Jackson Koivun has been handed a Team USA debut for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club, just months after turning professional.
United States captain Brandt Snedeker named the 21-year-old rookie among his six captain's picks on Tuesday, while International Team captain Geoff Ogilvy opted to leave out former world number one Jason Day.
Snedeker revealed his selections during a live television broadcast, completing his 12-man line-up for the match taking place from September 24 to 27. Team USA enter the contest seeking a record-extending 11th consecutive victory in the biennial event.
The Presidents Cup is a team golf competition held every two years between the United States and an International team representing the rest of the world outside Europe. Medinah Country Club, located near Chicago, is one of golf's most famous venues, having previously hosted major championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup.
Koivun enjoyed a glittering amateur career before turning professional following the US Open in June. The youngster quickly made an impact on the PGA Tour, winning the 3M Open just three starts into his professional career and qualifying for the season-ending FedExCup Playoffs.
By securing a captain's pick, Koivun will become the youngest American player to feature at the Presidents Cup since Jordan Spieth played in the 2015 tournament.
"It's rare to see a player this young demonstrate the level of poise and confidence that Jackson has, even before turning professional," Snedeker said. "His maturity and work ethic have always stood out. He's already proven he can win on the biggest stage in golf on the PGA Tour, and I'm excited to watch him perform in his first team event."
Snedeker selects youth and experience for USA
Koivun is one of three debutants selected by Snedeker to represent Team USA. He is joined by Chris Gotterup, who has established himself on tour as a three-time PGA Tour winner this season, and Jacob Bridgeman, who earned his spot after winning the Genesis Invitational.
To balance the three rookies, Snedeker elected to pick established experience for the remaining captain's spots. Stalwarts Xander Schauffele, Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay were all recalled to the side, with each player preparing to make his fourth Presidents Cup appearance.
The selection of Schauffele, Thomas and Cantlay brings significant match-play experience to the American team. All three have been central figures for the United States in recent international team competitions on the PGA Tour circuit.
High-profile omissions and captain's assistants
The competitive depth of the American qualification standings meant several high-profile players missed out on selection. Ben Griffin failed to earn a wildcard spot, as did last year's US Open champion JJ Spaun.
Gary Woodland was also overlooked for a playing spot, despite winning the Texas Children's Houston Open in March, which marked his first PGA Tour victory since the 2019 US Open at Pebble Beach. Woodland added five top-10 finishes on tour following his victory in Houston, but he will remain with Team USA solely in his role as a captain's assistant.
Captain's assistants in team golf competitions provide strategic support, course insights, and guidance to the team captain and players throughout match week.
USA automatic qualifiers led by Scheffler
The six automatic qualification spots for Team USA were finalized following a qualification campaign that ran from the start of the 2025 PGA Tour season through to the BMW Championship on August 23. World number one Scottie Scheffler headlined the automatic standings to secure his position on the team.
Players Championship winner Cameron Young and US Open champion Wyndham Clark earned the next two automatic qualification spots. Clark secured his automatic place after claiming his second major championship title at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club during the 2026 US Open.
The final three automatic places were claimed by Sam Burns, Russell Henley and Collin Morikawa. All three players were part of the United States Ryder Cup side last year and earned their return to international team representation through the standings.
Jason Day left out of International squad
In the International Team camp, captain Geoff Ogilvy made headlines by leaving out former world number one Jason Day. The Australian was the highest-ranked player in the International Team qualification rankings not to receive a captain's pick.
Day's omission comes after a difficult campaign marked by struggles with form and fitness. The Australian failed to qualify for the PGA Tour's season-ending FedExCup Playoffs for the first time since 2007.
The FedExCup Playoffs feature the top players from the PGA Tour regular season competing in a multi-tournament series. Ogilvy's International Team will be attempting to achieve a historic result at Medinah, where they are chasing their first Presidents Cup victory on American soil.
Bezuidenhout leads International wildcard selections
South Africa's Christiaan Bezuidenhout was handed a third consecutive Presidents Cup appearance as one of Ogilvy's six wildcard selections, having previously represented the International Team in both the 2022 and 2024 editions of the contest.
"Christiaan [Bezuidenhout] has experience in this event that would have been difficult to leave on the table," Ogilvy said. "He's earned 3.5 points in five matches, including two singles victories. He knows what to expect and he delivers. That's why I've selected him."
South Korea's Sungjae Im returns for a fourth Presidents Cup appearance after being named as a wildcard pick. Canadian Corey Conners was also selected for his third appearance, earning a spot after narrowly missing out on automatic qualification.
Ogilvy completed his six wildcard choices by naming three rookies. Cognizant Classic winner Nico Echavarria was selected alongside Canada's Nick Taylor and Japan's Ryo Hisatsune to round out the captain's picks.
International automatic qualifiers and broadcast details
The International Team qualification standings ran from September 8 through to the Tour Championship on August 30. Places were determined using players' accumulated Official World Golf Ranking points.
The Official World Golf Ranking is the system used to rate professional male golfers worldwide based on their tournament performances. South Korea's Si Woo Kim topped the qualification standings to secure his fourth Presidents Cup appearance.
New Zealand's Ryan Fox earned his tournament debut after winning The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. The remaining four automatic spots were filled by returning team members Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, Min Woo Lee of Australia, Tom Kim of South Korea, and veteran Australian Adam Scott.
Live coverage of all four days of the Presidents Cup will be broadcast on Sky Sports Golf from September 24 to 27, with non-contract streaming available via NOW.
