Medinah Country Club will do something no other course has done when its hosts the 16th Presidents Cup this week outside of Chicago. The No. 3 course will be the first venue to hold a U.S. Open, the PGA Championship, a Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup!
The last event listed will have a unique distinction. The players this week will be competing on a redesigned version of the No. 3 course. Reopened in July 2024, a major renovation took the tree-lined parkland landscape and transformed it into a much more modern competition masterpiece. By rearranging a number of holes, removing trees and enhancing the use of design angles more effectively, the firm of OCM (Geoff Ogilvy, Mike Cocking & Ashley Mead) not only made this a finer layout for the members, but they increased the professional value as well.
This is the first time the Presidents Cup has come to the Windy City. Twelve players from the United States will compete against 12 players from around the world (outside of Europe). There will be 30 matches spread over four days using three different formats. Below, I have rated all 24 players competing this week and ranked them according to previous Presidents Cup performance and current form. Even with the United States carrying a significant wagering edge (-400), the rankings still surprised me. Sometimes the best player isn’t always the MVP.
Key
- Age: The Presidents’ Cup adds an extra day, but these matches are mentally and physically tough. Age is definitely a factor for some captain’s choices.
- OWGR/Data Golf: Neither one is perfect, but the two together tell a very accurate story of performance consistency across the globe. (Rankings for the Week of Sept. 14)
- Presidents Cup appearances/record: Experience plays a significantly role in the international team matches. Prior match experience and career records are two factors that the captains must consider.
- Notes: A quick outlook on each player’s value. It’s not just about being the best player. Pairing potential, locker room chemistry, and previous Cup experience all play a significant role.
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Golf Digest Logo The Presidents Cup has a systemic flaw. Here are two ways to make it fair 24: Nico Echavarria 
Andrew Redington
International (Colombia) Age: 32 OWGR: 60 Data Golf: 90 Appearances: Rookie
Echavarria is the only rookie on the International Team who won on the PGA Tour this season. He is both a high-ceiling and low-floor player. It’s not the best combination for stroke-play tournaments, but Nico can be a nice addition to your match-play pairings. One of the top five putters on the International side, he makes a great four-ball player. But unless the ball striking really elevates in practice rounds, I doubt we will see him much more in these matches.
23: Corey Conners 
Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos
International (Canada) Age: 34 OWGR: 54 Data Golf: 52 Appearances: 2 Presidents Cup record: 2-7-0
At Conners’ age, he should be looked at by captain Geoff Ogilvy as a positional player. Conners’ ball-striking is no longer going to be part of the foundation on the International side. Rather, use the Canadian’s strength and play him in foursomes. If Conners can go 2-1 or better for the week, then we will start to see an International path to victory. Team competitions in golf are all about putting players in the best place to perform. Keep Conners where his full swing will wear out the Americans and he can score.
22: Christiaan Bezuidenhout 
Icon Sportswire
International (South Africa) Age: 32 OWGR: 97 Data Golf: 72 Appearances: 2 Presidents Cup record:: 3-1-1
Even though Bezuidenhout was the last man named to the International Team during the captain’s picks reveal, something tells me he wasn’t their 12th man. Bezuidenhout has turned in a positive record in both of his Presidents Cup appearances. Undefeated in singles and foursomes, he’s one of Ogilvy’s picks who can play multiple roles. Christiaan’s secret weapon in these matches is par-4 scoring. With Medinah having a par-70 scorecard, C-Bez quickly became a very valuable addition.
21: Jacob Bridgeman 
David Jensen
United States Age: 26 OWGR: 29 Data Golf: 23 Appearances: Rookie
Why did Brandt Snedeker choose this first-timer with a captain’s pick? Most pundits will point to the putter. Bridgeman leads the PGA Tour in SG/putting this season. Although that is a huge asset, Bridgeman has proven he can play well on big ballparks. Top 20 at Bay Hill, T-5 at TPC Sawgrass, ninth at the Bellerive and a win at Riviera. He is excellent at par-4 scoring and was seriously trending in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, finishing with a top 10 in St. Louis and a T4 at the Tour Championship, before winning this past weekend at the Biltmore Championship Asheville.
