2026 Presidents Cup Preview: Medinah Prepares for International Team Golf

As the golf world looks ahead to September 2026, anticipation builds for the Presidents Cup's return to one of America's most storied venues: Medinah Country Club. The famed Illinois course, site of legendary Ryder Cup battles and major championships, will host its first Presidents Cup, promising drama, exceptional golf, and an atmosphere befitting golf's premier international team competition.

Medinah: A Championship Venue

Medinah Country Club's Course No. 3 ranks among America's greatest championship layouts. The par-72, 7,600+ yard course features tree-lined fairways, demanding approach shots to elevated greens, and strategic bunkering that punishes poor execution while rewarding precision.

The course's most famous stretch, holes 13-17, includes the iconic par-3 13th that has determined major championship outcomes. This brutal finishing sequence will test players' physical and mental stamina Sunday afternoon when Presidents Cup matches hang in the balance.

Water hazards come into play on multiple holes, creating risk-reward decisions that favor aggressive play in match play. The par-5 2nd and 5th holes offer eagle opportunities for long hitters, while the par-3s demand precise iron play that could determine match outcomes.

Medinah's massive spectator infrastructure can accommodate enormous crowds. Expect 40,000+ fans daily, creating an electric atmosphere that will energize Team USA and challenge the International Team's mental fortitude.

Team USA: Continuing Dominance

Team USA will enter as overwhelming favorites, led by captain Brandt Snedeker. The accomplished PGA Tour veteran and Presidents Cup participant brings playing experience and leadership qualities that should serve the American team well.

Snedeker's analytical approach to golf translates perfectly to captaincy. Expect data-driven pairing decisions, strategic course management, and careful player management that maximizes his roster's strengths. His calm demeanor and respect from players will create positive team chemistry.

The American roster will likely feature:

Projected Core Players:

• Scottie Scheffler: The world number one and Team USA's anchor
• Xander Schauffele: Elite ball-striker and proven team player
• Collin Morikawa: Two-time major champion and consistent performer
• Patrick Cantlay: Strategic genius and partnership specialist
• Wyndham Clark: U.S. Open champion adding length and power
• Max Homa: Clutch performer and team energy source

Strong Contenders:

• Sam Burns: Scheffler's likely partner and rising star
• Tony Finau: Power game and match play experience
• Russell Henley: Solid all-around player
• Viktor Hovland (if eligible): Elite iron player
• Sahith Theegala: Emerging talent with complete game

This roster depth means Snedeker's biggest challenge won't be finding good players—it'll be managing egos and ensuring everyone contributes. The American talent pool is so deep that multiple major champions might not make the team.

International Team: Building Momentum

The International Team, captained by Geoff Ogilvy, faces familiar challenges but enters with renewed optimism. The Australian major champion brings competitive fire and strategic thinking that could help the International Team compete more effectively.

Ogilvy's 2006 U.S. Open victory came at—you guessed it—Winged Foot, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure on America's toughest courses. His course management skills and understanding of American golf venues will help him prepare his team for Medinah's challenges.

Projected International Roster:

Asian Contingent:

• Hideki Matsuyama: The International Team's best player and consistent point producer
• Tom Kim: Fiery competitor and emotional leader
• Im Sung-jae: Steady ball-striker and team player
• Si Woo Kim: Aggressive style perfect for match play
• Byeong Hun An (if form holds): Strong all-around game

Rest of World:

• Adam Scott (if competing): Veteran leadership and partnership skills
• Jason Day (if healthy): Major champion and home soil advantage (Australian)
• Cameron Smith: Open Champion and match play specialist
• Min Woo Lee: Rising Australian star with power game
• Corey Conners: Solid Canadian presence

This International roster features elite talent at the top but faces familiar depth challenges. While Matsuyama and Kim can compete with anyone, the bottom half of the roster might struggle against American depth.

