The PGA Tour announced on Tuesday, April 29 2025, that Brandt Snedeker, the 44‑year‑old Tennessee native, will captain the United States squad, while Australian veteran Geoff Ogilvy will lead the International side for the Presidents Cup slated for September 22‑27 2026 at Medinah Country Club’s storied Course No. 3 outside Chicago, Illinois. The move sets the stage for what could be the 11th straight American victory.

Captains announced: Who’s steering the teams

Snedeker’s résumé reads like a team‑play resume. He first tasted Presidents Cup action in 2013 at Muirfield Village, posting a 2‑3‑0 record for the U.S. team. A couple of Ryder Cups (2012, 2016) followed, where he went 4‑2‑0 overall. Most recently, he served as a captain’s assistant in 2024 and is slated to be a vice‑captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. "It’s a tremendous honor to be named U.S. Team Captain," Snedeker said in a statement, adding that he plans to lean on his past experiences to ready the squad.

On the other side, Ogilvy brings a blend of playing pedigree and design know‑how. He competed for the International Team in three Cups – 2007, 2009 and 2011 – and has been an assistant captain for the last four editions. His firm, OCM (Ogilvy Clayton Mead), oversaw the recent renovation of Medinah’s Course No. 3, giving him an insider’s view of the fairways and greens that will host the showdown. "Since Ernie Els introduced the shield in 2019, the International Team’s spirit has intensified," Ogilvy remarked, promising to harness that momentum.

Why Medinah Country Club matters

Medinah isn’t just another suburban club; it’s a modern classic. Course No. 3, designed by legendary architect Tom Fazio, has hosted three U.S. Opens (1990, 1999, 2002) and an PGA Championship in 2012. Its signature bunker‑lined par‑4 3rd hole is a test of both power and precision – a perfect metaphor for the Presidents Cup’s team format.

When Ogilvy’s firm refreshed the layout, they tightened the rough and reshaped the greens to reward strategic ball‑placement. That redesign could tilt the odds in favor of the side that knows the nuances better – a subtle edge for the International Team, whose captain helped shape the terrain. The venue’s location in the Chicago metro also promises a huge fan turnout; the last major event at Medinah drew more than 55,000 spectators over four days.

Team USA’s dominance and what’s at stake

The United States has owned the Presidents Cup from its inception in 1994, posting a 13‑1‑1 record. The most recent triumph came at Royal Montreal in September 2024, where Jim Furyk’s squad won 18½‑11½, marking the 10th straight American win. That streak has turned the competition into a quest for the International side to finally break the drought.

Statistically, the U.S. holds a 71% win rate in match play during Presidents Cup play, and its average margin of victory over the last five editions is 6.3 points. Yet the International Team has narrowed gaps; in 2022 they lost by just 2½ points. Analysts say the next edition will be the most competitive in a decade, especially with younger talent like Collin Morikawa and Jon Rahm likely to make the roster.

International Team perspective and Ogilvy’s edge

Beyond the numbers, the International squad carries a different narrative. It’s a collection of golfers from 17 countries, each bringing a distinct style. Players such as Sweden’s Alex Noren and South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen have thrived on links‑type courses, while Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama thrives on precision. Ogilvy’s experience as both player and assistant captain gives him a diplomatic advantage – he knows how to meld disparate personalities into a cohesive unit.

Ogilvy also hinted at a tactical twist: “We’ll emphasize aggressive pin‑seeking on the short‑hole locations where the new greens bite the ball.” If his assessment holds, the International Team could force more ties and potentially swing the match‑play balance.

Looking ahead: what to expect in September 2026

Fans can mark their calendars for September 22‑27 2026. The schedule mirrors past Cups: three days of foursomes and fourball, followed by two singles days. Expect a packed broadcast lineup on NBC and Golf Channel, with a projected global audience of 150 million viewers.

Besides the competition itself, Medinah will host a series of fan festivals, a “Pro‑Am” event featuring past champions, and a charity gala supporting youth golf programs in Chicago. The economic impact for the region is estimated at $35 million, according to the Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau.

• Dates: September 22‑27 2026
• Venue: Medinah Country Club, Course No. 3
• U.S. Captain: Brandt Snedeker
• International Captain: Geoff Ogilvy
• Previous U.S. win margin (2024): 18½‑11½

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this Presidents Cup affect the Ryder Cup teams?

Both events draw heavily from the same pool of elite players, so strong performances at the Presidents Cup often influence Ryder Cup selections. Snedeker’s role as a vice‑captain in the 2025 Ryder Cup and Ogilvy’s recent assistant‑captain experience mean their leadership styles will likely spill over into the 2027 Ryder Cup line‑ups.

Why was Medinah Country Club chosen as the venue?

Medinah’s rich championship history, recent renovation of Course No. 3, and its proximity to a major media market made it an ideal host. The club’s ability to accommodate large crowds and its iconic layout also promise a memorable spectator experience.

What are the chances the International Team can finally win?

Statistically, the odds are still against them – the U.S. has a 71% win rate. However, the margin of loss has narrowed in recent editions, and Ogilvy’s intimate knowledge of the renovated course could level the playing field enough for a surprise upset.

Who are the likely star players to watch?

For the U.S., names like Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele and Justin Thomas are expected. The International roster may feature Jon Rahm, Louis Oosthuizen, and the rising South Korean talent Kim Seong‑ho. All are ranked inside the world’s top‑15.

What economic impact will the event have on Chicago?

The Chicago Convention & Visitors Bureau projects a $35 million boost from lodging, dining, and tourism. Local vendors anticipate a surge in sales, and the televised exposure could further promote the city as a future host for major sporting events.