The ULTIMATE 2026 Presidents Cup Preview and Best Bets – by Ginger Joe

So, let’s start by taking a look at the course. Medinah Country Club is steeped in history, and Course No. 3 has played host to some of the biggest events in golf over the years. It’s hosted three U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, the Ryder Cup in 2012, and now, for the first time, it’s set to host the Presidents Cup.

For golf fans, it’s a venue that will certainly feel familiar, but the Medinah we see this week is very different to the course that has hosted those major events in the past. The course has undergone a significant renovation, with plenty of changes made to both the layout and the way the course plays. There are a few key things that I think are important to understand before we start looking at which players could be suited to the course. First of all, the routing has changed. The old first and second holes are now the 15th and 16th, while the old fifth hole, has now become the opening hole of the course. So, although the course has plenty of history, the players are going to be facing a very different test this time around.

And it’s not just the numbers on the scorecard that have changed. A lot of the trees around Medinah have been removed, giving the course a much more complete open look, while the fairways have also been made slightly wider in places. However, the longer fescue this year adds another layer of difficulty, and that means players still need to think carefully about where they position themselves off the tee. For me, that’s going to be one of the key factors here. It’s not simply about hitting the ball as far as possible. Finding the right part of the fairway and giving yourself a good angle into the greens will be hugely important, particularly with the changes that have been made to the bunkers and the positioning of some of the greens.

And then we have the added intrigue of this being match-play. Unlike a normal stroke play event, players aren’t simply looking at their overall score. It’s a hole-by-hole match, and that can completely change the way players approach the course. If you’re a couple of holes down, you may have to become more aggressive and take on shots that you perhaps wouldn’t normally take on. Equally, if you’re ahead in a match, you might be more inclined to play a little more conservatively and put the pressure back on your opponent. That aggressive element could be particularly exciting around a course like this, and I think it’s going to create plenty of drama throughout the week.

So, we have a new layout, remodelled greens, repositioned bunkers, wider fairways and more challenging fescue, all combining to create a very different Medinah to the one we’ve seen in previous years. And, I have to say, from what I’ve seen so far, I really like the changes. I think the course looks fantastic, and it sets things up perfectly for what should be a brilliant Presidents Cup this year.

The Presidents Cup is played across four days, with three different match play formats. The first three days feature four-ball and foursomes, before Sunday brings the big finale with 12 singles matches.

In a four-ball scenario, both players in each pair play their own ball, with the best score counting for the team. Foursomes however, is better easier to understand as alternate shot, meaning the two players share one ball and take turns throughout the hole.

Then, on Sunday, it’s one player against another in the twelve individual singles, with a point available for every match won. With 30 points available across the week, the first team to reach 15½ points wins the Presidents Cup. Understanding this format will help you enjoy the event more, and the Sunday singles can become fascinating!

Let’s take a look at the heavily-favored Team USA squad, led by #1 player in the world!

Scottie Scheffler – World number 1 – (W3 L5 D1)

World number one Scottie Scheffler makes his third Presidents Cup appearance, but his record in the event doesn’t quite match the incredible standard he sets in individual tournaments. He’s lost five of his nine matches, which is surprising for a player who regularly gets the better of huge fields throughout the season. For me, he’s quite similar to Tiger Woods in that sense. He’s a hugely competitive golfer who likes having control of his own destiny, and there’s nothing wrong with that. He’ll always be incredibly difficult to beat, but at 15/4 for top USA scorer, I’m not sure there’s enough value there this week. I’d prefer him in a 72-hole individual event.

Cameron Young – World number 3 – (W1 L2 D1)

Cameron Young started the season in supreme form and looked like a player on the rise, but his form since the Cadillac Championship in May has levelled out somewhat. He was runner-up at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, but he’s also found himself in good positions after a couple of rounds on several occasions without being able to kick on. That’s become a bit of a regular feature of his game, and he doesn’t interest me from a top scorer perspective. He has one clear way of playing, and when it all clicks, he’s a very good player, but despite his world ranking, I don’t see him as a standout here. In a match-play setting, I think he’s certainly beatable.