Tactical Matchups and Strategy

Medinah's setup will heavily influence captain's strategies:

Team USA Advantages:

• Home Crowd: Massive support providing energy and intimidating opponents
• Course Familiarity: American players compete regularly on similar layouts
• Roster Depth: Can field fresh, high-quality players in every session
• Partnership Continuity: Proven combinations like Schauffele/Cantlay

International Team Opportunities:

• Asian Excellence: Top Asian players can match American stars
• Nothing to Lose Mentality: Underdog status removes pressure
• Match Play Volatility: Anything can happen in head-to-head competition
• Ogilvy's Leadership: Strong captain who understands American golf

Captain Ogilvy will likely employ an aggressive strategy—front-load his strongest players, create attacking pairings, and try to grab early momentum before American depth wears down his team. Snedeker can afford patience, knowing his depth provides staying power across four days.

The Format Challenge

The Presidents Cup format—foursomes and fourball across Thursday-Saturday, followed by Sunday singles—generally favors Team USA. Their depth means they can field strong teams in every session without wearing out top players.

The International Team must excel Thursday-Friday to stay within striking distance entering Sunday. History shows that falling behind 10-6 or worse entering singles makes comebacks nearly impossible against American depth.

Sunday singles become crucial. The International Team needs 8+ points from 12 matches—achievable but difficult when facing American players throughout the lineup. One or two tight matches going American way can swing the entire competition.

Crowd Atmosphere and Pressure

Medinah's proximity to Chicago ensures massive crowd support for Team USA. The Midwest golf community will turn out in force, creating a Ryder Cup-like atmosphere that could overwhelm international players unaccustomed to such hostile environments.

For International players, especially young stars like Tom Kim, turning this pressure into motivation will be crucial. Kim has shown he thrives in hostile environments, feeding off crowd energy rather than wilting under it. Others must follow his lead.

Historical Context

Medinah's Ryder Cup history—particularly the "Miracle at Medinah" in 2012 when Europe overcame a large deficit—proves that comebacks are possible. The International Team will take inspiration from that historic rally, hoping to author their own miracle.

However, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup dynamics differ. European teams benefit from continental unity and Ryder Cup winning traditions. The International Team lacks this cohesion and winning pedigree, making Medinah-type comebacks less likely.

Predictions and Expectations

Realistic expectations suggest Team USA will win 17-13 or similar margin. They're simply too deep, too talented, and too experienced for the International Team to overcome on American soil with crowd support.

However, individual sessions could be competitive. Thursday and Friday might see close battles before American depth dominates Saturday and Sunday. The International Team could win 5-6 individual sessions while still losing overall.

For the competition to be truly competitive, the International Team needs:

1. Matsuyama and Kim playing at elite levels
2. Asian contingent winning 8-9 points collectively
3. No American player going 4-0 or better
4. Stealing one session decisively Thursday-Friday
5. Winning at least 7 Sunday singles matches

Even if all these factors align, Team USA would likely still win. The competitive imbalance is structural, not just circumstantial.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond wins and losses, the 2026 Presidents Cup will showcase golf's global growth. The Asian representation on the International Team demonstrates golf's worldwide appeal and the emergence of new golf powers.

The charitable impact will be significant, with millions raised for worthy causes. Medinah will shine as a tournament host, cementing the course's reputation as one of America's premier championship venues.

For players, the 2026 Presidents Cup represents a chance to create lasting memories and compete for national pride. These team competitions matter differently than individual tournaments—they create bonds, stories, and legacies that transcend statistics.

Looking Ahead

As September 2026 approaches, anticipation will build. Can the International Team somehow channel Medinah's comeback magic? Will Scottie Scheffler continue his dominance? Can Tom Kim become a household name through Presidents Cup heroics?

These questions will drive conversation and excitement. While Team USA enters as heavy favorites, golf's unpredictability ensures drama. Match play produces upsets, and four days of competition create countless opportunities for memorable moments.

Medinah awaits. The stage is set for another chapter in Presidents Cup history, written on one of golf's grandest stages with the world's best players competing for their teams and countries.