One of golf’s greatest team events is coming to the Chicago area. From September 24 to 27, 2026, the world’s best golfers will go head-to-head in a match play battle that has captivated fans for more than three decades. If you are a golf enthusiast or simply looking for a world-class sporting event to attend this fall, this is your complete guide to everything you need to know.
What Is the Presidents Cup?
The Presidents Cup is a biennial team golf competition held between the United States and an International Team made up of players from around the world, excluding Europe. It was first played in 1994 and has grown into one of the most watched events on the PGA TOUR calendar.
The format is match play, meaning teams compete hole by hole rather than counting total strokes. Each hole is won, lost, or halved. The tension builds with every shot, and the crowd becomes a genuine part of the drama.
The competition spans four days of matches. Over those four days, a total of 30 matches are played. These include nine foursomes matches, nine fourball matches, and 12 singles matches on the final day. Each team has 12 players, and the side that earns the most points wins the cup.
Dates and Venue
The 2026 competition takes place from September 24 through September 27 at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois, just 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. However, the full week of activity begins earlier. Practice rounds with general spectator access run on Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23. Fans who want to see the players up close in a relaxed setting should consider attending those days.
Medinah Country Club is one of the most celebrated venues in American golf. The club was established in 1924, with Tom Bendelow as its original designer. The course was later redesigned and has since hosted three U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and the memorable 2012 Ryder Cup. It is making its first-ever appearance as a Presidents Cup host in 2026.
Course No. 3, which will serve as the competition’s stage, is a par-72 layout stretching 7,657 yards. It features dramatic water hazards, towering trees, and large amphitheater-style greens that naturally funnel spectators into incredible viewing spots. The course record of 61 was set by Justin Thomas. Therefore, it is a track that rewards brilliance while punishing mistakes.
The Full Week Schedule
The week at Medinah follows a structured schedule that gives fans plenty of opportunity to engage with the event.
On Sunday, September 20, and Monday, September 21, early practice rounds and the Junior Presidents Cup take place. These days are not open to general spectators, but they signal the start of competition week.
Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23 bring practice rounds open to the public. These are fantastic days for fans who want an up-close look at the world’s best golfers without the pressure of competition. Ticket prices for these days are lower, making them a great option for families and casual visitors.
Thursday, September 24, marks Day 1 of competition. The opening ceremony kicks off the official matches, with five foursomes or fourball matches taking place. The home team captain chooses the format for the first day.
Friday, September 25, brings Day 2 with five more team matches. The format switches to whichever was not played on Thursday, meaning if Day 1 was foursomes, Day 2 will be fourball, and vice versa.
Saturday, September 26, is the most action-packed day. Eight matches are played, split between four fourball sessions in the morning and four foursomes sessions in the afternoon. Additionally, the momentum tends to shift dramatically on this day, making it one of the most exciting sessions for live spectators.
Sunday, September 27, closes the event with all 12 singles matches played simultaneously. This is the day that has decided the outcome of nearly every close Presidents Cup in history. Each of the 24 competing players faces off one-on-one. The atmosphere on a Sunday at a team golf event is unlike anything else in sport.
Team USA: Captain and Key Players
Brandt Snedeker has been named the captain of the United States team. Snedeker is a nine-time PGA TOUR winner who claimed the 2012 TOUR Championship and the FedExCup in the same year. He is also one of only 14 players in PGA TOUR history to shoot a round in the 50s, having carded a 59 at the 2018 Wyndham Championship. He represented Team USA at the 2013 Presidents Cup, compiling a 2-3-0 record, and earned deep respect in the world of team competitions.
The six automatic qualifiers for Team USA earn their spots based on FedExCup points accumulated from January 1, 2025, through the 2026 BMW Championship on August 23. Snedeker fills the remaining six spots with his captain’s picks, which he announced on September 1, 2026.
Among the confirmed automatic qualifiers, Scottie Scheffler tops the standings. The world number one is making his third consecutive Presidents Cup appearance. Additional confirmed qualifiers include Cameron Young, Wyndham Clark, Sam Burns, Russell Henley, and Collin Morikawa. All six are players capable of performing at the highest level in pressure situations. The full 12-player roster was locked in during the first days of September.
Team USA enters the event as heavy favorites. They have won 10 consecutive Presidents Cup editions, most recently defeating the International Team 18.5 to 11.5 at Royal Montreal Golf Club in 2024.
International Team: Captain and Key Players
Geoff Ogilvy leads the International Team as captain. The Australian is an eight-time PGA TOUR winner and the 2006 U.S. Open champion. Ogilvy played on three consecutive International Teams from 2007 to 2011 and served as a captain’s assistant for the four most recent editions before being elevated to the captaincy.
Ogilvy brings a unique connection to the venue. His design firm, OCM, led the recent renovation of Medinah’s Course No. 3. He therefore has a detailed understanding of the course’s challenges and opportunities, which could prove valuable when setting strategy for his team.