Wyndham Clark – World number 5 – (W1 L2 D1)

Wyndham Clark has proven this season that he’s a world-class player, and he now has two U.S. Open titles to his name. His form has been pretty consistent throughout the year, and he’s shown a real gutsy attitude when winning tournaments from the front. I think that could transfer really well to match-play golf. If he’s in form and gets on a roll, he’s going to be mightily hard to beat. He’d certainly embrace the role of on course Captain America, and I wouldn’t put it past him being the top USA scorer on his second Presidents Cup appearance.

Russell Henley – World number 6 – (W3 L1 D0)

The one player who shouldn’t be underestimated this week is Russell Henley. He isn’t a big hitter and he doesn’t play flashy golf. He simply relies on accuracy, quality iron play and consistency to put together a score. It’s rare to see a player with Henley’s attributes inside the world’s top 10, but his record speaks for itself, as does his Presidents Cup record. He’s won three and lost just one of his four matches to date. In an event packed with big hitters, that shows that consistency, accuracy and good course management can be just as effective. For me, Henley could be the surprise package this week, as he will chase you down all the way.

Chris Gotterup – World number 7 – (Debutant)

Chris Gotterup has won five times on the PGA Tour in a remarkably short space of time, and this week he makes his Presidents Cup debut. He’s yet to play in a Ryder Cup either, so this will be his first real taste of team golf at this level. You could see that lack of experience as a negative, but he’s already shown throughout his career that he can handle the big occasion. He won the Myrtle Beach Classic in 2024, the Scottish Open in 2025, and has added three more wins this year. It could go either way for him this week, but if he starts well and gets a couple of wins under his belt on day one, I can see Snedeker keeping him involved throughout the week. He’s certainly an interesting one. 14/1 for top USA scorer seems fair.

Sam Burns – World number 9 – (W3 L3 D3)

It’s actually been a long end to the season for Sam Burns. He finished a gruelling runner up at the U.S Open, and was then third at the Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, before having a fairly average run through the three FedExCup Playoff events. I’m not saying that will define how he performs here, but you’d certainly hope the break has done him some good before backing him. His Presidents Cup record is evenly split, with three wins, three losses and three halved matches. What makes Burns extra dangerous though, is that even when his tee-to-green game isn’t quite there, his putting can still be red hot. With him, a hole is never over until it’s over. If he’s feeling fresh, and up for this, I’d expect him to have a good week.

Xander Schauffele – World number 10 – (W10 L4 D0)

Xander Schauffele is a really experienced Presidents Cup player and his record reads really well too. He has won ten times, and lost four, but what stands out to me, is that he has never been beaten in a singles match here. The course has changed a lot here at Medinah, and I actually think it looks tailored very well to Xander’s game. He will be really hard to beat in most matches this week providing he hits the ball well, which he usually does. 8/1 is a decent price about him being the USA top scorer.

Collin Morikawa – World number 11 – (W6 L2 D0)

I’m going to be honest and say that Collin Morikawa is a really frustrating player to watch these days. For someone with so much natural ability and such an incredible golf swing, his decision-making and the poor shots he hits under pressure really stand out to me over anyone else in the world top 30. Yes, he got back into the winner’s circle with his Pebble Beach win in February, but outside of that, I still don’t see that real killer instinct with him. In match-play, he is dangerous, because he just seems to plod his way around courses now, but when you need him to step on it and attack, I don’t think he is good enough. I wouldn’t be one to trust his putting either.

Jacob Bridgeman – World number 20 – (Debutant)

Following Morikawa, it’s a good time to mention debutant Jacob Bridgeman. He’s a two-time winner on the PGA Tour and comes into this having won the Biltmore Championship last week with a final round of 61. He’s been outstanding at times this season, and there are certainly some similarities with Morikawa from tee to green. Both hit it around the 305-yard mark off the tee and consistently find plenty of greens. The big difference is that Bridgeman is absolutely elite with the putter. Morikawa is obviously the more accomplished player, but Bridgeman’s game is improving all the time. He’s an interesting debutant this week, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him make an impact in the scoring department.

