The PGA Tour announced that Brandt Snedeker and Geoff Ogilvy will lead the U.S. and International Teams, respectively, as captains for the 2026 Presidents Cup. The 16th edition of the biennial event will tee off at Medinah Country Club’s famed Course No. 3 from September 22-27, 2026, setting the stage for an electrifying clash in the Chicago suburbs.
Snedeker, a 44-year-old nine-time PGA Tour winner and recipient of the 2024 Payne Stewart Award, steps into the U.S. captaincy with a reputation as a respected leader. A Nashville native, he played in the 2013 Presidents Cup and was part of the 2012 and 2016 Ryder Cup teams, compiling a 6-5-0 record in team events. His captaincy follows a stint as an assistant under Jim Furyk at the 2024 Presidents Cup, where the U.S. secured an 18.5-11.5 victory, and he’s slated to serve as a vice-captain for Keegan Bradley’s 2025 Ryder Cup team at Bethpage Black.
“Just very humbled, kind of shocked, to be honest with you,” said Snedeker during a press conference on Monday at Medinah Country Club.
“I got the call a couple weeks ago. Trying to wrap my head around what this is going to look like and then what this is going to entail.
“Just super honored, super humbled to be leading this team and be part of this great history of the Presidents Cup and the captain that came before me. Just excited to get the guys up here next year and see this golf course and see what a great venue Geoff’s turned it into. He just got done with the redesign done here about a year ago. Golf course looks phenomenal.
“Excited to have a home Presidents Cup in Chicago, and to have that crowd behind us is going to be super special and something that we’re going to need. Just super happy to go up against Geoff and the International Team.
“Geoff is a great friend of mine, a great guy. Another awesome choice for them in their captaincy. And look forward to the challenge they’re going to present in 2026.”
Snedeker’s connection to Medinah is bittersweet — he was part of the 2012 Ryder Cup team that suffered the “Miracle at Medinah” collapse, blowing a 10-6 lead entering Sunday’s Singles.
“That was a low point, but I remember the Chicago fans’ energy. We’re going to recreate that fire in 2026,” he vowed.
On the International side, Geoff Ogilvy, the 47-year-old 2006 U.S. Open champion, brings a unique edge. The Australian not only boasts a 7-6-1 record from three Presidents Cup appearances (2007, 2009, 2011) and four assistant captain roles but also an intimate knowledge of Medinah’s Course No. 3. His design firm, OCM, spearheaded a two-year renovation of the course, reopening in summer 2024 with larger greens, bolder bunkering, and a reimagined routing tailored for match play.
“It’s humbling to captain the International Team at a course that means so much to me,” Ogilvy said, gesturing toward the Presidents Cup trophy at a Chicago rooftop event.
“Our team’s spirit has grown since Ernie Els introduced the shield in 2019, and we’re burning to balance the ledger.” Ogilvy downplayed his course advantage, noting, “It helps on Monday, but by Thursday, these pros will have it figured out. They’re the best at learning fast.”
The Presidents Cup has been a U.S. stronghold, with a 13-1-1 record since 1994, including 10 straight wins since a 2003 tie. The International Team’s lone victory came in 1998 at Royal Melbourne, and Ogilvy aims to channel the momentum from a spirited 2019 effort under Els.
“Watching the U.S. hoist the trophy fuels our fire,” he said, hinting at a motivated squad possibly featuring veterans like Adam Scott and Hideki Matsuyama.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan praised both captains.
“Brandt’s leadership and character, recognized by his 2024 Payne Stewart Award, make him a tremendous asset for the U.S. Team,” said Monahan.
“Geoff’s major championship pedigree and Medinah expertise position him perfectly to lead a rising International Team.”
Medinah, a venue steeped in history with three U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and the 2012 Ryder Cup, promises a dramatic backdrop.
Snedeker called it “a big ballpark that will show out well,” crediting Ogilvy’s redesign for elevating the challenge. With Chicago’s passionate fans and a reimagined course, the 2026 Presidents Cup is shaping up as a must-watch battle.