20: Ryo Hisatsune 
Maddie Meyer/PGA of America
International (Japan) Age: 24 OWGR: 66 Data Golf: 77 Appearances: Rookie
The International Team can depend on Hisatsune’s ball-striking. If you’re worried about his rookie status, consider his 2026 PGA Tour season; Ryo played well enough to earn Signature Status for 2027 and collected eight top-20s. Those numbers may not have earned him a spot on the U.S. side, but Ogilvy has a great foursomes star here. Hisatsune will consistently keep his partner in play, and bentgrass is Ryo’s best putting surface. Collect 1½ points out of three matches, and I say this pick was successful.
19: Nick Taylor 
Cliff Hawkins
International (Canada) Age: 38 OWGR: 81 Data Golf: 66 Appearances: Rookie
Taylor was heartbroken after he didn’t get the call to play in his home country of Canada two years ago at Royal Montreal. Taylor’s age, season and scoring are a bit of a mystery surrounding his 2026 captain’s selection. Ogilvy designed Medinah, and I have to trust his judgement. Taylor is a great putter, superb par-4 player, accurate driver and leads the International squad in grittiness. Nick has five career PGA Tour wins and three in the last four seasons. He is going to gain an incredible edge by moving to match play with a partner, and I believe his captain knows it.
18: Jackson Koivun 
NurPhoto
United States Age: 21 OWGR: 65 Data Golf: 29 Appearances: Rookie
Arguably no player has more pressure to face in Chicago than Koivun. Fact is, he’s been facing that pressure of expectations for two or three years! One year removed from playing in the Walker Cup, he has a very high floor, and if given the correct partner, the sky’s the limit on the ceiling. Don’t send Jackson out with a name; instead, give him a mentor who is willing to share the spotlight and deflect some of that attention. Keep him playing four-ball; he can score at will, and you might find he earns the team two or more points by the end of the week!
17: Sungjae Im 
Jared C. Tilton
International (South Korea) Age: 28 OWGR: 59 Data Golf: 43 Appearances: 3 Presidents Cup record: 6-7-2
While not even 30 yet, Im is one of the veterans on the International Team. Sounds crazy, but he has three Cups worth of experience to call upon. Considering the overall record of the away team, Sungjae notably holds a winning record in four-ball and singles matches. That formula can work again as Im can seriously score when given a consistent partner. To be honest, I’d love to see Sungjae take one of the rookies under his wing; after all, only two players on the International side have more Cup experience than him.
16: Min Woo Lee 
Keyur Khamar
International (Australia) Age: 28 OWGR: 30 Data Golf: 39 Appearances: 1 Presidents Cup record: 0-1-1
For the International Team to win the Cup, Lee needs to win three (or more) points. At 30th in the OWGR, Lee has the skill set to play both team formats. One of the best drivers on either team, Min Woo has seriously stepped up his approach play in 2026. Already a stellar scorer from inside 50 yards, there is pressure on the Chef to cook in Chicago.
15: Ryan Fox 
Andrew Redington
International (New Zealand) Age: 39 OWGR: 24 Data Golf: 62 Appearances: Rookie
Fox is a great fit for the No. 3 course as he excels with his long-range ball-striking and scrambling. What’s not a great fit for Foxy is the pace of play in a Presidents Cup. As long as his playing partner can keep him settled, Fox’s full swing can be another avenue for Ogilvy to score some points. Ryan’s game is also well-rounded; he can play both team formats, and even though he is 39, there are no fatigue concerns for the quick-moving Kiwi.
14: Russell Henley 
Minas Panagiotakis
United States Age: 37 OWGR: 6 Data Golf: 7 Appearances: 1 Presidents Cup record: 3-1-0
What will Snedeker do with Henley? In his first Presidents Cup match, the former Georgia All-American paired with Scottie Scheffler and went 2-1 as a team. The two played together again at Bethpage, and it didn’t produce nearly the same result. That said, Henley is a key member of the U.S. squad. As the sixth-ranked golfer in the world, he should be able to play four matches. Finding the right partner for is essential to his success, and after Bethpage, many of us are not convinced it is the World’s No. 1.
