Aussie golfer Geoff Ogilvy has been appointed as the International captain for the 2026 Presidents Cup at Medinah, acquiring a unique distinction compared to the prior eight captains.
He will leverage a home-course advantage in his quest to lead the team to victory abroad.
Ogilvy, who won the US Open in 2006, and Brandt Snedeker were unveiled as captains for the 2026 edition in the suburbs of Chicago. The competition has largely favoured the Americans, who have lost just once since its inception in 1994.
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With an intimate knowledge of Medinah’s historic No. 3 course, which has previously hosted three US Opens, two PGA Championships, and a Ryder Cup, Ogilvy’s design company, OCM based in Australia, was responsible for the recent renovations.
“It’s a humbling experience. It’s a significant honour,” Ogilvy expressed during a conference call in Chicago.
“Medinah is a venue where my company has done extensive work over the last couple of years. While it’s certainly an away game, it’s thrilling to be on a course I’ve grown to know exceptionally well.”
Ogilvy was the preferred candidate even as the Americans secured another victory at Royal Montreal in 2024. Snedeker, a nine-time PGA Tour winner and 2012 FedEx Cup champion, was a more unexpected choice, receiving the offer only about two weeks ago.
Australian legend Geoff Ogilvy.
Snedeker’s history with the Presidents Cup includes just one appearance in 2013 at Muirfield Village and participation in the Ryder Cup twice, in 2012 and 2016. He served as an assistant captain to Jim Furyk during the last Presidents Cup held at Royal Montreal.
Interestingly, Keegan Bradley had only participated in three cups when named the Ryder Cup captain for this year’s tournament at Bethpage Black.
Medinah was also the site of Snedeker’s initial team competition in 2012 at the Ryder Cup, where the Americans squandered a 10-6 lead to the Europeans.
“It was undoubtedly one of the lowest points of my career. However, I cherish the positive memories leading up to it — being part of my first team, experiencing the excitement of Chicago, and the incredible support from the fans,” Snedeker reflected.
“We aim to recreate that team spirit we experienced then,” he added. “Naturally, we desire a different outcome, but it was a fantastic experience overall. Medinah is an exceptional venue for these events; it’s expansive and will provide an impressive showcase. Geoff has done a tremendous job with the renovations, ensuring the course will perform splendidly.”
Australia’s Geoff Ogilvy with Phil Mickelson after securing the 2006 US Open at Winged Foot. AP
“I am simply looking forward to the chance of showcasing the world’s best players on a stage as grand as Chicago, with the support of the fans behind us,” Ogilvy remarked.
The Americans have claimed victory in the last ten Presidents Cup events, dating back to a tie in South Africa in 2003. Meanwhile, the International team, which comprises players from outside Europe, has been steadily making strides after gaining greater control over its team through the PGA Tour.
A pivotal moment in this shift occurred during a nail-biting contest at Royal Melbourne in 2019, where International captain Ernie Els unveiled a new identity for his team, represented by a black and gold shield. While the Americans continue their winning streak, Ogilvy has observed a notable change in spirit and momentum within his team.
“When I first got involved in the Presidents Cup… there was a palpable hunger during the week, which would quickly fade and leave for two years, only to return as the tournament approached,” said Ogilvy, who made his Presidents Cup debut in 2007.
Having played under the guidance of Gary Player and Greg Norman, he has also served as an assistant for Nick Price, Ernie Els, Trevor Immelman, and Mike Weir.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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