Presidents Cup 2026: U.S. Seeks 11th Straight Win Against International Team at Medinah

The 16th Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Medinah Country Club, with the U.S. team—holder of a 13-1-1 series record and 10-match winning streak—facing an International squad from outside Europe. The competition spans four days with 30 matches in foursomes, fourballs, and singles formats, requiring 15½ points to win. The U.S. enters as statistical favorites based on recent form and depth.

Quick Facts

16th Presidents Cup match-play competition
U.S. vs. International team (non-European players)
Format: 9 foursomes, 9 fourballs, 12 singles matches
Course redesigned by OCM under Geoff Ogilvy's direction
Medinah No. 3 underwent removal of thousands of trees, addition of ~48 bunkers, expanded putting surfaces

The 16th Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Medinah Country Club outside Chicago, where the United States team faces an International squad drawn from players worldwide except Europe. The U.S. holds a commanding 13-1-1 series record and has won the last 10 editions, never losing on home soil. The International team won once, in 1998 at Royal Melbourne in Australia, and tied once in 2003 in South Africa.

The competition runs Thursday through Sunday with 30 matches across four days: nine foursomes (alternate shot), nine fourballs (best ball), and 12 singles matches. Each match awards one point; a team needs 15½ points to win. All matches are completed even after the cup is clinched, and a 15-15 tie results in both teams sharing the cup.

Medinah No. 3 has undergone extensive renovation by OCM, the design company led by International captain Geoff Ogilvy. The course now features roughly 4,000 additional trees removed, approximately 48 new bunkers, and significantly expanded putting surfaces averaging 8,600 square feet. The course plays 7,548 yards at par 70. U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker determined the format order, with Day 1 featuring five fourball matches, Day 2 five foursomes matches, and Day 3 a mix of both formats.

The U.S. team holds several statistical advantages. Four American players rank in the top 13 in strokes gained: putting, with Jacob Bridgeman leading the PGA Tour in that category. The U.S. also leads in total driving, with four players ranked in the top 11 this season. However, the Internationals demonstrate strength in strokes gained: approach, led by Si Woo Kim. Recent form favors the Americans: Data Golf's trend analysis places eight U.S. team members among its top 10, with Sungjae Im as the sole International representative.

The U.S. roster includes world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, alongside Xander Schauffele (No. 10), Sam Burns (No. 8), and Chris Gotterup (No. 7). The International team features Si Woo Kim (No. 14), Hideki Matsuyama (No. 27), and Min Woo Lee (No. 30). Notable inclusions: Jacob Bridgeman and Jackson Koivun represent debuts for the U.S., while Ryan Fox, Ryo Hisatsune, Nico Echavarria, and Nick Taylor debut for the International squad. Three U.S. players were not born when the Internationals last won in 1998.

Topics

Sports

#team competition #Geoff Ogilvy #match play #Scottie Scheffler #Presidents Cup #Brandt Snedeker #golf #U.S. vs. International #Medinah Country Club

Entities

Why This Matters

The Presidents Cup determines competitive standing in international match-play golf and shapes sponsorship, broadcast rights, and player rankings momentum heading into 2026 PGA Tour seasons. The U.S. winning streak and home-course advantage at Medinah (never lost domestically) create measurable odds favoring the Americans; an International victory or tie would alter the event's historical trajectory and affect player morale and market perception of competitive balance. Course redesign by OCM adds a physical variable that may influence performance data and future tournament hosting decisions.

Timeline & Sources

Jan 1, 1994

Wire

Presidents Cup first played

Jan 1, 1998

Wire

International team won sole Presidents Cup victory at Royal Melbourne, Australia

Jan 1, 2024

Wire

U.S. won last Presidents Cup with 18½-11½ victory over International team; Americans won both Saturday sessions 3-1

Sep 21, 2026

Wire

Player capsules and facts released for 2026 Presidents Cup

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Why This Matters

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