Justin Thomas – World number 22 – (W10 L3 D2)

Justin Thomas has never been high on my list for individual events, but in match play, he does become much more appealing. His overall Presidents Cup record is excellent, particularly his 6-0-0 record in four-ball, although the concern is that he’s lost all three of his singles matches. He can counter that with a 4-0-0 singles record in the Ryder Cup, so he clearly has the game for the format. One thing’s for sure, he’ll attack from start to finish, and I think he’s a really good player in team events. Just a little volatile to get behind in the top scorer market.

Patrick Cantlay – World number 27 – (W10 L4 D0)

Class player Patrick Cantlay, but he hasn’t won an individual event since 2022. His record in match-play is pretty good, and to be honest, his slow play would make him a tough opponent to play against. You’d need a bit of patience coming up against him, but if it goes wrong for him early, Patrick Cantlay rarely brings it back.

Jackson Koivun – World number 65 – (Debutant)

An outstanding 21-year-old talent who has played himself into the team here, and one who I cannot wait to watch play. He was an amateur in 2025, but still made three top 10 finishes on the PGA Tour. This season in his first year as a professional, has won a tournament already, holding off world number one Scottie Scheffler, who was three shots back in second.

Hard to weigh up his chances here, but everything he has shown this season suggests he could thrive in this setting. Very exciting to watch this week, and it would be a great result to see him get his first point on the board. A potential for the Ryder Cup if all goes well here.

Next, let’s examine the International Team!

Si Woo Kim – World number 13 – (W6 L5 D0)

This is to be Si Woo Kim’s fourth appearance at the Presidents Cup, and his record has been a complete mixed bag. Si Woo has one of the best golf swings with regards to technicalities, and although that is welcomed, it does also leave him vulnerable when he isn’t quite on point, and I think that shows in his record too. He is a class act and will certainly pick up points this week, but at 11/2, he doesn’t stand out from a betting perspective. He is however a very important player for the Internationals here.

Ryan Fox – World number 24 – (Debutant)

2026 Open Champion Ryan Fox made it pretty clear that he wanted to be part of this Presidents Cup team, and he made sure of his place by winning his first major at Royal Birkdale, taking the choice out of the captain’s hands. He was superb that week, and anyone who follows my content will know I’m a huge fan of his game. He’s also a really quick player, which I like because there’s less time for negative thoughts. He picks his shot, points and shoots, and that approach has already brought him some big titles. Seeing Fox in a team setting is going to be seriously good to watch, especially with the world’s best on the other side. You certainly wouldn’t want to underestimate him. He’s the second-highest ranked International and, at seventh favourite, I think he could offer some value here at 11/1.

Hideki Matsuyama – World number 26 – (W9 L13 D5)

Hideki is likely to be an important player for the team this week, but he isn’t the most reliable these days. His major pedigree makes him stand out among this bunch, but it’s hard to pinpoint the last really big performance he put in since his win at The Sentry back in January 2025. He’ll hit plenty of world-class shots this week, but I’m sure there will be a few howlers in there too. His six top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour this season don’t exactly set the world alight for a player of Hideki’s calibre, and I’m not convinced he’s getting any better. He’ll probably be a popular selection for top International scorer this week, but he won’t be for me.

Tom Kim – World number 30 – (W3 L5 D1)

We saw a rejuvenated Tom Kim winning the Scottish Open a couple of months ago and fair play to him, it was a fantastic performance that I certainly didn’t see coming. Over a full season, I wouldn’t want to be backing Tom Kim too often, but I think he’ll absolutely relish the match-play format this week. I expect him to be in attack mode all week until he is in a clear position, and I can see him picking up plenty of points. Match-play golf is made for him, despite the fact he’s lost five of his nine matches in the Presidents Cup. I think he could have a big week, and I wouldn’t want to be the one to take him on.

