Geoff Ogilvy has been named alongside Mike Weir, KJ Choi and Camilo Villegas as Trevor Immelman’s captain’s assistants for the International team at this year’s Presidents Cup in the US.

Ogilvy’s third appearance as an assistant – which will come when skipper Immelman and his 12 International charges descend on Quail Hollow in Charlotte this September – is a strong indication Ogilvy is in line for the captaincy role in 2026.

Repeat assistant captains typically get a chance to take the reins, often when the Cup heads to their home country or if there is a sentimental attachment to the venue.

Canadian Weir is set to take over from Immelman at the 2024 edition when the biennial teams event travels to Royal Montreal GC.

After Montreal the Cup will return to US soil but will be held at Chicago’s Medinah CC, which former US Open champion Ogilvy will help redesign as part of the Ogilvy Cocking Mead firm’s work there. That redesign will be completed by the 2026 Presidents Cup.

Cam Smith leads the International team standings and will be Immelman’s biggest weapon.

Tiger Woods famously won two PGA Championships at Medinah, the second coming in 2006 when he was paired with Ogilvy for the opening two rounds. Ogilvy, who had won the US Open two months prior tied for ninth at that PGA.

Ogilvy and Choi both made three Presidents Cup appearances each as players. Both have eight career PGA Tour victories and were alongside Immelman as assistants at the 2019 Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne.

Geoff Ogilvy
Typical of his play at the time, at the 2006 PGA, Ogilvy proved he belonged.

“After getting a glimpse into the future of our team in 2019, I am very excited to return as a captain’s assistant in 2022,” Ogilvy, who also won the 2008 Australian PGA and 2010 Australian Open, said. “The collection of international players has only had time to improve and that is evident when you look at guys like Cameron Smith, Hideki Matsuyama and Joaquin Niemann, who have had tremendous success on tour in the last year. I can’t wait to see what they bring to the table under Trevor’s captaincy.”

Added Choi: “I look forward to working together as a team to bring unity among our nationalities into a collective representation of the International shield.”

Along with his previous stints serving as a vice captain, Weir played in five Presidents Cups and is one of only five International players to accumulate 10 or more points in competition, highlighted by a 3-1-1 record in 2007 that included a Sunday singles victory over Tiger Woods in Montreal.

“When I think of highlights in my career that really stand out to me, the Presidents Cup always makes the top of the list,” Weir said. “The camaraderie that continues to grow within this team is irreplaceable. We can all sense the momentum that is building, and it’s been exciting to see Trevor’s incredible dedication and focus on his role. I can’t wait to see what tournament holds for us and to be a part of the 2022 team.”

Villegas, on debut as an assistant, may seem like a surprise pick, making a lone Presidents Cup appearance in his career. However, Immelman asserted developing a well-rounded team was imperative to his plan, and selecting Villegas—to this point the only Colombian player to appear on the International team—will help with the cohesion of the locker room.

“When I got the call from Trevor inviting me on as a captain’s assistant for the 2022 Presidents Cup, I was very humbled and excited,” Villegas said. “Although it has been over 10 years since I played the event, I still have fond memories that are unforgettable, so joining on the other side as a captain’s assistant will be a highlight of my career.”

Last week, American captain Davis Love III named Zach Johnson and Fred Couples as two of his assistants. Love has the option of adding two more vices to his staff before the competition.

The 2022 Presidents Cup tees off on September 20 at Quail Hollow Club in Charlotte. The Americans are the defending champs.