Presidents Cup 2026 Preview: Snedeker's USA vs Ogilvy's International at Medinah

The stage is set for the 16th Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, Illinois, from September 22-27, 2026. With Brandt Snedeker leading Team USA and Geoff Ogilvy captaining the International Team, the two squads are already beginning their strategic preparation for what promises to be one of the most compelling team competitions in golf.

The Venue: Medinah Country Club

Medinah Country Club, located 25 miles west of Chicago in the suburbs of Illinois, will host its third Presidents Cup in the event's history. The club previously hosted the 1999 and 2006 editions, making 2026 the third time Medinah serves as the Presidents Cup venue.

The par-72 layout stretches to approximately 7,600 yards and features the challenging No. 3 course at Medinah, known for its demanding length and strategic complexity. The course's tight, tree-lined fairways and well-bunkered greens create an exacting test of precision golf.

Historically, Medinah has proven to be a neutral venue that rewards both aggressive play and conservative course management. The 1999 and 2006 editions were both hotly contested, suggesting that 2026 will continue this tradition of competitive excellence.

Team USA Under Snedeker

Captain: Brandt Snedeker

Brandt Snedeker will make his Presidents Cup captaincy debut at Medinah, replacing Steve Stricker who captained Team USA's 2024 victory at Royal Montreal. Snedeker brings extensive team competition experience, having served as a vice captain at the 2025 Ryder Cup and observing American team dynamics throughout his career.

Snedeker's captaincy philosophy will likely emphasize partnership chemistry and American players' proven ability to execute in high-pressure team settings. Team USA's 10-year winning streak (2005-2025) provides confidence that American dominance will continue.

Projected USA Roster Highlights:

Scottie Scheffler will be the anchor of Team USA's roster. The world number one, coming off his historic 2025 season with six victories including two major championships, represents the most dominant force in professional golf. Scheffler's performance will be critical to American success. By 2026, he may have completed the career Grand Slam at the U.S. Open, further solidifying his status as a generational talent.

Rory McIlroy may be considered if the International Team grants him eligibility—though his recent success at the 2025 Masters and his status as a world-class competitor makes him a potential target for the International Team captaincy or vice-captain roles.

Xander Schauffele, the third-ranked player in the world, will likely secure a spot on Team USA. His exceptional short-game play and proven record in team competitions make him invaluable.

Collin Morikawa, despite a challenging 2025 season without PGA Tour victories, maintains his position among the world's elite golfers and should secure selection.

Patrick Cantlay continues to be a team competition specialist and will be a captain's pick candidate based on his partnership chemistry and match-play excellence.

International Team Under Ogilvy

Captain: Geoff Ogilvy

Geoff Ogilvy, the 2003 U.S. Open champion, will captain the International Team. Ogilvy's captaincy faces the enormous challenge of overcoming Team USA's 10-year winning streak while building cohesion among a diverse squad from multiple continents.

Projected International Team Roster Highlights:

Hideki Matsuyama will be a cornerstone of the International Team. The 2021 Masters champion and veteran of five Presidents Cups, Matsuyama's 2025 victory at The Sentry (35-under score) demonstrates he remains competitive at the highest level. His leadership and experience will be vital.

Tom Kim may seek redemption after a challenging 2025 season. The young South Korean, despite his struggles in 2025, remains one of the International Team's most electrifying young talents. At age 22 by 2026, he will be among the youngest team members but potentially one of the most motivated.

Adam Scott, the Australian veteran and 2013 Masters champion, brings invaluable experience if selected. Scott has been a stalwart of the International Team for decades and continues to compete at a high level.

Min Woo Lee (South Korea) will likely secure a spot as a rising young star on the International Team, joining Kim in representing Asian golf's growing influence.

Strategic Considerations

American Advantages:

• Scottie Scheffler's unprecedented dominance at the peak of the cycle
• Proven team chemistry and consistent partner selections
• Home field advantage (though Medinah is not decidedly American)
• Continuation of a decade-long winning culture

International Team Challenges:

• Overcoming a 10-year losing streak
• Building cohesion among players from multiple continents
• Competing against Scheffler's dominance
• Depth questions across the roster

Likely Matchup Considerations

The International Team will need to deploy its best strategists to minimize Scheffler's impact while building points elsewhere. Pairing strategy in foursomes and fourballs will be critical—can the International Team build an early lead, as they did at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage?

Partnership chemistry will also determine success. Team USA's proven ability to develop effective pairings gives them a significant advantage, while the International Team must improvise partnerships across different golfing cultures and continents.

The 10-Year Question

For the International Team, the narrative of breaking Team USA's 10-year winning streak is compelling. The last International Team victory came at Royal Melbourne in 2019 under Ernie Els' captaincy, nearly seven years before the 2026 Presidents Cup. Ogilvy's task is monumental, but if the International Team can surprise at home—as Europe did at the 2025 Ryder Cup—history can be rewritten.

For Team USA, maintaining dominance under Snedeker's leadership will validate American team competition excellence and continue the winning culture that has defined the past decade.

2026 Outlook

The 16th Presidents Cup at Medinah will showcase the world's two best teams competing at the highest level. Scottie Scheffler's continued excellence suggests Team USA will be favored, but golf's unpredictability in team competitions means nothing is guaranteed.

The International Team arrives as underdogs, but with a compelling narrative of breaking a decade-long drought and the potential to build early momentum, they should not be overlooked.

By September 2026, the golf world will focus on Medinah to answer one critical question: Will American excellence continue, or will the International Team finally break through?

Presidents Cup 2026 at a Glance:

The countdown to Medinah begins now.