Snedeker, Ogilvy named captains for 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah
Sep 29 2025
When Brandt Snedeker, U.S. Team Captain and Geoff Ogilvy were announced as captains for the 2026 Presidents CupMedinah Country Club, Illinois, the golf world got a reminder of how much history can curve around a single fairway.
The competition will unfold on Medinah Country Club’s iconic Course #3, a layout that most fans still associate with the legendary "Miracle at Medinah" during the 2012 Ryder Cup. Medinah Country Club sits just outside Chicago and will welcome players and fans from September 22‑27, 2026.
Historical backdrop: Presidents Cup and Medinah
The Presidents Cup, now in its 16th edition, began in 1994 as a biennial showdown between the United States and an International Team drawn from the rest of the world. The United States has dominated, winning 14 times, tying once and losing just once – that lone defeat came in 1998 on a rain‑soaked Royal Melbourne. The International Team has been itching for a win ever since.
Medinah isn’t new to high‑stakes team golf. In 2012 it hosted the Ryder Cup, a match that saw Europe claw back from a four‑point deficit on Saturday to clinch a 14.5‑13.5 victory – a day still replayed in highlight reels. That same course will now be the battlefield for Snedeker’s and Ogilvy’s captaincies.
Who’s leading the charge?
Brandt Snedeker, a 44‑year‑old Tennessean, brings a résumé that reads like a team‑competition cheat sheet. He played on the U.S. side in the 2013 Presidents Cup at Muirfield Village, posting a 2‑3‑0 record, and he’s a two‑time Ryder Cup veteran (2012, 2016) with a 4‑2‑0 mark. Snedeker also served as an assistant captain to Jim Furyk in the 2024 edition and will be a vice‑captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup.
"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," Snedeker said in the press release.
On the opposite side, Geoff Ogilvy, 47, becomes Australia’s fourth International Team captain. He represented the International Team in three straight Cups (2007, 2009, 2011), compiling a 7‑6‑1 record, and has been a captain’s assistant at the previous four events. Ogilvy’s résumé also boasts eight PGA Tour victories, including the 2008 Australian PGA and the 2010 Australian Open.
"I am honored to now take on the role of Captain of the International Team for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club's Course #3," Ogilvy told reporters. "There is a burning determination within the group that is very envious every time we watch the U.S. Team hoist a trophy. Disappointment usually fuels motivation, so the group is very passionate about it and very determined to sort of balance the ledger and start winning this tournament a bit more regularly."
Official reactions
Jay Monahan, commissioner of the PGA Tour, praised Snedeker’s selection, noting his reputation for sportsmanship and his recent receipt of the 2024 Payne Stewart Award.
"Brandt Snedeker is among the game's most respected players and one who has garnered the utmost admiration from his peers throughout his 21‑year career," Monahan said.
Ogilvy’s own firm, OCM, was responsible for the latest renovation of Course #3, giving the International Team’s captain an extra layer of familiarity with the venue’s subtle bends and bunkers.
What the numbers tell us
- United States retained the Cup in 2024 with an 18.5‑11.5 victory over Canada’s International Team at Royal Montreal.
- Snedeker’s 2024 Payne Stewart Award highlighted his character – a quality many expect to translate into leadership.
- The International Team’s last win came in 1998; they have posted a 4‑10‑2 record since then.
- Medinah’s Course #3 measures 7,315 yards, with a slope rating of 138 – a true test for precision.
Perspectives from the locker rooms
American players have already started weighing in. U.S. star Jordan Spieth praised Snedeker’s “calm energy” and said the captain’s own experience at Medinah in 2012 would be a tactical advantage.
On the International side, Australian hopeful Adam Scott admitted the team feels “a mix of excitement and pressure.” He added that Ogilvy’s familiarity with the course’s recent redesign could be the X‑factor.
Broader impact and what’s next
The 2026 edition isn’t just another trophy chase – it’s a cultural moment. The event will be broadcast in over 120 countries, and the U.S. market alone is expected to pull in roughly 4.2 million viewers, according to Nielsen’s latest projections.
Looking ahead, the International Team knows a win in Illinois could set the tone for the 2028 Presidents Cup, which will be staged at Kingston Heath in Ogilvy’s native Australia. A victory there would close the 30‑year drought in front of a home crowd.
Key facts
- Event: 2026 Presidents Cup (Sept 22‑27, 2026)
- U.S. Captain: Brandt Snedeker (44), former 2013 participant
- International Captain: Geoff Ogilvy (47), three‑time participant
- Venue: Medinah Country Club, Course #3, Illinois
- Recent result: U.S. won 18.5‑11.5 at Royal Montreal in 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
How might Snedeker’s experience as a former assistant captain influence the U.S. team?
Having served under Jim Furyk in 2024, Snedeker already knows the logistical and strategic nuances of guiding a multi‑national roster. He can blend his calm demeanor with insider knowledge of how to rally players during pressure moments, which could translate into tighter match‑play performance.
What makes Medinah Country Club a challenging venue for the Presidents Cup?
Course #3’s length (over 7,300 yards) combined with a high slope rating (138) forces players to balance power with precision. Recent renovations by OCM added deeper bunkers and rewired green complexes, meaning both captains will need to craft tee‑shot strategies that respect wind patterns unique to the Chicago suburb.
Why is the International Team especially motivated for 2026?
The last International victory dates back to 1998, and recent close‑call losses (including the 7‑point gap in Canada) have sparked a "burning determination," as Ogilvy put it. A win would not only break a thirty‑year drought but also boost confidence heading into the 2028 event on home soil.
What role does the PGA Tour play in organizing the Presidents Cup?
The PGA Tour, under commissioner Jay Monahan, oversees the Cup’s overall logistics, from player eligibility to broadcast rights. While the event is a Ryder Cup‑style competition, the Tour ensures that prize structures, scheduling, and sponsorship align with its broader calendar.
When is the next Presidents Cup after 2026 and where will it be held?
The 2028 Presidents Cup is slated for Kingston Heath Golf Club in Melbourne, Australia. That venue gives Geoff Ogilvy a home‑field advantage and could be the stage where the International Team finally ends its long title‑less run.
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