The PGA Tour kicked off its FedEx Cup Fall Series this week with the Biltmore Championship after a three‑week break, while the DP World Tour featured the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth. Both events produced notable American victories that could shape the upcoming Presidents Cup at Medinah Country Club.
JJ Spaun uses snub as motivation
Many expected JJ Spaun, a 2025 Ryder Cup participant and a top‑10 finisher on the Presidents Cup points list, to receive a captain’s pick for the U.S. team. Instead, captain Brandt Snedeker chose four players who finished lower in the standings, passing over Spaun and Ben Griffin, who was eighth in points.
Spaun, who won the Valero Texas Open in April and logged three additional top‑10 finishes this season, withdrew from the Tour Championship due to a shoulder injury. The omission from the Presidents Cup roster seemed to light a fire under him. “I played with a huge chip on my shoulder; I definitely had something to prove this week,” Spaun said after his win.
On Sunday at Wentworth, Spaun fired a final‑round 67 to finish two shots ahead of a strong field that included Aaron Rai, Rory McIlroy, Adam Scott, Matt Fitzpatrick and Ryan Fox. It was Spaun’s first victory of the season and came after only one top‑20 finish since mid‑June, underscoring the power of his extra motivation.
Jacob Bridgeman continues his breakout year
While Spaun was celebrating his triumph, 26‑year‑old Jacob Bridgeman was cementing his status as a rising American star. Bridgeman, a former Clemson standout, claimed his second win of 2026 at the Biltmore Championship, finishing 12th in the U.S. team standings before the Presidents Cup selections.
Bridgeman’s consistency has been remarkable: 12 top‑25 finishes and just one missed cut in 24 starts. Though he has yet to make a splash at a major championship, his recent performances—including a ninth‑place finish at the BMW Championship and a tied‑fourth at the Tour Championship—have propelled him to 20th in the world rankings and first on the Tour in strokes‑gained putting.
“He’s a leader among the next group of guys who could become staples representing the red, white, and blue in years to come,” a golf analyst noted. Bridgeman’s steady play and strong putting make him a valuable asset for the U.S. side at Medinah.
Implications for the Presidents Cup
The Presidents Cup begins Thursday at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. The United States, which has dominated the event since its inception in 1994, enters as overwhelming favorites. However, the captain’s picks will be under scrutiny, especially if the selected players struggle.
Spaun’s victory adds weight to the argument that he deserved a spot on the 12‑man team, while Bridgeman’s form suggests he will be a key contributor regardless of his selection status. The performances this week provide a clear preview of the talent pool the U.S. can draw upon.
Looking ahead
Both Spaun and Bridgeman will aim to carry their momentum into the Presidents Cup, where individual excellence can translate into team success. For American fans, the recent wins offer confidence that the squad is in good shape heading into what promises to be a competitive showdown.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
