a “team‑first” philosophy, saying he plans to rotate pairings to keep the lineup fresh. Ogilvy, meanwhile, is eyeing a “global‑fan” approach, promising to involve fans from countries like South Korea and Brazil via interactive digital experiences.
If history repeats itself, the United States will aim for an 11th straight victory. If the International side can harness the momentum outlined by Ogilvy, the 2026 edition could rewrite the record books.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the 2026 Presidents Cup affect the upcoming Ryder Cup?
Both events share many of the same players and captains. Snedeker’s role as 2025 Ryder Cup vice‑captain means his strategies at Medinah could influence U.S. pairings in September 2025, while Ogilvy’s international experience may shape the International Ryder Cup lineup for the 2026 edition.
What’s the significance of Medinah Country Club hosting the event?
Medinah’s rich tournament heritage—including the 2012 Ryder Cup miracle—adds historical weight and a challenging layout that tests every facet of a golfer’s game. It also marks the first time the Presidents Cup visits Illinois, expanding the competition’s geographic footprint.
Who are the top players to watch for the U.S. Team?
Watch Xander Schauffele for his iron‑clad match‑play record, Sam Burns for his recent unbeaten streak, and the newly‑capped Keegan Bradley, who will bring Ryder Cup leadership experience.
What new fan experiences are planned for the tournament?
The PGA Tour’s app will deliver real‑time shot tracking, interactive polls, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes videos. Premium ticket holders get access to a “global lounge” where they can connect with fans from the International team’s home countries via live translation.
When are the ticket sales for the championship weekend?
Saturday and Sunday championship tickets go on sale next Friday, September 6, 2025. Early‑bird pricing ends on September 20, after which prices increase by roughly 15 percent.