The Official World Golf Ranking as of August 31, 2026, determines the International Team’s six automatic qualifiers. The captains then choose six additional players, with Snedeker announcing his picks on September 1.
The International Team draws players from across the globe, including Australia, South Africa, South Korea, Canada, Japan, and beyond. Despite their long run of defeats, the International Team continues to build a stronger culture and a more unified identity around the team’s shield, which captain Ernie Els introduced in 2019.
Medinah Country Club: A Venue Like No Other
Attending the Presidents Cup at Medinah is an experience in itself. The course winds around Lake Kadijah, providing stunning backdrops on multiple holes. The amphitheater-style greens at several key holes create natural viewing areas where hundreds of fans can watch a single putt that could swing the entire competition.
The venue has been redesigned ahead of the 2026 event. Updated features include larger greens, bigger scale bunkers, and wider fairways. Additionally, organizers have expanded the surrounding fan experience with upgraded viewing platforms, hospitality zones, and on-course food and beverage areas.
The Captains’ Club is an open-air hospitality venue that offers 360-degree views of holes 3, 4, and 5. It includes a dual-level sports bar environment with a range of food and drink options. The International Club is another premium hospitality venue situated above Lake Kadijah, offering sightlines to the 9th green, 10th tee, and 11th green.
How to Get Tickets
Tickets are available directly through the official website at presidentscup.com. General Admission passes start at $50 for Tuesday and Wednesday practice rounds. Competition day tickets for Thursday through Sunday range from $100 to $135, with all taxes and fees included.
Each guest may purchase up to six tickets per day per transaction. Practice round tickets offer access to the course during a more relaxed atmosphere, while competition day tickets unlock the full match play experience.
Upgraded hospitality options, including the Captains’ Club and International Club, provide premium amenities and exclusive views. Some premium experiences have already sold out for certain days, so early booking is strongly recommended.
General parking passes start at $17 plus applicable taxes and fees. Parking must be purchased in advance because passes are not sold on-site. Metra’s Milwaukee District West Line also provides public transport access to the venue, making it easy to attend without driving.
Why This Event Matters Beyond Golf
The Presidents Cup has always carried a broader purpose. Since its debut in 1994, the event has donated more than $56 million to charitable organizations around the world. The 2026 edition is continuing this tradition with a $150,000 donation to Metropolitan Family Services, one of Chicago’s largest human services agencies.
Additionally, this marks the first time the event organizers have held the event in the Chicago metropolitan area, making it a landmark moment for the region’s golf community. The local and global fanbase will have a rare opportunity to see the world’s top players compete in a format that delivers edge-of-your-seat drama from the opening ceremony to the final putt on Sunday afternoon.
Conclusion
The Presidents Cup 2026 is a must-see sporting event for any golf fan. Taking place from September 24 to 27 at Medinah Country Club in Illinois, the competition brings together 24 of the world’s best players under two captains: Brandt Snedeker for Team USA and Geoff Ogilvy for the International Team. The full week runs from September 22 to 27, including two days of practice rounds open to the public. Players will compete in 30 matches of foursomes, fourball, and singles across four days, culminating in a dramatic singles finale on Sunday. Tickets start at $50 for practice days and $100 for competition days, available at presidentscup.com. With a storied venue, world-class players, and a history of unforgettable moments, this event is one that golf fans will be talking about for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Presidents Cup take place?
Competition runs from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27, 2026. Practice rounds open to the public are held on Tuesday, September 22, and Wednesday, September 23. The full six-day event concludes with the singles matches and trophy ceremony on September 27.
Where is the 2026 Presidents Cup being held?
The event is held at Medinah Country Club’s Course No. 3 in Medinah, Illinois, approximately 25 miles west of downtown Chicago. This is the first time Medinah has hosted the Presidents Cup, though the course has previously hosted three U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Who are the team captains?
Brandt Snedeker is the captain of Team USA, while Geoff Ogilvy leads the International Team. Snedeker is a nine-time PGA TOUR winner and former FedExCup champion. Ogilvy is an eight-time PGA TOUR winner and 2006 U.S. Open champion. His design firm also led the recent renovation of Course No. 3 at Medinah.
How much do tickets cost?
General Admission practice round tickets start at $50. Competition day tickets range from $100 to $135, with taxes and fees included. Upgraded hospitality experiences, such as the Captains’ Club and International Club, are priced separately. Each guest can purchase up to six tickets per day per transaction. Parking passes start at $17 and must be purchased in advance.
How does the match play format work?
Match play is a head-to-head format where players or pairs compete hole by hole. You win a hole by completing it in fewer strokes than your opponent. You win the match when you lead by more holes than remain to play. Across the four competition days, players contest 30 matches: five foursomes, five fourball, eight team matches on Saturday, and 12 singles on Sunday.
