Ryder Cup Asst. Captain Gets Nod as Lead Man for 2026 Presidents Cup
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Stepping into a captain's shoes is a tough task, especially in high-pressure sports like golf, where the weight of responsibility, combined with the expectations to perform at the highest level, is on top.
And nobody can know it better than the 15-time Major winner, Tiger Woods, who led the U.S. team as playing captain during the 2019 Presidents Cup.
Under his guidance, the U.S. team retained the cup with a narrow 16-14 victory. This dominance is nothing new for the Americans, who have been setting the standard at the Presidents Cup since its inception in 1994, having won 13 of the 15 events played.
The 2026 Presidents Cup will be held at Medinah Country Club, and with have a new captain.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Geoff Ogilvy of Australia watches his tee shot on the fifth hole as Brandt Snedeker looks on during the second round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club...
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 23: Geoff Ogilvy of Australia watches his tee shot on the fifth hole as Brandt Snedeker looks on during the second round of the TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club on September 23, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) More
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On Tuesday, Monahan announced that American golfer Brandt Snedeker and Australia's Geoff Ogilvy would lead the 2026 Presidents Cup as captains.
Both professionals are highly experienced. The American professional, Snedeker, with nine PGA Tour wins under his belt, competed in the 2013 Presidents Cup, where the U.S. team triumphed with an 18.5-15.5 win. Additionally, he also served as a captain's assistant in 2024.
He will also play a pivotal role in this year's Ryder Cup as a vice-captain. The event is set to take place from September 25-28 at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, adding another layer of complexity to his role.
When Snedeker learned about his new position, he was, "Just very humbled, kind of shocked, to be honest with you," he said during a conference call with reporters on Tuesday.
"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," he added.
"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."
Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour speaks to the media in a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 07, 2023 in Ponte Vedra...
Jay Monahan, Commissioner of the PGA Tour speaks to the media in a press conference prior to THE PLAYERS Championship on THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass on March 07, 2023 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. MoreThe commissioner also added, saying, Snedeker is a "proven leader" with experience representing the United States in team competition and building a family foundation.
Monahan continued, "I know he will be a tremendous captain and asset for the U.S. team in 2026."
On the other hand, Ogilvy, who is a 3-time Presidents Cup competitor and major champion, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "It's a humbling thing. It's a great honor."
"It's exciting. It's clearly an away game, but it's exciting to be on a course that I've come to know really, really well over the last few years."
Ogilvy's experience at Medinah Country Club's No. 3 Course gives him a unique understanding of the course.
Monahan also praised the Australian pro, saying, "Geoff Ogilvy is the perfect captain to lead the International Team into Chicago in 2026... Geoff will capitalize on the upward trend of the International Team."
With these talented and experienced captains, the 2026 Presidents Cup, scheduled for September 22-27 at Medinah Country Club's Course No. 3. promises to be an unforgettable event.
What do you think? Will the U.S. team continue its dominance, or will the International Team finally break through? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
More Golf: Tiger Woods Hits Career Low Point on PGA Tour amid Achilles Injury
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