Former U.S. Open champion Geoff Ogilvy of Australia and Brandt Snedeker have been appointed as captains for the 2026 Presidents Cup, set to be held at the prestigious Medinah Country Club in the Chicago suburbs. Notably, Ogilvy's design firm recently oversaw a significant renovation of the Medinah No. 3 course, where the biennial competition will unfold.

Ogilvy will lead an International team that has historically struggled in the Presidents Cup, securing victory only once in the event's history – back in 1998 at Royal Melbourne – since its inception in 1994. He brings a wealth of experience to the captaincy, having served as an assistant captain in the last four editions and having played in three consecutive Presidents Cups himself. The 2006 U.S. Open winner at Winged Foot now dedicates much of his professional life to golf course design through his Australia-based firm, OCM.

A significant recent project for OCM was the comprehensive two-year renovation of Medinah No. 3, the very course that will host the 2026 Presidents Cup from September 24th to 27th. The extensive overhaul included the creation of larger greens, the widening of fairways, and a new routing for the back nine holes. The revamped course reopened to play last summer, offering a fresh challenge for the upcoming competition.

Brandt Snedeker, named as the captain for the United States team, has a more limited Presidents Cup playing record, having participated only once in 2013 at Muirfield Village. However, he brings valuable team experience from his two Ryder Cup appearances. A nine-time winner on the PGA Tour, Snedeker also achieved the significant feat of capturing the FedEx Cup title in 2012.

The United States team has dominated the Presidents Cup in recent history, having won the last ten consecutive editions, a streak dating back to a tie in South Africa in 2003. Despite this formidable record, the International team, comprised of players from countries outside of Europe, has shown signs of progress. This improvement is partly attributed to the International team gaining greater control over its operations from the PGA Tour, which owns and operates the event. 

The most recent Presidents Cup, held last year at Royal Montreal, saw the U.S. emerge victorious with a score of 18 1/2 to 11 1/2. The upcoming event at a newly renovated Medinah promises an intriguing contest under the leadership of Ogilvy and Snedeker.