13: Justin Thomas 
Icon Sportswire
United States Age: 33 OWGR: 22 Data Golf: 25 Appearances: 3 Presidents Cup record: 10-3-2
Thomas’ record in the Presidents Cup should have him firmly inside the top 10 of these rankings. JT’s career résumé always has been bolstered by his accurate iron play and incredible scrambling ability. Since his return from back surgery in March, that approach play has been absent and missing greens means more pressure on that short game. Thomas was once a player every Presidents Cup captain could count on for five matches. Now that role is evolving. Pair Thomas with an apprentice and those looking for us to be better prepared in Ireland will get their wish.
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Presidents Cup 2026 Presidents Cup 2026: Myth-busting the 12 most common tropes of team match-play golf 12: Wyndham Clark 
Ben Jared
United States Age: 28 OWGR: 5 Data Golf: 12 Appearances: 1 Presidents Cup record: 1-2-1
Clark might be the best four-ball player in these rankings. Imagine how aggressive the two-time U.S. Open champ would be if he didn’t have to worry about making bogeys. Pair Clark with another scoring machine and watch them go to work. The PGA Tour leader in birdie or better percentage (BoB) is built for match play. Give him three matches and watch Wyndham bring back 2½ points!
11: Hideki Matsuyama 
Jared C. Tilton
International (Japan) Age: 34 OWGR: 26 Data Golf: 17 Appearances: 6 Presidents Cup record: 9-13-5
Much like Adam Scott, Matsuyama has been challenged in every Presidents Cup with the toughest team and head-to-head match-ups. Matsuyama’s fast start in 2026 and sensational summer mandate he is played in every session at Medinah. Imagine Matsuyama with a scoring machine like Im in four-balls, and a ball-striker like Hisatsune in foursomes. At 34, it’s time to give Matsuyama a couple of partners who will allow him to perform as much as mentor.
10: Tom Kim 
Jared C. Tilton
International (South Korea) Age: 24 OWGR: 31 Data Golf: 27 Appearances: 2 Presidents Cup record: 3-5-1
Kim is most exciting International Team member. Unfortunately, being the emotional leader does not always equate to points. Kim can take on any format and with any partner. His versatility is what has him ranked 10th. Considering his recent form, he could be ranked even higher, except Medinah is a difficult fit. Why not pair Kim with a ball-speed maven in foursomes? Kim should take the odds, and his partner can place him further down the fairway on the evens. I think if you put Kim in a better place to score, he will!
9: Collin Morikawa 
Harry How
United States Age: 29 OWGR: 11 Data Golf: 10 Appearances: 2 Presidents Cup record: 6-2-0
Often overlooked in these team matches, Morikawa has a career international match record of 10-7-2, and in the Presidents Cup, he’s 6-2-0. He makes for a big problem for every opponent on the International team. A versatile USA player, I would put Collin out four times and expect at least 2½ points. Undefeated in four-balls and singles for the Presidents Cup, that’s where I would start him.
8: Adam Scott 
Warren Little
International (Australia) Age: 46 OWGR: 52 Data Golf: 28 Appearances: 11 Presidents Cup record: 20-28-6
This is Scott’s 12th straight Presidents Cup match! Similar to passing 100 consecutive majors this summer, Scott’s consistent career is only marred by one thing: his international match-play record. One of the best players on a majority of those international teams, the Aussie has taken on every tough American opponent. Remember, in the Presidents Cup, the captains can choose the matchup pairings between sides. The fact Scott has won 23 points in 11 Cup matches is incredible. With four rookies, Scott most likely gets another new partner in these matches, which will limit his success, and thus he sits outside the top 10 of these rankings.
7: Chris Gotterup 
Michael Miller/ISI Photos
United States Age: 27 OWGR: 7 Data Golf: 13 Appearances: Rookie
I am putting out Gotterup a minimum of four times this week. He’s a rookie, but he also has three wins on the PGA Tour this season. A natural fader of the golf ball, pair him with a similar style ball-striker in Cameron Young. The Players champ tends to draw it off the tee, but like Gotterup he has more than 180 mph of ball speed, which would allow them to complement one another. This one-two punch can play both formats and win points. Send them out first and watch them light up the Chicago crowds. Gotterup is going to get it done in a big way this week.
