President Donald Trump will reprise his role as honorary chairman for the 2026 Presidents Cup, the PGA Tour confirmed on Saturday. The biennial competition, featuring a 12‑player U.S. team against a 12‑player International team, is set for Sept. 22‑27 at Medinah Country Club, a historic venue just outside Chicago.
Trump previously held the honorary chairman position for the 2017 Presidents Cup, which took place at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. At that event he joined the trophy presentation after the United States defeated the International side 19‑11.
Why the Presidents Cup welcomes a sitting president
PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized the tournament’s long‑standing practice of inviting world leaders from across the political spectrum. “The Presidents Cup has a proud tradition of engaging world leaders from across the globe and across political lines, and President Trump’s involvement continues that legacy,” Rolapp said.
Rolapp added that Trump’s participation will help elevate the event on the international stage while furthering the Tour’s mission of bringing people together through the game of golf.
Trump’s own statement
In a post on Truth Social that was later shared by the official White House account on X, Trump wrote, “At the request of the PGA Tour, and its great new Commissioner, Brian Rolapp, it is my honor to accept being the honorary chairman of the upcoming Presidents Cup, which will take place at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago.” He continued, “Both teams are ‘loaded’ with talent. I look forward to being there, and greeting all of these fantastic athletes, on both teams!”
The 2026 edition will see Brandt Snedeker captaining the U.S. squad, while Australian Geoff Ogilvy will lead the International team. The tournament is expected to draw golf fans from across the nation and abroad, reinforcing the sport’s role as a unifying pastime.
Historical context
President Trump becomes the seventh U.S. president to serve as honorary chairman of the Presidents Cup, joining former leaders Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Gerald Ford. The role, while ceremonial, underscores the event’s connection to national leadership and its commitment to fostering goodwill through sport.
Fans and participants alike anticipate a competitive showdown and a showcase of sportsmanship, with the added prestige of a sitting president’s endorsement. The PGA Tour expects the tournament to boost local tourism in the Chicago area and to highlight the enduring appeal of golf as a bridge between diverse communities.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