Min Woo Lee – World number 31 – (W1 L1 D0)

Min Woo Lee could be the player that surprises a lot of people this week and I think he needs to be taken very seriously for a top scorer contender too. He has only had one singles match to date, where he birdied the 18th under pressure to tie with Wyndham Clark, and that one shot does tell you a lot about Min Woo’s character.

He is an amazing ball striker who is starting to believe like he belongs at the top level, and his consistency with the irons will keep him in play against most players. He is a gritty determined golfer who should relish this set up, and I expect him to be picked to play all week long providing he starts the week as I expect. 9/1 is a good bet for International top scorer.

Adam Scott – World number 52 – (W20 L28 D6)

The most experienced player from the Internationals is Adam Scott, and he comes into this event having found his form last week at Wentworth. He finished tied second at a course where you have to strike the ball well, and that finish was the best out of the players in the Presidents Cup this week. The issue I have with Adam Scott though, is similar to Si Woo Kim. Technically the golf swings are on point from start to finish, but it leaves very little room for error, and that is why we see Adam Scott play well one week, then lose his game for a while. The consistency just isn’t there like it was. Very beatable you’d think.

Sungjae Im – World number 59 – (W6 L7 D2)

Sungjae Im is a solid player for a match-play event. He sticks to his game plan wherever he plays, and his record generally reflects his game as a whole. He’s very good when he’s firing, but when he isn’t, he can be pretty ordinary, and that’s probably what stops him winning as often as he should. In match play though, players like Im who simply plod their way around the course can be very difficult to beat. He won’t make too many mistakes, so whoever comes up against him is going to have to play pretty well to get the better of him. I wouldn’t be backing him as the outright best scorer though.

Corey Conners – World number 54 – (W2 L7 D0)

Corey Conners is always decorated as a world class iron player, but I think that just simply isn’t true. I personally think he is one of the most volatile irons players on tour, and his golf swing would mirror that too. He is loose at the top, has a lot of late lag, and it just makes it so hard to be consistent with. I think he is very overrated as a player, and his Presidents Cup performances show a true reflection of his lack of consistency .

Nico Echavarria – World number 60 – (Debutant)

Nico Echavarria is making his Presidents Cup debut, but he certainly isn’t short of big-event experience. He’s now a three-time PGA Tour winner and picked up his latest victory at the Cognizant Classic earlier this season, so he knows how to get the job done when he’s in contention. He’s a bit of a high-ceiling, low-floor player, but I actually think that could suit match play. He’s also one of the better putters on this International team, which could make him an interesting option in four-ball, because even if his tee-to-green game is off, he can save scores with the flat stick.

Ryo Hisatsune – World number 66 – (Debutant)

One of my favourite players on Tour and it’s great to see Ryo Hisatsune get the call up. He is a seriously impressive player and he comes into the team as a welcomed addition. His tee-to-green game is really consistent and he hits over 70% of greens in regulation which has him as the 9th highest on tour. You will get a lot of consistency out of him this week, and three years ago to this week, he won his debut Tour event in France. No surprise to see him shine this week. He is a proper all-rounder, and full of class.

Nick Taylor – World number 81 – (Debutant)

One of the big-moment players this week, and it’s great to see Nick Taylor on the team. His game can be relentless when he’s firing with the irons, and we’ve seen him turn up on plenty of big occasions. His win at the RBC Canadian Open is the obvious highlight, beating Tommy Fleetwood in a playoff with that incredible eagle putt from over 70ft on the fourth extra hole. Nick Taylor is a man for the big occasions, and at 12/1 for top scorer, I think he’s a fair price.

Christiaan Bezuidenhout – World number 97 – (W3 L1 D1)

Christiaan Bezuidenhout has a good record in the Presidents Cup, so it’s fair to see him in the squad. But he’s another player who doesn’t show enough in the results considering how good a player he is. He’s a real all-rounder who can play world-class golf, but we just don’t see it often enough. It’ll be interesting to see how he gets on this week, but I do feel he’s up against it.