2026 Presidents Cup Complete Guide
Medinah Country Club • September 22-27, 2026
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Tournament Overview
What is the Presidents Cup?
The Presidents Cup is a prestigious biennial international golf team competition established in 1994. The tournament features the world's best golfers from the United States competing against an International Team (consisting of elite players from around the world, excluding Europe) in a match play format over four days. With 12 players per side, the Presidents Cup represents the pinnacle of international golf competition outside the Ryder Cup.
The 2026 Edition
The 2026 Presidents Cup will mark a historic moment in golf, being held at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. This will be the 18th edition of the competition and the second time it will be contested in the United States. The tournament will run from September 22-27, 2026, bringing together the finest golfers from around the world for four days of intense competition.
Key Tournament Facts
- • Format: Match Play (First to 17.5 points wins)
- • Total Points: 34 points available
- • Sessions: Foursomes, Fourballs, and Singles
- • Teams: 12 players per side
- • Duration: Four days of competition
Medinah Country Club
About Medinah
Medinah Country Club, located in Medinah, Illinois (approximately 20 miles west of Chicago), is one of the most prestigious golf clubs in the United States. The club features three championship courses, with the No. 3 course serving as the championship layout for major tournaments. Founded in 1927, Medinah has hosted numerous prestigious events and is known for its challenging golf courses and rich tradition.
Course Characteristics
The Medinah No. 3 course is a par 72 layout stretching over 7,600 yards. Known for its strategic design, water hazards, and demanding rough, Medinah presents a significant challenge to even the world's best golfers. The course demands accuracy off the tee and precise course management—qualities that will be tested throughout the 2026 Presidents Cup.
Why Medinah for Presidents Cup?
Medinah's challenging design, prestigious history, and proximity to a major metropolitan area make it an ideal venue for the Presidents Cup. The course's strategic routing and firm greens will test both American and International Team players, ensuring that victory will require not just talent but exceptional skill and match-play execution.
Team Captains
Brandt Snedeker
As a two-time Presidents Cup participant and successful PGA Tour veteran, Brandt Snedeker brings extensive experience to the captaincy. His understanding of match play competition and his familiarity with American golf excellence position him perfectly to lead Team USA to victory at Medinah.
Snedeker's approach emphasizes team chemistry, player partnerships, and deploying America's deepest talent to dominate all competition formats.
Geoff Ogilvy
A Masters champion and international golf icon, Geoff Ogilvy understands the challenges of competing against American dominance. His appointment signals the International Team's commitment to finding a competitive edge through experienced leadership and strategic thinking.
Ogilvy must build team cohesion, identify emerging international talent, and execute strategies to overcome America's traditional advantage.
Teams & Players Preview
Team USA Strengths
- ✓Depth: Multiple world-class players to choose from
- ✓Continuity: Experience from previous Presidents Cup competitions
- ✓Home Course: American course conditions familiar to Team USA
- ✓Historical Record: Dominant record in Presidents Cup history
International Team Opportunities
- •Asian Talent: Rising stars from Japan, South Korea, and Asia-Pacific region
- •Experience Gap: Learning from previous competitions
- •Emerging Stars: New generation of competitive golfers worldwide
- •Home Continent Players: Australians and other regional specialists
Key Storylines to Watch
- • Scottie Scheffler's Role: Will the world's best golfer be the decisive factor?
- • International Depth: Can the International Team finally bridge the competitive gap?
- • Home Course Advantage: How much will Medinah favor the American team?
- • Experience vs. Youth: Will veteran leadership or emerging talent prevail?
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Historical Context
Since 1994, the Presidents Cup has established itself as golf's premier international team competition outside the Ryder Cup. Team USA has dominated the event, but with each edition, the International Team has drawn closer, with recent competitions proving more competitive than ever.
The 2026 edition at Medinah will be a pivotal moment—Team USA will look to reassert dominance, while the International Team will seek to finally achieve the breakthrough victory that has eluded them.
Stay Updated on 2026 Presidents Cup
Follow our comprehensive coverage as we countdown to September 2026 and the 18th Presidents Cup at Medinah.
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