Donald Trump has accepted an invitation from PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp to serve as Honorary Chairman for the 2026 Presidents Cup, which will take place at Medinah Country Club in Chicago from September 24 to 27.
The biennial golf competition brings together a team of top professional golfers from the United States to face an International team representing the rest of the world outside Europe. Team USA will be led by captain Brandt Snedeker as the American side looks to move on from last year's Ryder Cup heartache against Team Europe.
Serving as honorary chairman has long been a tradition for the head of state of the host country since the tournament's inception. Trump previously filled the role in 2017 when the tournament was held at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. On that occasion, the United States secured a 19-11 victory over the International squad, and Trump presented the trophy to the victorious American team.
The ceremonial position has also been held by several of Trump's prominent political rivals. Barack Obama served as honorary chairman in 2009 and 2013, Joe Biden took on the role after Trump in 2022, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau served during the last installment in 2024, held in Canada and won by Team USA.
Statements from Trump and PGA Tour
Predicting a particularly exciting event, Trump announced his acceptance of the position in a statement published on Truth Social.
"At the request of the PGA Tour, and its Great new Commissioner, Brian Rolapp, it is my Honor to accept being the Honorary Chairman of the upcoming Presidents Cup, which will take place at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago," Trump wrote.
"This will be a particularly exciting event. Both teams are 'loaded' with Talent. I look forward to being there, and greeting all of these fantastic athletes, on both teams! Thank you for your attention to this matter. See you in Chicago! President DONALD J. TRUMP," he added.
PGA Tour chief executive Brian Rolapp expressed gratitude to Trump for accepting the invitation and highlighted the bipartisan history of the tournament.
"We are grateful to President Trump for accepting our invitation to serve as Honorary Chairman for the 2026 Presidents Cup," Rolapp said.
"The Presidents Cup has a proud tradition of engaging world leaders from across the globe and across political lines, and President Trump's involvement continues that legacy," Rolapp added. "His participation will help elevate the event on the international stage while furthering our mission of bringing people together through the game of golf."
Fan Reactions and Curse Concerns
Despite official excitement surrounding the announcement, golf fans were quick to express fears that Trump's attendance could spell bad news for the United States team. Theories surrounding a potential curse gained traction online, with supporters citing recent sporting events where teams lost in front of him.
Concerns were centered on Team USA's performance at the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black last year, where Trump was present in the crowd. The American team suffered a nightmare day during the event and was ultimately unable to claw their way back during a dramatic final day of matches, with the damage already done with Trump watching on.
The President has built a questionable record when attending live sports, with observers noting several recent defeats for teams he went to support. The New York Knicks dropped their only game of the NBA Finals when he was at Madison Square Garden, while he also watched the Washington Commanders get blown out by the Detroit Lions during the last NFL season.
Reacting to the news of his Presidents Cup role, one USA fan wrote: "First US loss incoming, you saw what happened at Bethpage." Another fan predicted: "for the first time in decades, the USA will lose. everything he touches dies."
Others claimed that his presence makes it a "guaranteed USA loss" and sarcastically noted that it "Worked so well at the Ryder Cup." Additional supporters added that the "International team has really go chance at winning now" and predicted the "International team in a romp."
