Golf’s premier international team competition is heading to the Chicago suburbs this fall. From September 24 through September 27, 2026, the world’s best golfers will go head-to-head at one of America’s most storied golf venues. This is the 16th edition of a competition that has been running since 1994, and it promises to be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you are a die-hard golf fan or simply curious about what the event has to offer, this guide covers everything you need to know.
What Is This Golf Competition All About?
The competition is a biennial team match-play event. It pits a 12-man United States squad against a 12-man International team made up of players from around the world, excluding Europe. That distinction is important. European players compete separately in the Ryder Cup. This event, therefore, gives non-European nations their own stage on the world team golf calendar.
One feature that sets it apart from almost every other major sporting event is the absence of prize money. Players receive no appearance fee and no performance bonus. Instead, the event’s proceeds go to charities nominated by each player. Since the competition began in 1994, more than 56 million dollars has been raised for charities across 18 countries. That makes every putt carry a purpose beyond just winning.
Dates: When Does Competition Begin?
The main competition runs from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27, 2026. However, the week starts earlier than that. Practice rounds begin on Sunday, September 20, and continue through Wednesday, September 23. General spectator access to those practice rounds begins Tuesday, September 22.
Here is a quick look at the full week:
- Sunday, September 20 to Monday, September 21: Practice rounds and Junior Presidents Cup
- Tuesday, September 22 to Wednesday, September 23: Practice rounds open to the public
- Thursday, September 24: Day 1, opening ceremony and first round of team matches
- Friday, September 25: Day 2, second round of team matches
- Saturday, September 26: Day 3, morning and afternoon team matches
- Sunday, September 27: Day 4, singles matches and closing ceremony
Arriving early in the week gives fans a relaxed opportunity to walk the course, watch their favorite players prepare, and take in the atmosphere before the intensity of competition begins.
Venue: Medinah Country Club
The competition takes place at Medinah Country Club, specifically on Course No. 3, located in Medinah, Illinois, approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. The club was founded in 1924 and originally designed by Tom Bendelow. The course was later redesigned by Rees Jones, the course architect also known for his work on numerous US Open and Ryder Cup venues.
Medinah is no stranger to major moments in golf. It has previously hosted three US Opens and two PGA Championships. This will be its first time hosting this particular international team event, marking a significant addition to its already impressive legacy.
There is another intriguing layer to the venue story. International team captain Geoff Ogilvy was personally involved in overseeing a recent redesign of Course No. 3. That gives the International side a degree of familiarity with the layout that could prove useful during match play, where course knowledge and strategy matter enormously.
The course sits alongside Lake Kadijah, which provides a dramatic natural backdrop for several holes. Spectator viewing areas around the lake offer some of the most scenic vantage points available anywhere in professional golf.
Teams and Captains
Each team consists of 12 players. Six players earn automatic spots, and the remaining six are captain’s picks.
For the United States, automatic spots are determined by a weighted FedExCup points standings running from the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season through the 2026 BMW Championship. For the International side, the top six eligible non-European players in the Official World Golf Ranking after the Tour Championship determine the automatic qualifiers.
Brandt Snedeker leads the United States team as captain. Snedeker is a ten-time PGA Tour winner and a beloved figure in American golf. He is known for his competitive fire and his ability to connect with players, making him a natural choice to lead the team.
Geoff Ogilvy captains the International side. The Australian is a former US Open champion and one of the most respected figures in the game. His deep familiarity with Medinah, including his involvement in the course redesign, adds an interesting dimension to his captaincy.
Players: Who Made the Teams?
The six automatic qualifiers for the United States team are Scottie Scheffler, Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Russell Henley, and Collin Morikawa. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler topped the US standings and will make his third consecutive appearance. Cameron Young, the Players Championship winner, and Wyndham Clark, who claimed the US Open title this season, also locked up their spots automatically. Sam Burns, Russell Henley, and Collin Morikawa round out the automatic six.
Captain Snedeker then filled the remaining six spots with his picks. The full 12-man roster includes Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas, Patrick Cantlay, and Chris Gotterup, among others, alongside the six automatic qualifiers.
On the International side, the six automatic qualifiers are Adam Scott, Si Woo Kim, Tom Kim, Ryan Fox, Hideki Matsuyama, and Min Woo Lee. These six players secured their spots via the Official World Golf Ranking following the Tour Championship. Captain Ogilvy then added six captain’s picks to complete his roster, with names such as Corey Conners, Sungjae Im, and Jason Day among those in contention for those final spots.
The roster on both sides is packed with talent. Additionally, several players on the International team have strong records at Medinah specifically, which could give them an early psychological edge in the early rounds of team play.
Format: How Does Match Play Work?
The event uses a match-play format across four days, for a total of 30 matches. Understanding this format is key to following the action.
In match play, the outcome of each individual hole determines the winner, not the total score across all holes. A player or team wins a hole by completing it in fewer strokes than their opponent. The overall match is won by whichever side wins more holes.
The first three days feature team formats. Four-ball matches put two players from each side on the course together, with each player playing their own ball. The lowest score on a hole wins the point. Foursomes matches require the two partners to alternate shots using a single ball, which demands precise coordination and communication.
