MEDINAH, Ill. — As the Presidents Cup teams prepared for competition at Medinah Country Club, U.S. captain Brandt Snedeker emphasized a fresh start for the American squad, stressing the need to reset expectations despite the United States’ long-standing dominance in the biennial event.
The Americans have historically controlled the Presidents Cup, with their only defeat coming 26 years ago in Australia. Since then, the United States has consistently outperformed the International team, which features players from every continent except Europe. Notably, three players in this year’s field were not yet born the last time the Internationals won the event. Against this backdrop, Snedeker made clear that past success will not guarantee future victories.
“We have to reset the bar for our team, tell them we have a standard to play to and we’re 0-0,” Snedeker said Monday during practice. “These 12 guys have accomplished nothing. We’re going to hammer that into them.” His remarks underscore the captain’s determination to motivate his team and maintain focus on the present competition.
The U.S. roster is formidable, with most players ranked inside the top 25 globally. Exceptions include Patrick Cantlay, ranked 28th, known for his reliability in pressure situations, and rookie Jackson Koivun, the world’s top amateur who transitioned quickly to the professional ranks. Koivun secured a victory in just his third PGA Tour event since earning his tour card three months ago. Snedeker highlighted Koivun’s readiness and potential impact, dismissing suggestions that the Presidents Cup is merely a developmental platform for younger players.
“Our job as captain and vice captains is to put the best 12 players on the field,” Snedeker stated. “To think this is a training session is laughable. I’ve worked 14 months for this opportunity. I’m not going to put somebody in a situation that’s not going to help our team win.”
The International team, led by captain Geoff Ogilvy, the 2006 U.S. Open champion, aims to break a prolonged drought never having won on American soil. Their highest-ranked player is Si Woo Kim at No. 14 in the world, who notably became the first player to surpass $10 million in PGA Tour earnings without securing a victory in a single season. The team includes four rookies, among them 39-year-old Ryan Fox of New Zealand, who captured the British Open title last year with a decisive birdie on the final hole. Adam Scott, a 12-time Presidents Cup competitor tying a record held by Phil Mickelson, leads the experienced contingent, still seeking his first team victory.
Ogilvy acknowledged the uphill challenge but expressed optimism. “Clearly winning something for the first time — the first time in a very long time — it’s probably more difficult than if you’re winning all the time,” he said. “But we’re getting closer all the time.”
The venue may provide a nuanced advantage for the Internationals. Ogilvy’s design firm carried out the recent renovation of Medinah’s course, a fact he believes could inject confidence into his team’s preparation. Nevertheless, he recognized that the advantage might diminish quickly once competition begins.
“By the time we get to Thursday morning, I think the advantage will be gone,” Ogilvy said. “Professional golfers are very good at learning a golf course.”
As both teams finalize preparations ahead of the opening matches, the narrative of legacy versus renewal remains central. Snedeker’s insistence on a reset signals the American team’s intent to build on past success without resting on it, while the International squad approaches Medinah with renewed hope and the challenge of overcoming historical trends.