6: Sam Burns 
Jared C. Tilton
United States Age: 30 OWGR: 9 Data Golf: 2 Appearances: 2 Record: 3-3-3
Burns is a scoring machine. Another incredible four-ball option, I would put him with Wyndham Clark. Watch these two sensational subpar players make a dozen birdies (or more). While still searching for a major, Burns elevated his game this summer from being a borderline captain’s pick to a foundational member of this American team. A cumulative 20 under par in the 2026 majors , only his buddy Scottie Scheffler could match him. The secret weapon for Burns is par-4 scoring, where he ranks second on the tour in scoring.
5: Scottie Scheffler 
Jared C. Tilton
United States Age: 30 OWGR: 1 Data Golf: 1 Appearances: 2 Presidents Cup record: 3-5-1
Scheffler ranked fifth? Well, consider that his career international match-play record is 6-11-4. Scheffler is without question the best player in the field, but when it comes to scoring points, the world’s No. 1 has struggled. Since points are all that matter, stroke-play success does not apply. Unlike Scott or Matsuyama, Ogilvy won’t put his best pairings up against Scheffler. Scottie needs partners who won’t be stressed by his elite ball-striking. Get him the right teammates, and I bet he wins 4 points.
4: Si Woo Kim 
Jared C. Tilton
Internationals (South Korea) Age: 31 OWGR: 13 Data Golf: 11 Appearances: 3 Presidents Cup record: 6-5-0
Did you know Kim is second behind Scottie Scheffler in SG/T2G this season? The former Players champion has compiled 11 top-10s on the PGA Tour in 2026. He is by far the most consistent ball-striker on the International side, and Ogilvy needs Kim to bring home four points. The only thing holding Si Woo back is the putter. But match play can lighten the mental load in many ways. By giving Kim a partner, it will free up that stroke. Keep the Kims together in four-ball and let them ignite the crowds. If I-N-T is going to W-I-N, then Si Woo seriously needs to be ranked No. 1 on this list on Sunday.
3: Cameron Young 
Stacy Revere
United States Age: 29 OWGR: 3 Data Golf: 14 Appearances: 1 Presidents Cup record: 1-2-1
Young played with Collin Morikawa and Kevin Kisner is his first Presidents Cup. In the Ryder Cup, he was with Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau! By week’s end at Bethpage, Young was one of Team USA’s MVPs. Give him an aggressive partner and GET OUT OF THE WAY. Young finished top three in two majors this year and won the Players. The potential fit of Young’s aggressive style, match play, and this massive ballpark all point to Cam coming home with 3 or more points.
2: Patrick Cantlay 
Rob Carr
United States Age: 34 OWGR: 27 Data Golf: 8 Appearances: 3 Presidents Cup record: 10-4-0
Cantlay was not on this team in July. He knew he needed a strong finish to the season, and he went 8/T-12/2/T-21 in his last four starts. Playing under that kind of career pressure and pulling through shows serious resolve. So does a 10-4-0 Presidents Cup record and a 16-9-2 lifetime international match record. In an “off” year, Cantlay finished in fourth place on the SG/T2G season-long leaderboard. His iron game has been incredible. On No. 3, I’m counting on at least 3 points from Patty-Ice.
1: Xander Schauffele 
Icon Sportswire
United States Age: 32 OWGR: 10 Data Golf: 9 Appearances: 3 Presidents Cup record: 10-4-0
Schauffele is 17-9-0 in six career international matches. I give him the edge over his teammate and frequent partner, Patrick Cantlay, because he has one more win. Both lead the United States in international match-play scoring since 2019. Whether the U.S. wins or loses, Schauffele scores points. That’s the essence of these rankings: who will help his team win? You win the Cup by scoring points. Xander has proven (with Cantlay or without) that he can consistently win matches in any format. A 7-4 career foursomes record proves it.
This article was originally published on golfdigest.com