Each day’s play produces five matches, giving a total of 25 team points available across the first three days. On Sunday, 12 singles matches take place simultaneously, with one point available per match. This means there are 30 total points on offer across the entire competition. A team needs 15.5 points to win the cup outright.
The Historical Context: A Streak Worth Watching
The United States has won 13 of the 15 editions held so far, including 10 consecutive victories. The only International win came in 1998, and the teams tied in 2003. By any measure, America has dominated this competition.
However, the International side arrives in Medinah with real motivation. The United States suffered a notable defeat at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage, and the International team is eager to use that result as fuel. New faces on the International roster, combined with Ogilvy’s familiarity with the course, give the challengers genuine reason for optimism.
This rivalry rarely produces blowout results on paper, yet the scoreboard has consistently told the same story. Whether 2026 finally changes that narrative is perhaps the most compelling storyline heading into September.
Tickets: How to Get In
Tickets for the 2026 edition are on sale now through the official website at presidentscup.com. Fans can also use the Presidents Cup’s dedicated Ticketmaster page to buy or resell tickets. The organizers confirm that resale tickets through Ticketmaster are 100 percent verified and valid.
General admission tickets provide access to the full tournament grounds and all public areas, allowing fans to follow the action across the entire course. Premium hospitality options are also available.
One standout hospitality experience is the International Club, positioned above Lake Kadijah. This open-air venue offers elevated views of the holes along the water, along with a range of local and international food and drink options. Another option is a shared open-air venue near holes 3, 4, and 5, featuring a dual-level sports bar environment with 360-degree views of the action.
For those planning to attend multiple days, weekly packages are available and represent better value than buying daily tickets separately. The organizers recommend purchasing tickets early, as high-demand days such as Saturday and Sunday tend to sell out well in advance.
How to Watch: Broadcast Details
For fans unable to attend in person, the competition will be broadcast across NBC, Golf Channel, and the Peacock streaming platform. NBC will carry the weekend rounds, while Golf Channel handles Thursday and Friday coverage. This means the full event is accessible to golf fans across the United States without the need for any additional subscriptions beyond standard cable or a Peacock account.
International broadcast arrangements vary by country. Check your local listings for coverage details in your region.
Why Medinah Makes This Edition Special
Beyond the golf, the setting itself adds a layer of significance to this edition. Medinah Country Club carries decades of major championship history. The course is known for its demanding layout, with water in play on multiple holes and greens that reward precise approach play. Match play at Medinah is unlikely to be a low-drama affair.
The Chicago area also provides a world-class destination for visiting fans. From architecture and museums to some of the country’s finest restaurants, there is plenty to fill time outside the ropes. Additionally, the proximity of the venue to O’Hare and Midway airports makes it one of the most logistically convenient locations an international sporting event can have.
What Makes This Event Unique in Professional Golf
Several things separate this competition from regular Tour events. First, there is the team element. Golf is almost always an individual pursuit. Watching elite professionals work together as a unit, celebrating each other’s putts and carrying each other through difficult moments, brings a completely different emotional quality to the game.
Second, there is the charity dimension. Every dollar generated by the event flows to causes that players care personally about. That gives even the most casual spectator a reason to feel good about attending or watching.
Third, the match-play format makes every single hole matter. Momentum swings happen quickly. A birdie putt that would be celebrated briefly in a stroke-play event can swing an entire match in match play. For fans watching in person, the energy is unlike anything else in professional golf.
Conclusion
The 2026 edition of this global golf team competition brings everything a fan could want: a legendary venue, two star-studded rosters, an experienced pair of captains, and a longstanding historical rivalry that still carries genuine uncertainty about its outcome. Competition begins on Thursday, September 24, at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, with the singles finale on Sunday, September 27. Scottie Scheffler leads a formidable United States team under captain Brandt Snedeker, while Geoff Ogilvy’s International side arrives at a course he helped redesign, bringing a determined and talented group ready to challenge America’s decade-long dominance. Tickets are available now at presidentscup.com, and full coverage will air on NBC, Golf Channel, and Peacock. Whether you attend in person or watch from your living room, this is a week of golf you will not want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the main competition begin at the 2026 event?
The competitive rounds begin on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Practice rounds are open to the public from Tuesday, September 22. The final day of competition is Sunday, September 27, when all 12 singles matches take place simultaneously.
Where is the 2026 competition being held?
The event is held at Medinah Country Club, Course No. 3, in Medinah, Illinois. The club is located approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago and is one of America’s most celebrated golf venues, having previously hosted three US Opens and two PGA Championships.
Who are the captains for 2026?
Brandt Snedeker captains the United States team, and Geoff Ogilvy captains the International team. Both were announced as captains in April 2025. Ogilvy has the added distinction of having been involved in overseeing a recent redesign of Course No. 3 at Medinah.
How do players qualify for each team?
Each side has 12 players: six automatic qualifiers and six captain’s picks. US automatic qualifiers are determined by FedExCup points standings through the BMW Championship. International automatic qualifiers are determined by the Official World Golf Ranking following the Tour Championship. Captains then select the remaining six players for each team at their discretion.
Where can I buy tickets?
Tickets are on sale now through the official website at presidentscup.com and through the event’s dedicated Ticketmaster page. Resale tickets on Ticketmaster are verified and guaranteed valid. Premium hospitality options, including the International Club above Lake Kadijah, are also available for purchase through the official channels.
